Water Place Park, Providence (must see)
Located in the heart of downtown Providence, Waterplace Park offers four acres of riverside charm, perfect for a scenic stroll day or night. Since its opening in 1994, this urban park has been a cornerstone of the city鈥檚 revitalization, transforming a once industrial eyesore into an urban oasis. With national recognition from the American Planning Association as one of America鈥檚 Great Public Spaces, it鈥檚 a blueprint for urban redevelopment done right.
The park鈥檚 roots go back to the Great Salt Cove, a tidal basin vital to the city鈥檚 early growth. But as industrialization rolled in, the cove was filled and covered with an unruly maze of train tracks and roads. This maze, nicknamed the 鈥淐hinese Wall,鈥� turned the area into a logistical nightmare that separated the State House from the rest of downtown. City planners, eager to reconnect the landscape, kicked off the River Relocation Project, which ultimately uncovered the area鈥檚 waterways and paved the way鈥攓uite literally鈥攆or the creation of Waterplace Park.
Today, the park strikes a nice balance between natural beauty and architectural charm. Its centerpiece is a circular basin that harks back to the original cove, surrounded by cobblestone paths known as the Riverwalk, which wind three-quarters of a mile along the water. Venetian-style pedestrian bridges add a touch of European flair and offer perfect vantage points for soaking in the city views. An amphitheater, fountains, and terraced landscaping provide the perfect backdrop for both relaxation and community events.
And then there鈥檚 WaterFire. This award-winning installation turns the rivers into a magical stage, with more than eighty riverside bonfires set to a soundtrack of evocative global music. Since its debut in 1994, WaterFire has become synonymous with Providence鈥檚 cultural renaissance, drawing thousands of visitors and sparking community pride.
The park鈥檚 roots go back to the Great Salt Cove, a tidal basin vital to the city鈥檚 early growth. But as industrialization rolled in, the cove was filled and covered with an unruly maze of train tracks and roads. This maze, nicknamed the 鈥淐hinese Wall,鈥� turned the area into a logistical nightmare that separated the State House from the rest of downtown. City planners, eager to reconnect the landscape, kicked off the River Relocation Project, which ultimately uncovered the area鈥檚 waterways and paved the way鈥攓uite literally鈥攆or the creation of Waterplace Park.
Today, the park strikes a nice balance between natural beauty and architectural charm. Its centerpiece is a circular basin that harks back to the original cove, surrounded by cobblestone paths known as the Riverwalk, which wind three-quarters of a mile along the water. Venetian-style pedestrian bridges add a touch of European flair and offer perfect vantage points for soaking in the city views. An amphitheater, fountains, and terraced landscaping provide the perfect backdrop for both relaxation and community events.
And then there鈥檚 WaterFire. This award-winning installation turns the rivers into a magical stage, with more than eighty riverside bonfires set to a soundtrack of evocative global music. Since its debut in 1994, WaterFire has become synonymous with Providence鈥檚 cultural renaissance, drawing thousands of visitors and sparking community pride.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Water Place Park on Map
Sight Name: Water Place Park
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island
Create Your Own Walk in Providence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Providence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Providence Introduction Walking Tour
Along the banks of the Providence River sits one of New England鈥檚 oldest and most storied settlements. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a bold dissenter fleeing Massachusetts Bay Colony, it initially began as a sanctuary of religious freedom. Williams believed this haven was revealed through divine mercy鈥攈ence the name 鈥淧rovidence.鈥� Over time, the city grew from its humble beginnings... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Providence Historical Buildings Tour
A beautiful city on the banks of the Providence River, Providence, Rhode Island, is nearly as old as the United States themselves 鈥� founded in 1636. As such, the city has many interesting historical and architectural landmarks worth checking out that tell the story of its past.
Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Brown University Walking Tour
Chief among the iconic landmarks contributing to the cultural atmosphere of Providence, Rhode Island, is Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its liberal arts education and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1764, this is the seventh-oldest university in the United States, chartered before the American Revolution.
Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles