Waterplace Park

Waterplace Park
Location	Providence, Rhode Island
Coordinates	41.8237113°N 71.4075563°W / 41.8237113; -71.4075563
Created	1994 (1994)

Waterplace Park is an urban park situated along the Woonasquatucket River in downtown Providence, Rhode Island at the original site of the Great Salt Cove. Finished in 1994, Waterplace Park is connected to 3/4 mile of cobblestone-paved pedestrian walkways along the waterfront known as Riverwalk. Venice-styled Pedestrian bridges cross the river. Most of Riverwalk is below street level and automotive traffic. Waterplace Park and Riverwalk jointly host the city's popular summertime WaterFire events, a series of bonfires lit on the river accompanied by classical and world music.

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  Waterplace Park in 2009
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  Waterplace Park in 2008.
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  The Woonasquatucket River forms the center of the park

History

The City Center of Providence was once covered by water, known as Great Salt Cove. Beginning in 1856, the Cove was gradually filled in and transformed into a smaller circular body of water. By 1900, the entire area had been converted into land. Downtown Providence experienced a decline due to economic conditions, but the River Relocation Project in the 1980s and 1990s aimed to revitalize the city. This project celebrated the city's waterway history and included the construction of Waterplace Park.

See also

• List of contemporary amphitheatres

References

• Woodward, Wm Mckenzie. Guide to Providence Architecture. 1st ed. 2003: United States. p 305.