Goddard Memorial State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Goddard Memorial State Park
Goddard Memorial State Park Location in Rhode Island
Location	Warwick, Kent, Rhode Island, United States
Area	490 acres (200 ha)
Elevation	39 ft (12 m)
Established	1927
Named for	Col. Robert Goddard
Governing body	Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation
Website	Goddard Memorial State Park

Goddard Memorial State Park is a large, fun park in Warwick, Rhode Island. It covers about 490 acres (that's like 370 football fields!). The park sits right by the water, next to Greenwich Cove and Greenwich Bay. It's a great spot for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.

The land for this park used to be the private home of a man named Robert Hale Ives Goddard. He was a Civil War officer and also a politician in Rhode Island. After he passed away, his children gave the land to the state in 1927. They wanted it to be a special place to remember their father. Today, the park offers many things to do, like a golf course, horseback riding trails, a swimming beach, and places for picnics.

Goddard Memorial State Park: A Fun Place to Explore!

Goddard Memorial State Park is a popular public park in Rhode Island. It's a place where everyone can come to relax and have fun outdoors. The park is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. They make sure the park stays beautiful and safe for visitors.

A Look Back: The Park's History

The story of Goddard Memorial State Park began a long time ago. It started with a family and their desire to honor someone special.

Who Was Robert Goddard?

The park is named after Colonel Robert Hale Ives Goddard. He was an important person in Rhode Island history. During the American Civil War, he served as an officer. After the war, he became involved in politics in Rhode Island. He was known for his dedication to his state.

How the Park Began

Robert Goddard owned a large estate, which means a big piece of land with a house. After he died, his children decided to do something wonderful. In 1927, they gave his entire estate to the state of Rhode Island. They wanted it to be a "memorial" to their father. A memorial is something built or given to remember a person or an event. This gift allowed the land to become a public park for everyone to enjoy.

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Goddard Memorial State Park has many different activities for visitors of all ages. You can spend a whole day here and never get bored!

Golfing and Horseback Riding

If you like golf, the park has a nine-hole golf course. It's a great place to practice your swing. For horse lovers, there's a special equestrian area. It has about 18 miles (29 kilometers) of trails just for horseback riding. You can explore the park's beautiful scenery on horseback.

Beach Fun and Picnics

When the weather is warm, you can head to the park's swimming beach. It's a perfect spot to cool off and play in the sand. There's also a canoeing area if you enjoy paddling on the water. The park has many picnic facilities too. You can bring your lunch and enjoy a meal outdoors with family and friends.

Arts and Sports

For those who love sports, the park offers game fields. You can play soccer, baseball, or other outdoor games. Goddard Memorial State Park also has a performing arts center. This is a place where you might see plays, concerts, or other live shows. It adds a cultural touch to the park's many offerings.

The Civilian Conservation Corps' Role

Did you know that the park also has a connection to a special group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)? The CCC was a program during the 1930s. Young men worked on conservation projects across the country. They helped build many parks, trails, and other public facilities. The CCC played a part in developing Goddard Memorial State Park. Their hard work helped create some of the features we enjoy today.