Providence residents can receive free admission July 17 and the first Saturday of each month
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge Elorza and Executive Director of Roger Williams Park Zoo Jeremy Goodman today announced the return of Free First Saturdays for City of Providence residents at Roger Williams Park Zoo, kicking off this Saturday, July 17, and then occurring on the first Saturday of each month thereafter. The program provides Providence residents, with valid ID or proof of residency, free admission to the Roger Williams Park Zoo, Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, and the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center.
“As the Providence community emerges from the restrictive reality of the pandemic, it is important to provide cost-effective ways for residents and visitors to gather and enjoy our beautiful City,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Free First Saturdays at Roger Williams Park Zoo will ensure families and children a chance to learn and explore without worrying about cost.”
Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the nation, is Rhode Island’s number one outdoor family and tourist attraction, and is also a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size. The Zoo has received numerous awards for environmental education, and conservation work done locally and around the world, caring for species that without human intervention would face certain extinction. Roger Williams Park Zoo is supported and managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Free First Saturdays to the Zoo,” said Jeremy Goodman, Executive Director of Roger Williams Park Zoo. “Community is deeply woven into the fabric of Roger Williams Park Zoo and we look forward to providing accessibility for all residents to reunite with our staff, our animals, and each other.”
Free First Saturdays will begin this weekend on Saturday, July 17 and will continue the first Saturday of each month beginning in August. Acceptable forms of identification or residency include a driver’s license, State issued ID, Providence Municipal IDs, lease agreement, utility bill, etc. The Roger Williams Park Zoo is open daily from 9:00am-4:00pm; The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium is open Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-3:30pm, with last admission at 2:30pm; the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm, expanding to Tuesday through Sunday on July 26. All days and hours are subject to change. The Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History will not be included in the free admission program at this time.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is committed to following the State of Rhode Island’s guidance on COVID-19 precautions. Patrons are encouraged to view the latest state guidelines at reopeningri.com as guidance develops.
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