North Providence, Rhode Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
North Providence, Rhode Island
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Fatima Hospital
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Location in Providence County and the state of Rhode Island.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Rhode Island |
| County | Providence |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 5.9 sq mi (15.1 km2) |
| • Land | 5.8 sq mi (14.6 km2) |
| • Water | 0.2 sq mi (0.2 km2) |
| Elevation | 207 ft (63 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 34,114 |
| • Density | 6,052/sq mi (2,336.6/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
02904, 02908, 02911
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| Area code(s) | 401 |
| FIPS code | 44-51760 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1219763 |
North Providence is a town located in Providence County, Rhode Island, in the United States. It is a vibrant community with a rich history. In 2020, about 34,114 people lived there.
Contents
Geography of North Providence
North Providence is a small town in the smallest state. It covers about 5.8 square miles (15.1 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water. Even though it's called a "town," it's one of the smallest towns in Rhode Island.
Neighboring Towns and Villages
The town shares its borders with several other places. To the south is Providence, to the west is Johnston, and to the north are Smithfield and Lincoln. Pawtucket is to the east.
Inside North Providence, you'll find many unique neighborhoods and villages. Some of these include Allendale, Centredale, Fruit Hill|Fruit Hill, and Greystone. Other areas are Louisquisset, Lymansville, Marieville, Woodville, and Geneva.
Parks and Waterways
North Providence has three large parks for recreation. These are Captain Stephen Olney Park, Governor John Notte Memorial Park, and Peter Randall State Park. The town also has notable bodies of water. These include Canada Pond, Wenscott Reservoir, and the Woonasquatucket River.
History of North Providence
North Providence was settled not long after Roger Williams arrived in 1636. It officially became a town in 1765. The original town area was much larger than it is today. It included parts of what are now the cities of Providence and Pawtucket.
Early Buildings and Industry
Early settlers in North Providence built special houses called stone-ender houses. One example is the Joseph Smith House, built in 1705. This historic house is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A very important event happened in 1793. The first fully mechanized cotton-spinning mill in the United States, called Slater Mill, was built here. It was founded by Samuel Slater along the Blackstone River. Later, in 1874, the part of North Providence where Slater Mill was located became the city of Pawtucket. This change caused a big drop in North Providence's population.
Town Government and Mayors
For a long time, North Providence was run by a Town Council. It also had a Town Clerk and a Town Treasurer. In 1974, the town's residents elected their first mayor, Salvatore Mancini. He served as mayor for 20 years.
Since then, North Providence has had several mayors. Most were elected by the town's residents. One mayor was chosen by the Town Council when the previous mayor left office.
- Salvatore Mancini (1974–1994)
- G. Richard Fossa (1994–1996)
- A. Ralph Mollis (1996–2007)
- John Sisto (2007–2007)
- Charles Lombardi (2007–present)
Environmental Cleanup Efforts
From the 1920s to the 1970s, some areas, like Centredale Manor, faced environmental challenges. Industries in the past had released waste into the soil and river. In 2000, the United States Environmental Protection Agency identified a 9-acre area that needed cleaning. This area included parts of housing units for senior citizens. Cleanup efforts have been ongoing to make the area safe.
Recreation and Events
North Providence offers many ways for residents and visitors to have fun. The town has several parks and hosts exciting annual events.
Parks and Facilities
The town has two main parks: Governor John A. Notte Memorial Park and Capt. Stephen Olney Memorial Park. Both parks offer various sports fields and playgrounds. Governor Notte Park also features a freshwater beach and a campground.
In 2015, Camp Meehan opened at Governor Notte Park. This area was saved from being built over with houses. It was improved using special funds. Camp Meehan now has a modern building with views of the Wenscott Reservoir. It can host large events like weddings.
Annual Town Events
North Providence is known for its lively annual events. These gatherings bring the community together.
- Mayor Lombardi's Fishing Derby: This popular event is held every year at Governor Notte Park. Many people from different towns come to participate.
- Memorial Day Parade Celebration: This is a large event that includes activities across the town. A big parade leads to Governor Notte Park, where a festival takes place.
- Independence Day Celebrations: These celebrations are usually held at Governor Notte Park. A fireworks display is a highlight of this event.
- Pumpkins in the Park: Held around Halloween, this event also uses Notte Park. Residents can see pumpkins displayed by the town's Youth Commission.
- Christmas Tree Lighting: Each year, the town lights a Christmas tree on the front lawn of the town hall. This joyful occasion includes refreshments, games, and music by the North Providence High School Band. The band often performs at many town events.
Population and Demographics
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1790 | 1,071 | — | |
| 1800 | 1,067 | −0.4% | |
| 1810 | 1,758 | 64.8% | |
| 1820 | 2,420 | 37.7% | |
| 1830 | 3,503 | 44.8% | |
| 1840 | 4,207 | 20.1% | |
| 1850 | 7,680 | 82.6% | |
| 1860 | 11,818 | 53.9% | |
| 1870 | 20,495 | 73.4% | |
| 1880 | 1,467 | −92.8% | |
| 1890 | 2,084 | 42.1% | |
| 1900 | 3,016 | 44.7% | |
| 1910 | 5,407 | 79.3% | |
| 1920 | 7,697 | 42.4% | |
| 1930 | 11,104 | 44.3% | |
| 1940 | 12,156 | 9.5% | |
| 1950 | 13,927 | 14.6% | |
| 1960 | 18,220 | 30.8% | |
| 1970 | 24,337 | 33.6% | |
| 1980 | 29,188 | 19.9% | |
| 1990 | 32,090 | 9.9% | |
| 2000 | 32,411 | 1.0% | |
| 2010 | 32,078 | −1.0% | |
| 2020 | 34,114 | 6.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, North Providence had about 32,523 people living there. There were over 14,000 households. The average household had about 2.23 people.
The population included people of various backgrounds. About 91.98% were White, 2.65% African American, and 1.85% Asian. About 3.85% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
The median age in the town was 41 years old. About 18.3% of the population was under 18 years old. About 19.7% were 65 years or older.
Education in North Providence
North Providence is home to parts of Rhode Island College. The town also has seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
Notable People from North Providence
Many interesting people have connections to North Providence.
- John Cafferty: Leader of the band John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band.
- Ernie DiGregorio: A former professional basketball player in the NBA.
- Al Gomes: A record producer and music industry strategist.
- Danielle Lacourse: Crowned Miss Rhode Island USA in 2007.
- Joseph Olney: An American privateer during the American Revolution.
- Chris Sparling: A talented screenwriter and director.
- Zellio Toppazzini: A hockey player for the NHL and AHL. He was also a head coach at Providence College.
- Cody Wild: A former professional hockey player in the AHL.
- Joseph A. Zinno: The inventor of the first human-powered aircraft to fly in the United States.
Friendship Cities
North Providence has a friendship city relationship with:
Jardar, Artsakh
See also
In Spanish: North Providence para niños
