Project Plans
Discover the proposed improvements and long-term vision for Pawtuxet Park, and see how these enhancements will create a more accessible, resilient, and welcoming park for all.
November 2026
60% Design Update
Project Overview
The 60% design has continued to evolve in response to community feedback shared during the July 30 community meeting, with an emphasis on preserving the existing character of Pawtuxet Park. A primary goal has been to limit the extent of new intervention while retaining the park’s mature trees, rolling lawns, and flexible open spaces for everyday use and community events. The proposed amphitheater has been removed, and the stormwater basin has been significantly reduced to preserve more usable lawn area. The proposed ADA accessible path will connect the northwest entrance of the park to the River Overlook deck, improving access throughout the park and to the waterfront.
Additional changes focus on supporting the park’s use during Gaspee Days and other community events throughout the year. The sidewalk along the west or upper end of the parking area has been widened to accommodate portable restrooms and dumpsters. The entry drive has also been widened to allow two-way traffic and accommodate food trucks that queue along the north side of the parking lot during events. A nature play area has been incorporated into the existing glade in the northwest corner of the park, with an embankment slide tucked into existing grade to avoid obstructing views to the river, sensory play elements, swings, and other nature-based features. Shoreline improvements will continue to be developed as the design advances, with additional survey information needed to inform this work.
Next steps include completing additional survey work to support the development of shoreline restoration and stabilization measures and advancing the park design and documentation to the 70% design phase. During this phase, the project team will begin coordination with the applicable permitting agencies. The project team will continue to share updates on the website as the design progresses.
July 2026
Updated Master Plan
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Description
This plan builds upon the 2025 Conceptual Master Plan developed by the City of Warwick. A primary goal of the updated master plan was to enhance site-wide accessibility and improve connections throughout the park. A new accessible path is introduced at the intersection of Emmons Ave and Narragansett Pkwy, providing a continuous universal access route from the street to the boathouse. A new sloped path and elevated deck system wraps around the boathouse, improving access to the building and extending connectivity to the dock.
A new path connection from the existing boat ramp to Remington Street strengthens access from the surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, two stepped stone features and a kayak launch are integrated along the shoreline to provide more direct and varied opportunities for water access. Lastly, a stepped amphitheater is embedded within the existing lawn slope, creating a flexible gathering space for enjoying concert events, reading a book, or simply taking in views across the water.
Plan Options
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Option Description
Building on the framework of the updated master plan, this plan explores an alternative configuration for the play area through the introduction of a nature play zone. During the community stakeholder meeting, we would like to confirm whether this additional play feature is desired and aligns with community priorities. Potential nature play elements could include a sand and boulder play area, log climbing structures, or an embankment slide. We would also like to confirm if the community prefers the lower location near the bio-retention basin (Location 1) or the upper location near the new park overlook (Location 2).
Additionally, we will explore the feasibility of introducing a lower path in front of the amphitheater and incorporating a small band stage area to enhance the flexibility and programming potential of the space.
Before and Afters
Explore the proposed improvements to key areas of Pawtuxet Park, then compare them with today’s conditions to see how the park will be enhanced.
NEW PARK ENTRY AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER
Informal desire lines indicate a need for access from the north. Located at a low point along Narragansett Parkway, this entry allows for a universally accessible path connecting to the Aspray Boat House, with a new connector, to the existing crosswalk.
PARK OVERLOOK ALONG NARRAGANSETT PWKY
A flat area beneath a grove of trees near the Liberty Tree Memorial offers a natural high point with views over the park, ideal for seating such as benches or a swing.
AMPHITHEATER SEATING
Seating integrated into the sloped lawn creates a natural place to sit, gather, and enjoy events or water views.
KAYAK LAUNCH
A gently sloped shoreline provides an easy kayak launch, with a nearby designated drop-off and existing boulders supporting informal loading and unloading.
KAYAK RAMP AND DOCK
Universally accessible ramp and dock improve water access within a protected area of the river.
ASPRAY BOAT HOUSE DECK
An elevated deck provides universal access to the boat house, raises finished grades for improved use during high tides, and creates space for seating and community gatherings with river views.
SALT MARSH
Salt marsh shoreline improvements to reduce ongoing soil erosion, including salt marsh grass plantings and improved connection to Remington Street.
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