Event is Prelude to Public Open House at Rocky Point on Saturday, October 25
PROVIDENCE – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee joined Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit and others at an event this morning to celebrate the progress made on the restoration of Rocky Point and walk the newly cleared grounds of the park. Joining the Governor and Director Coit were members of the RI Congressional Delegation, key House and Senate members, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, and representatives of the Rocky Point Foundation and Save The Bay. Music, including a rendition of the "Rocky Point" theme, was provided by the Warwick Veterans Memorial High School Marching Band.
Governor Chafee has been a supporter of the preservation of Rocky Point since the days when he was the Mayor of Warwick. "I am pleased that cleanup work is underway at Rocky Point so that the public will be able to enjoy this special place on the Rhode Island landscape," said Governor Chafee. "This iconic property is one of Rhode Island's most beloved natural assets and holds many special memories from the past."
"Rhode Islanders in every city and town across our beautiful state voted in 2010 to create a new coastal park at Rocky Point, and this is their time to celebrate," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "The people of Rhode Island made this happen, and we are eager to see the public enjoy this special place for generations to come."
Director Coit noted that Rocky Point will be open to the public for the first time in almost two decades on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents and visitors will have an opportunity to explore the grounds and see the progress being made in the redevelopment of Rocky Point as Rhode Island's newest coastal state park at this special public open house. Visitors on Saturday will see remnants of the former amusement park including the Rocky Point arch, the base of the circle swing, and the bases of the Skyliner ride. The event will take place rain or shine.
"Rocky Point is a special place and will always be an important part of Rhode Island's history. This was truly a landmark acquisition for the state and I am proud to have worked over the years to help make it happen. Now, every Rhode Islander owns a piece of Rocky Point, and it will be preserved for future generations," said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, who, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, secured $2.2 million in federal funding through two Congressional earmarks for the preservation of Rocky Point. When efforts to sell a portion of the property came up short, Reed worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to ensure the funding he originally secured would remain available.
"For generations, Rhode Islanders went to Rocky Point for birthday celebrations, family outings, concerts, or just to enjoy the beautiful views of Narragansett Bay," said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. "I am happy to see this historic property restored to public use, and I congratulate Governor Chafee, Director Coit, Mayor Avedisian, the City of Warwick, John Howell of the Rocky Point Foundation, and everyone who worked hard make it happen."
"Rocky Point is an important piece of Warwick and Rhode Island history, from its days as a renowned amusement park to its reincarnation today as a scenic overlook providing public access to a beautiful stretch of coastline," said Congressman Jim Langevin. "This land belongs to all Rhode Islanders, and I am so grateful to the City of Warwick, DEM and all of the partners who made this project possible."
Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian said, "Rocky Point has long had a special place in our city's history and in the hearts of countless Rhode Islanders. It's gratifying to me that this park will be preserved for generations to come to enjoy. My administration worked collaboratively with federal and state partners to purchase and preserve 41 acres of Rocky Point, including one full mile of coastline. Those collective efforts helped pave the way for the remaining property to be safeguarded. Our city's walking path and park at Rocky Point have continued to be a popular destination for residents to visit. With the entire park preserved, a greater number of people of all ages will have the opportunity to spend a day at this spectacular park with its sweeping views of Narragansett Bay. It took a lot of teamwork over a number of years to bring this project to its fruition, and I would like to express my gratitude to all who helped bring us to where we stand today."
Senator William A. Walaska (D – Dist. 30, Warwick) said, "As the senator representing this district, I remember meeting with Lincoln Chafee back when he was a U.S. Senator, not long after the park closed, to talk about the need to protect this site. He was enthusiastic then, and it is fitting that he is Governor today as we open Rocky Point State Park. This is the culmination of years of work and collaboration among the Rocky Point Foundation and city, state and federal governments. It is very exciting that the public can once again enjoy Rocky Point."
Senator Michael J. McCaffery (D – Dist. 29, Warwick) said, "I have been pleased to work alongside the Rocky Point Foundation to enable a new generation of Rhode Islanders to enjoy this special park, which holds fond memories for so many of us. This is only possible because of collaboration among all levels of government and the private sector, and the support of Rhode Islanders. It is a very good example of what can be accomplished when we all work together."
"My family, like countless others in Rhode Island, always enjoyed the tradition of visiting Rocky Point for fun and entertainment. To this day, the words 'Rocky Point' bring a smile to our faces because they remind us of all the good times we had here. I'm honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to be one of the many voices speaking up in support of preserving Rocky Point and opening it up for all Rhode Islanders to enjoy once again, and I'd like to thank everyone who helped to get us here today, especially the voters of this state who approved the funding that has enabled to us to once again share in this Rhode Island treasure," said Rep. Frank G. Ferri (D-Dist. 22, Warwick).
The cleanup of the Rocky Point property began in July with the demolition of the Shore Dinner Hall and the Palladium/Windjammer, which were in serious states of deterioration and beyond restoration. Additionally, over 50 summer cottages on the site were also demolished.
As soon as the cleanup of the cottage area is completed this fall and deemed safe to use, it will be accessible to the public. DEM will install a system of walking paths by next summer that will include two trail loops. The land will be open for the public to use as a conservation area with a green space, trails, and availability of composting toilets on site. DEM will be working with Mayor Avedisian and the City of Warwick so that the fencing separating the two areas of the park – the state portion and the City portion – will be removed, creating one seamless stretch of parkland for the public to enjoy. Parking will continue to be available in the city parking lot.
DEM acquired 83 acres at the site of the former Rocky Point amusement park in March 2013. This land will be integrated with the 41 acres of shoreline at Rocky Point that was bought by the City of Warwick with the help of state and federal funding in 2007. The future development of Rocky Point Park will be a collaborative process involving many stakeholders and partners including the Rocky Point Foundation and the City of Warwick. The state will seek public-private partnerships to minimize the use of State resources while maximizing return to all, explore federal funding opportunities for parkland development, and build on the success of its partnership with the City of Warwick.
The Rocky Point property has a 150+ year history of being a popular summer attraction for Rhode Islanders and visitors. Over the decades, attractions at Rocky Point have come and gone – nature trails, a ferry pier, an observation tower, hotels, clambakes, restaurants, swimming pool, rides, games, and concerts – but the attraction of 120 acres of land for public use within 10 miles of downtown Providence has been a consistent draw since 1850. In 1995, the operation of Rocky Point as an amusement park ceased.