Providence Parks
Beginning June 15, 2026, the vehicle entrance and parking lot to Merino Park at Heath Street may be temporarily closed from Monday – Friday, 7am -4pm, to allow for construction activities. Learn more about the Heath St Shared Use Path which will add a 1,700-foot multi-use trail connecting Hartford Ave to Merino Park, the Greenway, and beyond. The project phase impacting vehicle access to the park is expected to be completed in October 2026.
Merino Park
History
This Hartford neighborhood park is a woodsy oasis behind route 6. Accessible via pedestrian bridge over Rt 6, with a connection to Lippitt Memorial Bike Path, it has always been a popular destination for city kids, both today and in the 20th century. In the 1940s, it had the rare feature of a small pond, known as the Merino swimming hole, that received water from the Woonasquatucket River.
Merino Park sits on land once owned by the 19th Merino Mills company that was located on what is currently Woony Adventure Park just off Ponagansett Avenue and near the Woonasquatucket River.
The name Merino originates from the prevalence of Merino wool in the local textile industry. In the late 19th century, the nearby area around the park was even called Merino Village.
Recent Improvements
- Guardrail replaced, playground renovated, and Circular Waste toilets installed in 2025.
- Basketball courts were renovated in summer 2021.
- Playing fields revitalized and irrigation added in Spring 2020.
Basketball Courts
- Two lined NBA-sized courts with high school 3-point lines
- Lights, player benches, and breakaway rims
- 94ft x 50ft
Soccer Fields
- Irrigated fields
- 8ft x 24ft regulation goals
- 100m x 64m meets FIFA regulation for International Association Football (Soccer)
- Pitch 1 (North with goals North-South
- Pitch 2 (South with goals East-West)
Details
Open Year-Round
Hartford
19 acres
41.820170, -71.453067
100 Heath Street
Amenities
Restrooms
Restrooms are open 11am – 2pm, Monday – Friday, from June – September while programming staff is on-site.
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 →
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