EDITORIAL

The Rocky Point tradition

Posted 7/28/15

Several months ago, we opined about the newly reopened and reclaimed Rocky Point Park, in which we asked Rhode Islanders to embrace the former amusement park’s long history. “With the New Year …

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EDITORIAL

The Rocky Point tradition

Posted

Several months ago, we opined about the newly reopened and reclaimed Rocky Point Park, in which we asked Rhode Islanders to embrace the former amusement park’s long history. “With the New Year upon us, let 2014 be the last year that children’s laughter from riding an amusement style ride goes unheard,” we wrote.

Much has changed at Rocky Point in the last year. Gone are nearly all traces of the untold millions spent by generations of entertainers and entrepreneurs who molded the park into Rhode Island’s playground. The derelict shells of the former Shore Dinner Hall and Palladium and the rusted remains of most rides have been replaced by a field of green grass dubbed by some as a “field of nothing,” and by others as “Rhode Island’s Field of Dreams.”

Slowly, however, the blank page the park became is being filled by the memories of a new generation that looks to write their story as to what the park should be. Already there have been about a half dozen events held at the park, which have carefully blended the old with a touch of new, and provide a potential glimpse of Rocky Point’s future.

For instance, the Rocky Point Bio-Blitz held last summer catalogued nearly 1,000 species of life that had taken refuge in the untouched oasis the park had become. Included in those finds was the ultra rare nine-spotted ladybug, once feared extinct in New England. Here, Rocky Point fills an important niche used to understand changing environmental concerns. It’s now a venue the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the time of the park’s first inhabitants, the Narragansett Indians.

The October Open House, which allowed the public to view an entirely open Rocky Point for the first time in decades, had a familiar carnival-like feel as concessionaires sold Midway-themed food and beverages as an orchestra played. More than 10,000 came, many with mixed emotions, to reconnect to a piece of their past.

Hundreds more came out for the First Day hike on New Year’s Day at the park to take a guided tour through the park’s remains and admire its renewal. The same was true for July’s Rocky Point 5k, which in its third year is becoming a community staple. Regardless of season, these events prove the park’s allure remains strong.

The most telling examples of the park’s use, however, have been the recent Movies at the Park nights hosted by the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce and last weekend’s Great Outdoors Pursuit presented by the Department of Environmental Management. Here again, thousands turned out to celebrate the park’s usage through low-impact events that take the park by storm but then leave no footprints behind. Both family-centric events have revolved around those who use the park for what it was always intended for: children.

It’s apparent that the current lack of infrastructure in the park prevents organizations from using the venue for many possible events, such as carnivals that many seem to ask for, at least at this time. But the park’s potential uses for symphonies, farmer’s markets, weddings or festivals are there and should be explored and held in greater frequency.

Regardless of Rocky Point’s past or future, this year we finally heard the laughter of groups of children taking their own unique ride through the park, and we’d love to hear more.

Comments

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  • mthompsondc

    Visited the park a couple of weeks ago for the first time in decades. Was delightful to walk among what used to be, and hear others' delight in trying to figure out what had been where. Thanks to all who made this happen!

    Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Report this

  • Laffinthedark

    I would love to be on a citizens advisory committee for the impending park museum if they appoint one. And if they ever need volunteers to help conduct park tours, I'm there!

    Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Report this

  • johnmal1

    It is a beautiful park and we are very lucky to be able to visit and reconnect with a piece of Rhode Island history! There are so many events that will be possible at Rocky Point Park, and let's just enjoy the fact that we can still "Come on Down to Rocky Point" again this summer.

    Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Report this