Waterplace Park

Waterplace Park is an urban riverside park in downtown Providence featuring interconnected ponds, cobblestone walkways, and Venice-inspired pedestrian bridges spanning the Woonasquatucket River. The grounds combine water features with multiple levels of pathways that create different viewing points throughout the space.

The park emerged in the 1990s as part of a major revitalization project that transformed Providence's industrial riverfront area. This redevelopment marked a turning point in the city's planning, bringing downtown back toward the water after decades of abandonment.

WaterFire events light up the water with bonfires while classical and international music plays on summer evenings, drawing crowds who gather along the river to socialize and unwind. These performances have become central to how locals and visitors experience the downtown waterfront.

Visitors can walk three-quarter miles (1.2 km) of pedestrian paths below street level, separated from urban traffic with multiple viewing spots along the way. The grounds are well-paved and easy to navigate, making it accessible for walks at any time of day.

The park's engineering incorporates flood control systems through a network of waterways that protect the surrounding downtown area during heavy rainfall. This dual function as both public space and protective infrastructure makes it an innovative approach to urban design.