Lippitt Memorial Park

A Peaceful Urban Retreat

Tucked away at the tip of Blackstone Boulevard near where Providence meets Pawtucket, Lippitt Memorial Park offers a breath of fresh air from city life. This modest green space isn't the biggest park around, but it has a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.

The paved walking paths meandering through the grounds invite you to slow down and take a leisurely stroll. Sure, some paths could use a little TLC, but they connect nicely with the Blackstone Boulevard walking path, making it excellent for extending your outdoor time.

Natural Beauty Spots

Old, graceful trees spread their branches wide here, creating welcome pockets of shade on sunny afternoons. The well-kept grassy areas are excellent for tossing a frisbee, sprawling out with a good book, or simply watching clouds drift by.

The ornamental fountain adds a touch of serenity to the landscape - the gentle sound of water creating a soothing backdrop during summer months. New in 2024, a misting station offers sweet relief when the Rhode Island humidity kicks in.

Keep an eye out for the butterfly garden with its trumpet honeysuckle - a little pocket of wildness that attracts pollinators and adds color to the scenery.

Kid-Friendly Fun

At the heart of the park sits a playground that's a hit with the elementary school crowd (ages 4-11). Little adventurers can tackle tall slides, conquer climbing structures, swing to their hearts' content, and explore interactive play areas.

While the playground isn't fenced, it is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for all visitors. Younger kids seem to gravitate toward the sandbox, where imagination takes over.

Picnic tables scattered across the grounds make this spot ideal for family lunches or casual meet-ups. Many locals have perfected the park experience by pairing it with a scoop from Three Sisters ice cream shop just across the street - a combination that's hard to beat on a summer day.

A Touch of History

Before it was a neighborhood hangout, this land was once part of Blackstone Boulevard and Swan Point Cemetery. In 1938, it was dedicated to Alexander Lippitt, a First Lieutenant who gave his life during World War I.

This dedication adds a layer of meaning to the space - a quiet reminder of sacrifice amid the everyday joy the park now brings to the community.

Community Hub

From May through October, Saturday mornings here transform with the arrival of a vibrant Farmers Market that runs from 9am to 1pm. The weekly gathering has become something of a neighborhood institution.

Local farmers and artisans set up shop, food trucks serve up breakfast and lunch options, and sometimes there's even live music creating a soundtrack for your shopping. Many people come for the produce and end up staying longer, chatting with neighbors or meeting new people.

Good to Know

The park welcomes visitors 24/7, with many locals stopping by for daily dog walks (just keep your four-legged friends leashed, please). Worth noting: there aren't any public restrooms, so plan accordingly.

Parking is street-only, with spaces typically available along Hope Street or Blackstone Boulevard. During summer months, you can refill your water bottle at the drinking fountain (or "water bubbler" as the locals say) near the playground.

Lippitt Memorial Park offers a relaxed atmosphere in this corner of Providence - a small pocket of nature where you can take a break from city life.