As I try to learn more about Goddard Park it was amazing how much information there isn't availible. There is the state web site. An article from the Rhode Island Roads Magazine about the park. There is also some DEM information about the Farmers Market that occurs every Friday at the park. So this begs the question that if this is for everyone in the state to use why isn't the park put into the public's eye more often. Why aren't all the parks in the state promoted more vigorously to the public. Lets face it in the ecomony that we have right now and the era of the staycation what a perfect spot to promote, this is an example of what is availible for the public with in the state. The park was a gift to the people of the State of Rhode Island in 1927 as a gift from the family of Colonel Robert H.I. Goddard. The land had been a barren set of dunes when its owner Henry Russell began walking his property and planting trees. New England has sufferd a major deforestation because of farming and other activies that needed clear fields and wood for burning and building. When purchased by the Colonel he continued the reforestation project that had be begun by the previous owner. The land included a 33 room mansion and several barns and out buildings. The mansion burned in 1979.

The park was opened to the public on June 1st 1930. It under went extensive renovations and improvements due to the WPA, the Works Project Authority, part of FDR's new deal to put Americans to work. The WPA was very active in the state on public and private land. It even featured a carousel that has been since removed and is now used as a performing arts and wedding center.

Toughted as on of the greast examples of private efforts at reforestation in the early 1900's the park features 62 decidous species and 19 evergreen trees.

Located on an amazing 498.2 acres of land. The park has a variety of amenities to offer to the public. A nine hole golf course, stables for riding, fishing and boat launch, a farmers market on Fridays May 6 - Oct 26 2011, and my favorite restrooms at three seperate locations.

Open from sunrise to sunset daily no dogs are allowed after April 15. But I'm pretty sure that that rule is broken quite often, but dogs are not allowed on public bathing beaches. Whoops that's a rule I did not know and juding by what goes on quite a few people are unaware of that rule.

For Furthur information please visit:
http://www.stateparks.com/goddard_memorial.html
http://www.riparks.com/goddard.html
http://riraods.com/outdoors/godard_park.html