Providence Parks

History

This 10-acre park is one of the most historic public spaces in Providence. Donated to the city by Ebenezer Dexter in 1824 as a military drill field/parade ground and park, the land became part of the city park system in 1893. A bronze statue of Dexter was installed in the park in 1874. During the Civil War, Rhode Island troops camped and trained here before joining Union forces. As late as World War I troops also camped and trained at Dexter Training Ground. The Armory is currently owned by The State of Rhode Island.

A single loop around the park’s center path measures approximately 0.15 miles.

Recent Improvements

• Improvements completed in Summer 2023: Walkways were reconfigured and revitalized to fix uneven surfaces and reduce the amount of paving and impervious surfaces. New seating areas were furnished to facilitate conversations and existing benches were refurbished. A drinking fountain was installed, and historical markers were repositioned at the southeast and northwest entryways where they can be easily viewed by the visitors as they enter and leave the park.
• Fitness equipment and 2–5-year-old play area were revitalized, including Dex the Dragon, a play sculpture created by Boo Paradiso, Brad Ozo and Chris Dixon in 2020.
• Volleyball 2019
• Bocce 2017

Courts

Bocce

• 2 courts 60ft x 12ft

Volleyball

• Sand surface for Beach Volleyball
• 30ft x 60ft regulation size with net