Bucklin Brook facts for kids

Bucklin Brook is a small stream in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It is about 3 miles long. Long ago, it was an important source of drinking water for the city. This water came from a reservoir that used to be where McCoy Stadium is today.

The upper part of the brook was buried underground in the 1930s. This was done to make space for new buildings and development. Later, in the 1960s, the lower part of the brook was also buried. This happened due to health concerns, like an outbreak of a serious illness called polio. Even though it's hidden, the brook still flows under the city today.

Where Does Bucklin Brook Flow?

The brook starts behind the Stop & Shop store on Cottage Street. It begins in a small wet area that is still above ground. From there, it flows south through underground pipes called culverts. These culverts go through Oak Grove and Walnut Hill Cemeteries.

The brook continues past McCoy Stadium and Dunnell Park. Near Prospect Heights, you can still see parts of an old bridge that crossed the stream. The stream then comes out of its underground pipe. It flows above ground for a short distance behind some industrial buildings on Beverage Hill Avenue. Finally, it flows into the Seekonk River near Bishop's Bend. When the brook is above ground, it's in an area that is not easy to reach.

Bringing the Brook Back to Life

In March 2020, some exciting news was shared. A group called Friends of the Ten Mile decided to help Bucklin Brook. This group is a non-profit organization. They used to work only on the nearby Ten Mile River. Now, they are called Friends of the Ten Mile and Bucklin Brook.

Their main goal is to clean and protect the Ten Mile River and Bucklin Brook areas. They are working hard to make the brook healthy and visible again.