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Providence Parks

Joseph Williams Field & Playground

Joe Williams field and playground amenities viewed from the park bench in the fitness area
Joe Williams Fitness Area Fall Colors
Photo showing playground area and structures at Joseph Williams Field & Playground
Joe Williams Field the baseball diamond viewed from the playground behind left field fence
Joe Williams playground features lit pathway around it and equipment for ages 2-12
Joe Williams Field & Playground interpretive sign park history
Joe Williams playground features a massive tunnel slide recommended for ages 5-12
Joe Williams Field recently groomed facing the third base dugout and bleachers
Joe Williams Field parks crew grooming the infield and pitcher's mound
Joe Williams field freshly groomed clay looking at first base from second
Joe Williams fitness area for ages 13 and up, located along the walking path with grass behind it
Joe Williams walking path around the outfield towards the playground
Joe Williams picnic area between the playground and ballfield under the shade of a pine tree
Joe Williams playground equipment includes spinner bowls and two large slides for ages 5-12
Joe Williams has all types of swings for ages 2-12
Joe Williams playground separate play structure for ages 2-5 with slide and hammock
Joe Williams fitness area facing Roger Williams Park. The classic funnel ball pole is the last of its kind in our system
Joe Williams playground features a seat wall along the path around the play area
Joe Williams picnic area and seating
Joe Williams playground swings and 2-5 play area as viewed from atop the giant tower play structure
Joe Williams playground structure for ages 5-12 includes tic-tac-toe and a variety of climbers
Joe Williams Field and Playground testing the lighting facing Roger Williams Park across Elmwood Avenue
Joe Williams view of park benches from the toddler slide
Joe Williams field and playground amenities viewed from the park bench in the fitness area
Joe Williams Fitness Area Fall Colors
Photo showing playground area and structures at Joseph Williams Field & Playground
Joe Williams Field the baseball diamond viewed from the playground behind left field fence
Joe Williams playground features lit pathway around it and equipment for ages 2-12
Joe Williams Field & Playground interpretive sign park history
Joe Williams playground features a massive tunnel slide recommended for ages 5-12
Joe Williams Field recently groomed facing the third base dugout and bleachers
Joe Williams Field parks crew grooming the infield and pitcher's mound
Joe Williams field freshly groomed clay looking at first base from second
Joe Williams fitness area for ages 13 and up, located along the walking path with grass behind it
Joe Williams walking path around the outfield towards the playground
Joe Williams picnic area between the playground and ballfield under the shade of a pine tree
Joe Williams playground equipment includes spinner bowls and two large slides for ages 5-12
Joe Williams has all types of swings for ages 2-12
Joe Williams playground separate play structure for ages 2-5 with slide and hammock
Joe Williams fitness area facing Roger Williams Park. The classic funnel ball pole is the last of its kind in our system
Joe Williams playground features a seat wall along the path around the play area
Joe Williams picnic area and seating
Joe Williams playground swings and 2-5 play area as viewed from atop the giant tower play structure
Joe Williams playground structure for ages 5-12 includes tic-tac-toe and a variety of climbers
Joe Williams Field and Playground testing the lighting facing Roger Williams Park across Elmwood Avenue
Joe Williams view of park benches from the toddler slide

History

The park is located on the site of the former homestead of Joseph Williams, one of Roger Williams’ sons. The land was deeded to the City in 1922, Joseph Williams Field was originally designed as a recreational extension of Roger Williams Park. Since the 1960’s it has hosted a baseball diamond used by local high schools, Senior Little League, and Babe Ruth. Fittingly so, a more popular origin story of the park’s name comes from an oft-repeated neighborhood tale about “Smokey” Joe Williams, a Black American pitcher in the Negro Leagues, coming to play a game here in Providence. He is widely recognized as one of the game’s greatest pitchers, though he never played a game in the segregated Major Leagues as he was barred by the color line. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999. The park is accessible via Elmwood Ave, Alger Ave, and Carlisle St with over 0.2 miles of paved walking path inside.

Recent Improvements

  • Ballfield fence improvements completed in 2026.
  • New children’s playground and adult fitness equipment installed in Fall 2021.

Baseball Field

  • 60/90 for High School and Senior League Play
  • LF 310ft – CF 320ft – RF 300ft
  • Features grass infield, dugouts, bleachers.

Details

Status
Open Year-Round
Neighborhood
South Elmwood
Acreage
5.25 acres
Coordinates
41.785228, -71.419862
Address
51 Carlisle Street
Get Directions →

Amenities

Baseball Fields
Fitness Equipment
Picnic Areas
Playground (ages 2-12)
Playground (ages 2-5)
Playground (ages 5-12)
Seating Areas
Walking Paths
WiFi available

Report an Issue

To report a maintenance issue at this location, submit a request through PVD 311 or contact the Parks Department directly.

PVD 311 →
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Providence Parks creates and maintains exceptional, accessible green spaces that serve as the foundation for wellbeing, quality of life, and environmental stewardship in Providence, Rhode Island.



Contact
Providence Parks Department
Clark Dalrymple Boathouse
Roger Williams Park
1000 Elmwood Ave
Providence, RI 02905

Superintendent: Wendy Nilsson
providenceri.gov/parks