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Rocky Point is a special place on this State's landscape and in the memories of many Rhode Islanders. I look forward to a continued partnership with Warwick Mayor Avedisian, the city council, federal delegation and other partners in an effort to preserve this land for use and enjoyment by all." W. Michael Sullivan, Director, RI Department of Environmental Management

"Rocky Point has a long and unique history here in Rhode Island. For over a century, it was a place where people gathered to enjoy nature's beauty and the company of family and friends. Its sweeping views of Narragansett Bay make Rocky Point one of the jewels of the Ocean State. We are delighted to have secured 41 acres and a full mile of unobstructed coastline for current and future generations of Rhode Islanders. I am committed to preserving Rocky Point for its environmental value, for its historical significance and for the many people of this state who hold Rocky Point dear in their hearts. I am now working diligently with the Rocky Point Foundation, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and others to acquire additional land to make this the Colt State Park of the West Bay." Scott Avedisian, Warwick Mayor

“I worked hard over the years to secure $2.25-million in federal funding that together with state and local funds made possible the acquisition of 41 acres at Rocky Point. We must continue doing everything we can to preserve this open space and ensure that future generations of Rhode Islanders have public access to the land, shore, and scenic views of Rocky Point.” U.S. Senator Jack Reed

“The prospects for the continued preservation of the former Rocky Point Park land are exciting for me as a Warwick native as well as for the people of Rhode Island. I was happy to help obtain federal funding for this project through the years. For too long the Rocky Point property has been closed to the public but with the hard work of federal, state and city leaders this is beginning to change. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues and constituents on the work that remains. I am delighted that Rhode Islanders will be able to come to the park and enjoy the beautiful vistas of our most prized natural resource – Narragansett Bay.” Congressman James Langevin

"Rocky Point offers access to the Bay, links to our past, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to restore and open one of the most beautiful and dramatic stretches of Rhode Island's coastline for the enjoyment of future generations. Save The Bay will work side by side with the Rocky Point Foundation and others in their efforts." Jonathan Stone, Executive Director, Save the Bay

"When our documentary about Rocky Point was released in 2007, I was overwhelmed by the response. The stories people told our cameras were moving, romantic, heartwarming and hilarious.  We need to do all we can to preserve this magical spot on the bay for future generations." David Bettencourt,
Filmmaker

"As the first politician to recognize the former Rocky Point amusement park property as a valuable asset for the city and state, in 2001 I introduced a Senate resolution urging a close look at the possibilities for public benefit before developers’ shovels were in the ground and it was too late to pursue alternatives. I’m glad the Rocky Point Foundation will be looking out for the public interest in how the 41 acres already acquired is used, and supporting efforts to acquire for public benefit the rest of the Rocky Point land." State Senator William Walaska

My family, like thousands of others, spent many days enjoying the fun and excitement that Rocky Point provided. Many summers I brought youth bowlers and their parents on field trips and remember the smiles it would bring to all. My favorite ride was the whip and my favorite game became the Whack-A-Mole! I, as I believe most Rhode Islanders do, want to preserve the memories and the joy associated with the park. That is why I support the Rocky Point foundation and hope many others will join the effort. State representaive Frank Ferri

"I would like to applaud the founders and members of the Rocky Point Foundation for their terrific effort in securing the remainder of Rocky Point for public access. We all have many fond memories from the park. Growing up three blocks from the park I spent many days swimming, fishing and playing there. My first job at the age of 13 was shagging baseballs at the batting range. I have been working diligently with the Mayor and other officials in securing Rocky Point for the public, and will continue to work towards that goal. It is truly a jewel."
Councilman John DelGiudice, Ward 5


The property at Rocky Point is very important to the recreational saltwater anglers of this state because it provides access to the shoreline. Every year, more and more of the public's right of ways are being lost. It's important that we take every opportunity to preserve what we can. Steve Medeiros, President, RI Saltwater Anglers Association

Whenever I give presentations on Rhode Island and mention Rocky Point, there is an audible "breath" taken by the audience that makes us all alike for a moment in our remembrance of a truly enjoyable, memorable, and superior part of Rhode Island. Making the park open for the public to use will keep this monumental park's memory alive, but it also serves to show off the beauty of Rhode Island's coastline and the determined consciousness and caring of Rhode Island citizens. Roberta Mudge Humble, Professor of English, CCRI, author and speaker on Rhode Island.

BIG NEWS!

At last! Walk the beautiful Rocky Point shoreline. On Friday June 24th at
noon Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian will officially open the city-owned
property at Rocky Point for public access. The city has built a public
walkway along the entire one mile shoreline so people can enjoy the splendid
views of Narragansett Bay. No vehicular access to the park; walk in from
the city parking lot at the corner of Rocky Point Avenue and Palmer Avenue.

Negotiations continue between the state and the Small Business
Administration for the acquisition of the remaining 80 acres of the former
amusement park to create with the city property a beautiful public park of
more than 120 acres.


Will it ALL be public?




. . . the chances are very good, now that the voters on November 2 approved issuing bonds so the state can purchase the rest of Rocky Point.

Thanks to more than 7000 who signed up as Friends of Rocky Point, contributed, and volunteered at our events and on election day.

What happens next?

With the capability to issue $10 million in bonds, the state can negotiate with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the court-appointed receiver for the remaining 80 acres of the former Rocky Point amusement park, which entered bankruptcy in 1995. The price will be determined in part by market value, in part by the requirement to settle claims by creditors who suffered loses when the park went bankrupt. Once a price is agreed, the proposed sale will be presented to the bankruptcy judge for approval. The judge may then announce that other bidders can offer 10% more to buy the property. However, given the depressed real estate market, we hope potential developers will stay on the sidelines. This shows why we have a window of opportunity to acquire Rocky Point for the public: the economic recession has so far saved this treasure from condo builders.


If the state acquires the 80 acres, the state and the city of Warwick will work out how to create a public park by combining 79 acres (1+ acres consists of outlying parcels that would probably be sold off) with the 41 acres of shoreline and wetlands acquired by the city in a previous deal using a federal grant and city and state open space funds.

What should go into a future public park at Rocky Point?

Decisions about exactly how to use the park should, in the opinion of the Rocky Point Foundation, have public input, through public meetings, forums such as this website, and transparent deliberations by state and city officials. The obvious passive possibilities are beaches, trails, open spaces for family games, rock climbing, fishing, and parking along the bay for busy commuters to pause to enjoy the morning view or others to park and meditate on the scene, both tranquil and alive with quahoggers, regattas, and passing ocean-going ships. One school of thought suggests more active public/private operations, for example leasing the space now occupied by the derelict Shore Dinner Hall for construction of a new restaurant serving clamcakes and chowder, as in the old days, or reviving the Palladium and Windjammer for functions and events; such deals could not only bring in income to help pay for maintenance of the park and even contribute to paying off the bonds, but could provide toilets and other facilities at no expense to taxpayers.

If you have ideas about a future public park at Rocky Point, make your views known on our Scrapbook Page (if you haven’t already). If you prefer to share your views with us, but not post them in public, simply email us friends@rockypointfoundation.org. And watch this site for announcements about public sessions to discuss the future of Rocky Point.

Contributions to our efforts will be helpful to our efforts in coming months to make sure the process of acquiring all of Rocky Point for a public park moves ahead to a successful conclusion and then it is quickly made available to the public. The Rocky Point Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation, so contributions are taxable to the extent provided by law. Contributions by credit card can be made via the Donate button, or by check here.

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Why Rocky Point belongs to the people

Rocky Point is part of Rhode Island’s cultural heritage. Since it was first used for nature outings in 1847, it became a summer resort praised by the New York Times in 1872 as “one of the most delightful places upon our New-England coast,” a place “exceedingly popular with the masses as a delightful spot to spend a few days from the hurry and hustle of daily life.” By 1900 amusements had been added so that it had become “the Coney Island of Rhode Island” according to the Times, and John Jacob Astor organized a whimsical visit by his wealthy Newport friends to sample popular entertainments. Read more about the Rocky Point saga over a century and a half as a summer resort, working class destination, venue for presidents and Babe Ruth, and eventually an extremely popular entertainment destination.

Rocky Point is accessible to city folks and all Rhode Islanders. Originally, visitors arrived by steamboat, then by trolley cars, and now it is on a public bus route. Visitors can also come by car or, if the dock is restored, by boat—possibly by ferry.

In short, Rocky Point can again be a destination for family recreation and enjoyment of the beauty of Narragansett bay.

The Rocky Point Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation, was created by citizen volunteers (click here to see who we are) to help preserve and protect the natural and historical heritage and environment of the land formerly occupied by the Rocky Point Amusement Park on the west shore of Narragansett bay. The Foundation advocates and supports public access to and enjoyment of this scenic treasure by working with officials and others, engaging the public, and raising funds for the site’s preservation and maintenance. Photos here.


Thank you for your interest in The Rocky Point Foundation. If you have any questions about the Foundation or its mission, or if you have other ideas about Rocky Point or how you might help, please let us know.

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Links. For more information about Rocky Point go to:

The Providence Library’s historical archives on Rocky Point: http://www.provlib.org/resources/books/ricollection/rockypoint.html

Overview http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Point_Amusement_Park

Memories, photos and more http://www.joenisil.com/rockypoint/index.htm

“You must be this tall” -- the movie http://www.rockypointmovie.com/index.html

Memories and comments, a blog http://rememberingrockypoint.com