About The Gateway Center

In the Fall of 2022, the Providence Parks Department and our partners at Providence Redevelopment Authority and the Planning and Development Department will be debuting a new Gateway and Visitor’s Center for Roger Williams Park. As its name suggests, the new facility will become a gateway from Broad Street to Roger Williams Park’s many recreational opportunities, greatly improving the lens through which park visitors see the Washington Park and surrounding neighborhoods, and how neighbors view their connection to the park.

As we work closely with our non-profit partners, the Roger Williams Park Conservancy, the Met School, Johnson & Wales University, GoProvidence, and many others, visitors will be able to access information about the many free public events, amenities, and services in Roger Williams Park, the surrounding neighborhoods, and along the Broad Street Corridor.

Events Calendar

View upcoming events at the Gateway Center

Directions

Located in southern Providence and bordered by Cranston on its western side, Roger Williams Park is easily accessible via multiple modes of transportation.

By Car:
The park is accessible via I-95 in both directions. Follow signs for US-1/Elmwood Ave and Roger Williams Park
Parking: There are multiple parking lots within Roger Williams Park as well as areas where street parking is permitted. See a map here.

Gateway Center Parking:
There are a limited number of spots on Broad Street. The closest lot to the Center in Roger Williams Park is at the Todd Morsilli Tennis Courts. However, we strongly encourage taking alternate modes of transportation like the RIPTA R-Line or better yet, by bike!

By Bus:
Multiple buses pass through and by the Park including the RIPTA 6, 20, 22, and R lines. Click here to plan your trip.

Roger Williams Park History

Roger Williams Park was created in 1871 after Betsey Williams bequeathed 102 acres of farmland and woodland to the city of Providence to be used for public purpose. A portion of the gift included land that was shared with her great, great, great grandfather, Rhode Island founder Roger Williams, by the Narragansett sachems Canonicus and Miantonomo.

Horace Cleveland, a leader in the Urban Parks Movement, created the design for the Park. It was intended to serve as an escape for those working in highly industrialized Providence in the late nineteenth century. Twenty years after Betsey’s bequest, the Park quadrupled in size and daily attendance had grown to 15,000 visitors.

Comprised of more than 435 beautiful acres and offering a range of recreational and educational opportunities, Roger Williams Park still serves as “the people’s pleasure ground” that Cleveland intended, hosting family picnics, community festivals, weddings, and running groups. Each year over 1.5 million visitors from around the state – and beyond! – enjoy the same scenery and activities as past generations. The People’s Park truly represents Rhode Island’s rich and diverse history.

FAQs

Do the Gateway Center hours differ from the Park hours?
Yes. The Gateway Center is open from 10AM to 7PM. The Gateway Center is closed on City holidays.

Where is the Gateway Center?
The Gateway Center is located just next to the Broad Street entrance of Roger Williams Park at 1197 Broad Street.

What’s the parking situation?
There are multiple parking lots within Roger Williams Park as well as areas where street parking is permitted. If you are visiting the Gateway Center, there is no dedicated parking lot. However, there are a limited number of parking spots on Broad Street available and we strongly encourage the use of alternate modes of transportation such as by bus and bike.

What can I do at the Gateway Center?
The Gateway Center will serve as an event and programming space for City and community events. During non-event times, visitors will be able to connect with all of the great things to do within Roger Williams Park, on Broad Street, and in the Washington Park neighborhood. Visitors can get assistance with booking tickets at various Park venues, local business recommendations, and more.

Are there public restrooms at the park?
Yes. There are two public restrooms with baby-changing stations at the Gateway Center for the general public as well as multiple portable restrooms at various locations around the Park.

Who do I call in the event of an emergency?
For emergency-related issues, please call 9-1-1. For other, non-emergency incidents please call the Providence Police Department at 401-272-3121. To report other park-related issues or to make suggestions on how we can improve your park experience, you may call the Mayor’s Center for City Services at 3-1-1, use the PVD311 mobile app, or use the PVD 311 website.

I’m interested in holding an event at Roger Williams Park. Do I need any special permission?
To book venues such as the Casino or the Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park, please use the “Contact Us” link on our online booking platform. For other events at Roger Williams Park or neighborhood parks, please use the Providence Parks Small Event Permit application here.. To book an event at the Gateway Center, please contact us at RWPGateway@providenceri.gov, or fill out this event application form here.

Is there free Wifi at the Park?
Yes. The City of Providence offers free public Wifi that is accessible throughout Roger Williams Park. Look for “Providence – Guest” in your available networks.