Providence Parks

History

Named for George Henry Corliss who invented the Corliss steam engine in the 1850s.  The park’s original build, including the network of pathways and railings dates to 1975, and formerly included 3 bocce courts in the location of the current playground, and an outbuilding in the location of the current fitness area. The Corliss Family deeded the land to the City of Providence for the sole purpose of a public park to honor George Corliss’ legacy.

Walking a figure-8 loop on the pathways around the center of the park- around the playground, fitness area, community garden, and past the park entrance sign on Corina St- constitutes a 0.2- 0.25 mile loop.

Recent Improvements

• Minor playground renovations in 2025 included an arch climber and new swing seats. Fencing added to handball court.
• Park improvements completed in 2023 included improved walking path circulation, reduction in impervious asphalt surface, removal of unused features (former tennis court and ballfield outfield fence), and tree plantings to increase biodiversity.
• Expansive Outdoor Fitness Area added August 2019

It's All In The Name

Corliss Park is not known as “Mansion Park” as some internet sources maintain.

“Mansion Park” is an alternate name for Conlan Junior Park in the West End.

The nearby 17-acre campus of the RI School for the Deaf has been confused as the City of Providence’s Corliss Park, having held the official street address of 1 Corliss Park. The school’s campus is accessible via Hawkins St, approximately 600ft west of the parking area for Prete-Metcalf Park. In July 2026, City Council passed a resolution to rename the street known as Corliss Park to Jeanie Lippitt Circle.

Corliss Street is the location of the Corliss Park Station Post Office, about 1.5 mi southeast from the City’s Corliss Park- and much closer to Hopkins Park on Admiral St.

Corliss Landing is a small urban square maintained by the Parks Department at the southeast corner of the Point St Bridge in Fox Point, about 3.5 miles away from the City’s Corliss Park. Corliss Landing is part of the Providence River Park / Riverwalk.

Your City Corliss Park remains accessible via Corina St, Fernando St, and Virginia Ln.

Courts

Basketball

• Two lined high school regulation courts with fence, lights
• Planned upgrade to breakaway rims
• 84ft x 50ft with High School 3-point line

Handball

• Two lined regulation USHA one-wall courts with 16ft H x 20ft W wall
• Back-to-back configuration with runout and back fence