Three Warwick Parks Open This Week

WARWICK, RI – Mayor Joseph J. Solomon has announced that three Warwick Parks 0pen this week in a phased approach, coordinated with the RI Department of Environmental Management, which has also reopened Rocky Point and Goddard Memorial State Parks in the city.

State and City parks were closed earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mayor’s announcement coincided with the state parks reopening Monday, when DEM announced that all Rhode Island state parks, including Rocky Point and Goddard in Warwick, are now open to visitors.

“I know many Warwick residents have been anxious for our City’s outdoor spaces to reopen, but I did not want Warwick to be a litmus test for how the rest of the state would fare as Rhode Island gradually opens its parks,” said Mayor Solomon. “This has been a balancing act: I want people to be able to enjoy our outdoor spaces, but I also need to make sure it’s safe to do so. With DEM opening Rocky Point and Goddard Memorial Parks today, now is the time to start reopening Warwick’s other parks. Warwick is the most beautiful place around, and I am looking forward to all of us being able to safely enjoy our parks.”

Solomon followed suit, reopening the following Warwick parks:

• Warwick City Park
• Conimicut Point
• Oakland Beach  

 Boat launch sites are open where conditions allow. Beaches are closed to swimmers, and no life guards will be on duty.  Public facilities, including rest rooms, remain closed.

 The remainder of Warwick’s parks will be opened in phases.

In accordance with DEM guidelines, the future status of parks and the availability of facilities will be determined by whether visitors are following precautions outlined by the Rhode Island Department of Health and DEM. All visitors to Warwick parks must adhere to social distancing guidelines by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others and wearing a cloth face covering if within six feet of another person who is outside your household.

Residents are also asked to avoid crowds. If parking lots are full, please do not park along roadsides or other undesignated areas.

 DEM has been reopening state parks in a graduated manner by staggering park openings, reducing the size of parking areas, and restricting hours of operation and activities to prevent crowds. 

Information regarding State parks is available at http://riparks.com/covid19, and information on DEM programs and initiatives can be found at www.dem.ri.gov.  Residents may visit warwickri.gov for city updates and information, including the city’s continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.