Park Square, Rhode Island facts for kids
Park Square is a well-known area located in North Smithfield and Woonsocket, Rhode Island. You can find it along Rhode Island Route 146A, close to where Park Avenue meets Route 146A. This area is about 12 miles away from Providence and is also near Union Village.
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What is Park Square?
Park Square is a lively spot that connects two towns, North Smithfield and Woonsocket. It's a place where people live, work, and enjoy different activities. Over the years, it has changed quite a bit, but it still keeps some of its historical charm.
A Look Back: Park Square's Past
In the early 1900s, Park Square was home to a large ice cream business called Oak Knoll Farm. Charles Metcalf Smith helped this business grow a lot. Back then, the area was a busy place with many different things to see and do.
Fun and Games in the Early Days
Imagine Park Square with a diner where you could grab a bite, and a gas station to fill up cars. There was even an amusement park in North Smithfield! In Woonsocket, you would find a trolley barn and a fairground. The Woonsocket Agricultural and Horticultural Society started holding an annual fair there in the 1860s.
Traditions That Continue
Even today, some of these traditions continue. A fun carnival is still held every year in Park Square. It takes place on a field owned by the Church of Lady Queen of Martyrs. Also, the Woonsocket High School football team plays their games on Barry Field, which is very close by. You can also find the historic Frank Wilbur House near Park Square.
Businesses You Can Find Today
Park Square is a busy center for many different businesses. Here are some of the places you might see there:
- Citizen's Bank: This bank was once known as Oldstone Bank.
- Park Square Urgent Care: This place used to be a pharmacy and a lunch counter.
- Park Square Florist: A shop where you can buy beautiful flowers.
- Park Square Wine & Spirits: A store selling drinks.
- Popular fast-food restaurants: You'll find Burger King, Wendy's, and McDonald's. The McDonald's used to be a place called Square One and before that, a Howard Johnson's.
- Pearl's Candy & Nuts: A sweet shop for treats.
- Ocean State Job Lot: This store was previously Almac's until 1995.
- Super Stop & Shop: This large grocery store was once a Mammoth Mart, then Mars, and before that, a Star Market and Kentucky Beef (which later became Burger Chef).
Healthcare in the Area
The Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island is also located in Park Square. It was built in 1965 and was first called Fogarty Hospital. It was named after a well-known Congressman, John E. Fogarty.
Images for kids
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A 1774 Caleb Aldrich milestone on Route 146A near Landmark Hospital.
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A 2002 photo of the 1774 milestone.
