Providence River – September 6, 2020

I got a text from Paul that he and Fran would be doing the Providence River trip, so I decided to join in. We put in at Bold Point in East Providence at around 11:00 and headed out across the harbor. After rounding Fox Point we paddled through the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, under the I-way Bridge, and into downtown Providence. At the the confluence of the Woonasqatucket and Moshassuck Rivers we took a left and paddled up the Woonasqatucket River into the Basin at Waterplace Park. The tide was up, so we paddled under the Providence Place Mall and upstream as far as Olneyville. Fun trip, as always!

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Providence River/Waterplace Park – February 16, 2020

Danny and Bill at the put-in

The forecast was cold on Saturday, but warming on Sunday, so Sunday was the day to paddle. Fortunately, I can always count on Bill to join me. His only requirement was that we do something local, so we decided on the Providence River from Bold Point. I posted it on the RICKA Flatwater Board, and Danny joined us as well.

“Many years ago - before there was a Waterplace Park, Waterfire or a River Relocation Project - there was the Woonasquatucket River and the many parking spaces over it in downtown Providence.” This is a quote from story that Bill wrote for the Paddler about his first RICKA trip on the Providence River back in 1978. In those days the river was covered with a deck along what is now Memorial Boulevard. “When someone asked what the widest bridge in the US was in 1978, the answer was the bridge and parking spaces over the Woonasquatucket River” Bill continued. 

Providence Skyline

Today, a paddle in downtown Providence is one of the finest urban paddles in the country thanks to the removal of that bridge deck and the completion of Waterplace Park in 1994. Located along sections of the Moshassuck, Woonasquatucket, and Providence Rivers, Waterplace Park is a four-acre park located in the heart of the city. Pedestrian bridges over the river connect over a mile of cobblestone-paved walkways known as the Riverwalk. The park is home to the popular summertime Waterfire events.

We put in at the Bold Point in East Providence and headed out across Providence Harbor towards the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. The water was calm with just a slight hint of wind-blown waves. Rounding Fox Point and entering into the Providence River we passed some tugboats before paddling through the hurricane barrier.

Danny near South Water Street

As we paddled upstream we passed under the new pedestrian walking bridge built on the piers of the old I-195 Bridge. We continued upstream past the South Water Street Landing and through downtown Providence to the confluence of the Woonasqatucket and Moshassuck Rivers. Bearing to the left we paddled up the Woonasqatucket River into the Basin at Waterplace Park.

The tide was up, so we paddled under the Providence Place Mall and upstream as far as the US Rubber Mill. The river was getting low, and I didn’t want to scratch my Spirit II, so we turned around there and headed back downstream. After a few pictures in the Cove, we headed back to Bold Point. Fun trip, as always!

Bill and Erik in the Cove

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Bill’s story his first RICKA trip on the Providence River from the Paddler (page 5)

Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers - June 12, 2015

We had a nice group for the “Paddled into History” trip on the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council.  I was the historical tour guide and spoke about the history of Providence and its links tot the industrial development of the Blackstone River Valley.

Pointing out a local landmark - hope I got my facts straight!

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Providence River - June 7, 2015

I’ll be leading a "Paddle into History" trip for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council on the Providence River on Friday.  They asked me to talk about the history of Providence, so I decided to head down to the river for some inspiration.  When I arrived at the South Water Street Landing, the area was mobbed with people – absolutely no place to park.  I ended up parking on North Main Street. I felt a little like the PARI guys as I carried my canoe down Steeple Street to the river.  It was a nice day on the water, and a great day for pictures.

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Providence River – August 20, 2013

At the put-in

We had our last Blackstone Valley Paddle Club trip of the year on the Providence River in downtown Providence. 

We put in at the Bold Point access in East Providence and headed out across Providence Harbor towards the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. The water was calm with just a slight hint of some rolling waves. Century old pier pilings dot the surface. Rounding the corner we passed some tugboats before heading through the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier and into the Providence River. 

Riverwalk

I was surprised how developed the riverfront had become in this area. The lower section of the Providence River includes the Riverwalk. Passing through downtown Providence we will came to the confluence of the Woonasqatucket and Moshassuck Rivers. Bearing to the left we paddled up the Woonasqatucket River into the Basin at Waterplace Park. 

The tide was up, so a few people paddled further up the river to enjoy the sunset. I was content to enjoy the view from the Basin before heading back.

Fox Point Hurricane Barrier

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Waterplace Park

A post on the paddling.net message board got me thinking about one of the nicest urban paddles around - Waterplace Park in Providence.  The Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers converge in Providence to form the Providence River which then flows into Narragansett Bay. Up until the mid-90’s, these rivers were literally paved over. With the construction of Waterplace Park, the city has an entirely different feel, and the big event in town is Waterfire.  It cost millions to do, but it sure is nice. 

Heading up to the Deerfield River today to do a joint RICKA Flatwater/Whitewater trip below the Zoar Gap.  Release doesn't start until 12:00, which means that we won't get on the water until 2:00.  Its going to be a looooong day.