The oldest and largest public park in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, named after industrialist Samuel Slater who established America’s first water-powered mill nearby, Slater Memorial Park offers visitors a diverse slate. Its historic heart, walking paths, picnic sites, recreational activity areas, petting zoo, and home of the RI Watercolor Society—designate this nature preserve a one-park-fits-all with no roaming charge.

Most of the 197 acres comprising the park was once the Daggett Farm, purchased by the city of Pawtucket in 1894. Historical accounts depicting the land as densely wooded and swampy might deem this purchase quite a folly, as it wasn’t until 1907 when development of the park began. The low-lying swampland was transformed into ponds. The underbrush in the woods was cleared, while preserving existing pines and maples. Oaks and pine saplings were planted elsewhere, and grass seed was dispersed on the old abandoned farm fields.

Between 1909 -1917, several buildings were constructed within the park. Putting in place a network of winding drives, made Slater Memorial Park more attainable to the public. A system of paths constituting walkways along the river bank and ponds, and a pair of bridges to an island surrounded by the Ten Mile River, serve to memorialize the peace and tranquility of the park.


Historic Legacy

BANDSTAND – Constructed in 1917, it is located opposite the Potter Casino in the park. The Bandstand entails a circular open temple with ten columns supporting a steel dome whose underside is covered with oak and a tile roof. The temple’s frieze bears the names of ten famous composers.

COGSWELL FOUNTAIN – Presented by Dr. Henry D. Cogswell in 1880 to the citizens of Pawtucket and Central Falls, this fountain was on the move from one locale in Pawtucket, then on to Oak Grove Cemetery, and now finally at rest at the Newport Ave. entrance of Slater Memorial since 1907. Constructed of polished gray granite, the fountain flaunted a bronze stork while water spewed from the carved figures on each side of its triangular base.

DAGGETT HOUSE – The large farmhouse on the original tract of land developed by the city of Pawtucket for Slater Memorial Park, is the oldest house in the city, built in 1685. The original 1643 structure was burned during King Philip’s War. According to George Washington’s diary, he stopped at this house in his travels from Newport and Boston. The house opened as a museum on the premises in 1905.

LOOFF CAROUSEL– The splendor of Charles I.D. Looff’s mastery in hand carving and building carousels for amusement parks is displayed in the structure built in 1895, installed in the park in 1910, and restored to its former grandeur in 1978. It is considered the oldest of the few remaining in the country.


POTTER CASINO – Constructed in 1917 along the shores of the central pond, also referred to as the “rest house,” it was gifted to the park by James C. Potter, a member of the Pawtucket Park Commission, and one of its former presidents. The Casino exemplifies the Colonial Revival style with walls of red brick and a low-hipped roof covered with green Ludovici tile. The lower floor which opens to the lake was to serve canoeists and skaters. The “rest room” is furnished with easy chairs and magazines.

RI WATERCOLOR SOCIETY – Founded in 1896, and one of the oldest watercolor organizations in America, RIWS is located in a historic lakeside boathouse in the park. Their transformed studio features an art gallery and library. The gallery hosts 15 shows per year, including the National Watermedia Competition.

SLATER PARK ZOO – In 1916, the zoo sheltered only pigeons, rabbits, and deer—creatures indigenous to its woodland area. In the late 1950s, exotic animals comprised the roster: leopard, Arctic wolf, baboon, two aoudads, and monkeys. The most famous zoo resident was Fanny, the elephant, reigning queen for more than three decades. Due to financial hardship, much of the zoo closed in the 1990s. Today, this area serves primarily as a petting zoo called “Daggett Farm.”

Slater’s several areas for recreation include baseball fields on the Newport Ave. side, tennis courts located next to the park office, and the Slater Park Lawn Bowling Club behind the Looff Carousel. Permits are required for use of the park’s thirteen picnic sites from April through early October, as well as for wedding photography at Marconi Gardens on the grounds.

Besides a network of walkways, a three-mile bike trail from Armistice Blvd. exists for cycling enthusiasts.

Slater Memorial Park is also home to the Pawtucket Animal Shelter which provides temporary care and housing for stray or abandoned animals found in the city.

Besides Slater Memorial Park’s rich historical legacy and its diverse slate of activities spread throughout a vast acreage, the park hosts a variety of seasonal fun events for the public. A spooktacular display of carved and lighted jack-o-lanterns, and the Haunted Tunnel round the autumn season. December’s Winter Wonderland includes the opening of the carousel, decorated Christmas trees, and concerts.

The Pawtucket Arts Festival holds concerts and other events. One of the most popular attractions under its auspices is the free concert performed by the Boston Pops, and the grand finale of fireworks.

A highly prioritized place to visit in my native state of Rhode Island— I give this nature preserve a “Fanny, the Elephant” tribute replete with a flapping of floppy ears and a trumpeting of excitement for a place she called home.