Goddard Memorial State Park

Goddard Memorial State Park attracts thousands of visitors each year as Rhode Island’s most popular Metropolitan Park. The park offers a beautiful natural environment with spacious lawns, fields, and forested areas with a variety of trees from all over the world, including 62 deciduous and 19 evergreen species.

Visitors can make use of a nine-hole golf course, an equestrian show area, 18 miles of bridle trails, 355 picnic tables, 11 game fields, and a performing arts center for weddings, concerts, picnics, and special events.

View a history of Goddard State Park

Sign marking the Goddard Memorial State Park Golf Course

Experiences

Game Fields
Swimming
Concerts
Hiking
Equestrian trails
Stroller-Friendly Paths
Saltwater Fishing
Walking and Running
Picnicking

Amenities

Accessible Boat Ramp
Picnic Pavilions
Picnic Tables
Pet-Friendly
Restroom Facilities
Lifeguard on duty (seasonally)
Golf
Naturalist Station
C and L Stables

Historic carousel building at Goddard Memorial State Park

Reserving Space

Scheduling a school visit? Planning a field trip or gathering?

Reservations and rental fees are required to use pavilions, shelters, gazebos, designated fields, and picnic tables from April 1 to October 31, annually.

Outside of these reservation periods, all areas become first come/ first serve with no rental fee required.

Carousel reservations are to be made at least one year prior to the requested date.

The Goddard Memorial Equestrian Area operates from April 1 to November 30.

Regardless of the time of year, you will need to contact Felicia.Celeberto@dem.ri.gov or 401-884-2010, Ext. 1, if you intend to use the parks for an organized group gathering or event to determine if the activity requires a Special Use Permit.

Non-Surf Beach Notice

There are no fees to access beaches within state parks. Lifeguards are on duty, as staffing allows, seasonally from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. When lifeguards are not on duty, swimmers are responsible for their own safety. DEM highly recommends that people of all ages learn to swim, respect the water, and know their swimming limitations. Parental or adult supervision is critical. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children and teenagers should always be supervised while swimming.

A painted rock reads, "Come on in!" in front of a naturalist cabin

RI Parks Naturalist Program

Explore the wild side of Rhode Island, from jellyfish to earthworms, snakes, and coyotes, to exploring geology, migration, botany, and so much more. RI State Parks' Naturalist Program offers diverse environmental education to people of all ages.

Learn more