WRWC Launches the Downtown Paddle Season
On Thursday, May 28, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council kicked off another exciting paddle season with our first Downtown Providence Paddle of the year. Sixteen participants gathered at the newly completed Kinsley Avenue Boat Launch next to Farm Fresh Rhode Island before setting out on a guided adventure!
This paddle marked several firsts for our team: our first weekday downtown paddle, our first trip launching from the new Kinsley Avenue Boat Launch, and our first time navigating this route on a rising tide. As we continue to learn and adapt to this new access point, each trip offers valuable opportunities to refine the experience while introducing more people to the Woonasquatucket River from the water.
As the group paddled through the historic Valley District and toward downtown, participants learned about the river’s role in shaping Providence’s development while spotting birds, fish, and other wildlife that call the river home.
The paddle also highlighted the newly completed Kinsley Avenue & Promenade Street Greenway Project. Developed through a partnership between the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council and the City of Providence, the project transforms a formerly underutilized section of riverfront into a vibrant linear park connecting people to the Woonasquatucket River.
The new multi-use trail, boat launch, landscaping, and green infrastructure improvements provide expanded opportunities for walking, biking, running, and paddling while helping improve water quality through innovative stormwater management practices. The project represents another important step toward reconnecting the community with the river and creating new ways for residents and visitors to experience Providence’s waterways.
We were thrilled to see so many people join us for this first downtown paddle and look forward to welcoming even more participants throughout the summer.
Join Us for Upcoming Community Paddles
Want to get out on the water this season? Our free Community Paddle Days are a great way to explore the Woonasquatucket River and build your paddling confidence.
Location: Kinsley Avenue Boat Launch
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Upcoming Dates:
- June 24
- July 22
- August 19
Sponsored by AARP Rhode Island, these family-friendly events feature guided 15-20 minute paddles led by WRWC’s experienced Paddle Team. Canoes, kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.
All skill levels are welcome. Children may participate when accompanied by an adult. Spanish interpretation is available, and registration is encouraged but not required.
Whether you’re looking to try paddling for the first time or simply experience Providence from a new perspective, we hope to see you on the river this summer.