East Providence was first settled by Roger Williams and his followers in 1636, after he had been banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. When, only months after arriving there, Williams was informed that the area was actually in Massachusetts, he was forced to move again to the area now occupied by the city of Providence. East Providence continued to be part of Massachusetts for over 200 years until 1861 when the U.S. Supreme Court ordered that its boundary line be relocated to fall within the borders of Rhode Island.

17. John Lewis Park
This small waterfront park has views to India Point and the Seekonk River and is located adjacent to East Providence Yacht Club at the terminus of Mauran Avenue at Pier Road. Parking is available.
• Fishing, hiking/walking, trash receptacles

18. Bold Point Park
This city park on the east side of the Providence River has a good boat ramp and a sturdy dock. The 2.1-acre park is nicely landscaped and has a great view of the Providence waterfront. Plenty of on-site parking is available. Located on Pier Road, just south off Exit 4 from I-195. Fishing is prohibited.
• Handicap access, picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles

19. Veterans' Memorial Parkway
The west side of the parkway has three separate parking areas, all on bluffs, with sweeping views of the Providence River and the Providence waterfront. These scenic overlooks are ideal spots to park your car and eat lunch. Further south on the parkway, Squantum Woods Park offers picnic areas and trails that overlook a coastal cove and tidal marsh. These park areas are connected by the East Bay Bicycle Path.
• Handicap access, picnic tables/benches, trash receptacles

20. East Bay Bicycle Path—Riverside Square Leg
This popular state bike path currently starts at India Point Park in Providence and passes through East Providence, Barrington, Warren, and Bristol along the old railroad bed. There is a small park just off the bike path at Vintner Avenue consisting of a tot lot, basketball court, and picnic tables. Parking is available.
• Handicap access, concessions, wildlife observation, trash receptacles

21. Sabin Point Park
Located at the end of Shore Road, this waterfront park commands sweeping views of the upper Bay. Facilities include a boat ramp, dock, lighted basketball courts, a tot lot, covered picnic tables, and plenty of on-site parking.
• Fishing, hiking/walking, trash receptacles

21. Providence Avenue Playground
Located on Providence Avenue, which begins at Crescent View Avenue across from Crescent Park, on the north end of Bullock Cove, this park has a baseball diamond and basketball courts. The waterfront area of the park has not been developed, but there are wooded paths at the far end of the parking lot leading to the shore. Plenty of on-site parking is available.
• Picnic tables/benches, trash receptacles

21. Beach Road Extension
This city right-of-way on the north end of Bullock Point has a long, sandy beach that is well suited for walking, but is presently deemed to be unsafe for swimming, due to bacteria levels in upper Narragansett Bay.
• Trash receptacles

21. Crescent Park
This city park is on the site of the former Crescent Amusement Park, a favorite summertime stop for steamboats loaded with city residents during the 1890s. The only ride remaining is the Looff Carousel, circa 1895. The park features plenty of on-site parking. The carousel runs 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday in the summer. Access to the park is from Crescent View Avenue.
• Handicap access, picnic tables/benches, concessions, toilets, trash receptacles

21. Rose Larisa Memorial Park
This 10.6-acre city park is located across the street from Crescent Park, on the west side of Bullock Point Avenue, overlooking Narragansett Bay. It features walking trails, benches, picnic areas, lawns, scenic overlooks, landscaping, and a 1,280-foot public beach, accessible by two wooden staircases, and is open from Easter to Columbus Day Parking is available.
• Trash receptacles

21. Bullock Cove Access
This site on Carousel Drive offers a grass path down to a marsh area on Bullock Cove. Though no parking is available, it is a short walk from the Looff Carousel and its parking lot.
• Wildlife observation

Turner Reservoir
James V. Turner Reservoir is a good location within a metropolitan area to observe waterfowl. Also known as the East Providence Reservoir, it includes South, Central, and North Ponds. Fall and spring migration periods are the best times to visit, although the winter can also be productive. Some of the species regularly seen here include Canada goose, mallard, American wigeon, ring-necked duck, bufflehead, hooded and common merganser, and ruddy duck.

For more information, contact the East Providence Water Department, (401) 435-7741.

Directions:
From I-195, take Rte. 114 north 2.2 miles to Newman Ave. Turn right, and follow 0.3 mile east to causeway that separates Central and South ponds.