Mayor of Warwick
With summer now in full swing, Warwick’s residents and out-of-town visitors alike are taking full advantage of our beautiful 39 miles of coastline, recreational facilities and a myriad of family-friendly, affordable events taking place throughout the city this season.
On Tuesday evenings through September 10, the Oakland Beach seawall is the place to be. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking Narragansett Bay, the seawall and adjacent commons are the setting for Cruise Nights, which draws car aficionados from throughout the state who enjoy classic cars and “oldies” music. Many also enjoy dinner, clam cakes and chowder or ice cream at one of several local restaurants tucked along the roadside.
Others make it a point to attend one of the many Food Truck nights that are offered through Labor Day. The events are offered by PVD Food Truck Events, with the cooperation of the city’s Departments of Parks and Recreation and Tourism, Culture and Development. All begin at 5 p.m. and feature live entertainment and trucks offering a wide variety of food and beverages, including beer and wine, to choose from. Over the past several years, this has been a terrific partnership and a very popular way for residents and their neighbors to enjoy beautiful weather and a relaxed, family-friendly and affordable evening together.
Back again for another summer season is the ever popular Movies in the Park at Rocky Point. Since its inception, this free, family-friendly events draw thousands to the iconic Warwick landmark for a night of food trucks and big screens. On July 11th attendees can enjoy How to Train Your Dragon, The Hidden World under the stars. Food trucks will be at the park beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at dusk. This seasonal event is hosted by the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. The rain date is August 1st & 22nd.
The Summer Concert Series remains in full swing. On July 10th music lovers can enjoy the sounds of classic rock and R&B performed by Whiskey Rhode. On July 17th Avenue A will take the stage performing everything from swing, to oldies to Dixeland favorites. Rounding out the month is Gary Hop & Friends who always wow the crowd with their renditions of songs ranging from classics to country. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and run through 8 p.m. Visit visitwarwickri.com/events/ for more details.
As part of Warwick’s ongoing effort to increase summer recreational opportunities for residents, I have collaborated with the Department of Parks and Recreation to create a summer “Skate & Splash” program. The program launched on June 14th and will run for the duration of the summer – concluding on August 23rd. The initiative aims to give residents and visitors more access to public ice time at the Thayer/Warburton arenas. Ice time has been extended to two hours, from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. Additionally, any person who purchases a public skate pass will also receive a free swim pass to use at McDermott pool. Adults can redeem the pass for one adult swim and youths can use the pass during open swim time. The cost of the Skate & Splash program is $5. Skates rentals will also be available for those who do not have their own equipment. Adult swim will be offered Mondays through Fridays from 5:30 a.m. until noon; from 4 to 6 p.m.; and again from 8 p.m. until 9:20 p.m. Open swim (for youths) will also be held Mondays through Fridays from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Current weekend hours will remain the same for both adult and open swims.
And this is just a sampling of the many activities lined up to fill our summer season. From days spent at the beach, to little league and soccer games being played on one of the city’s many fields, and nights spent at Oakland beach indulging in some clam cakes and chowder, while enjoying views of the bay, there is truly something for everyone. And of course, who could forget stopping for some soft serve on the way home!
All familiar reasons to love summer in Warwick.
Joseph Solomon is the mayor of Warwick.