Haines Memorial State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Haines Memorial State Park |
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 Haines Memorial State Park
Location in Rhode Island
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| Location | Barrington, Bristol, Rhode Island, United States |
| Area | 101.7 acres (41.2 ha) |
| Elevation | 43 ft (13 m) |
| Established | 1911 |
| Named for | Dr. George B. Haines |
| Governing body | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation |
| Website | Haines Memorial State Park |
Haines Memorial State Park is a fun public park in Barrington. It's located on the northeast side of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. This park is about 6 miles south of East Providence. It's a great spot for picnics, playing sports, fishing, and boating. You can also find it along the popular East Bay Bike Path.
Contents
Park History: How it Started
The land for Haines Memorial State Park was given by the family of Dr. George B. Haines. He was a doctor who lived from 1843 to 1910. Dr. Haines practiced medicine in a town called Valley Falls, in Cumberland. He also worked as a public health officer there.
Dr. Haines's Dream for Fresh Air
Dr. Haines had asthma, a condition that makes it hard to breathe. Because of this, he strongly believed that fresh air was very healthy. In 1909, he bought a large piece of land, about 83 acres. He called it a "wooded retreat" and lived there until he passed away suddenly the next year.
Making the Park a Reality
After Dr. Haines died, his sister, Ida, sold the land. She sold it to the Rhode Island Metropolitan Park Commission for just one dollar. This was done to follow Dr. Haines's wish. He wanted the land to be used only for "parks, parkway, or boulevard uses." This is how the park officially began in 1911.
Early Days and New Features
When the park first opened, it had nice picnic areas and fields for playing ball. People could easily get to the park by train or trolley from Bristol. The old train tracks later became the East Bay Bike Path, which still goes through the park today.
Between 1911 and 1915, the park grew even bigger. It expanded to cover 101.7 acres. In the 1930s, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped improve the park. The CCC was a program during the Great Depression that put young men to work. They shaped the beach to make it better for swimming. They also built fireplaces for picnics and a boat ramp for boats.
Changes and Challenges Over Time
The CCC also built a walking bridge. This bridge connected Haines Memorial State Park to Crescent Park, which used to be an amusement park. Sadly, a very strong storm called the 1938 New England Hurricane destroyed the bridge. In 1940, a bath house was added for swimmers. More recently, a seasonal farmers market started at the park in 2002.
Activities and Fun at the Park
Haines Memorial State Park offers many ways to have fun outdoors. It's a great place to spend time with family and friends.
Boating and Water Access
The park has a special boat ramp. This ramp lets boaters get into Bullock Cove. From Bullock Cove, you can easily reach the lower Providence River. You can also get to the top part of Narragansett Bay. This is perfect for exploring the water!
Other Park Amenities
Besides boating, the park is popular for many other things:
- Picnicking: There are lots of spots to enjoy a meal outdoors.
- Play fields: Open areas are perfect for playing sports like soccer or frisbee.
- Fishing: You can try to catch fish in the nearby waters.
- Biking: The East Bay Bike Path runs right through the park, making it easy to go for a bike ride.
