WaterFire is currently unable to offer the Handicapped & Special Needs Access Program for the 2008 season due to funding, but are currently seeking sponsors for this program.
Please contact Bronwyn for funding opportunities at (401)273-1155 x142.
WaterFire takes place along the walkways bordering the Providence rivers. These walkways have been designed to be handicap accessible, but mobility can be difficult in crowded situations. Because of this WaterFire provides a special boat to better accomodate visitors with mobility limitations. See section below for details.
On Shore Conditions and Suggestions:
During a typical WaterFire, the walking crowds assembled from the time of the lighting through about 10:00PM can form a considerable obstacle for persons with challenged mobility or limited vision. After 10:00PM the crowds tend to thin out and the walkways become easier to navigate.
Wheelchairs can traverse most of the walkways but the cobblestone surface can cause difficulties. There are viewing locations that can be accessed by wheelchair, but the access ramp may not be conveniently located. There are a few areas along the waterfront that require the visitor to climb or descend several steps with no access ramp available.
There are two vantage-points that we recommend for those who do not wish to contend with the crowds or use the WaterFire Access boat. The upper walkway overlooking the Gondola Landing next to Citizen’s Bank is the best location. Visitors may park in the Citizen’s Bank lot for a fee, and there are handicapped parking spots available. These spots are extremely close to the upper walkway. Seating is very limited. We recommend that you arrive 45 minutes or more before the start
of the fires to secure prime viewing locations. Many senior citizen groups choose this spot. The other location that presents good viewing is Memorial Park near the War Memorial statues. Parking is very limited in this area. For those who would like to see the entire installation, you can expect to walk about a half mile from end to end.
Handicapped rest room facilities are located at the Rhode Island School of Design auditorium. For precise location of facilities, please consult the WaterPlace Park Map.
WaterFire Access Program Boat Rides:
WaterFire Providence wants WaterFire to be accessible to the entire community. Towards this end, WaterFire pays to provide a boat tour service to accommodate visitors who have accessibility issues within the park due to mobility or visual restrictions. This program is generously supported in part by grants from the Vigneron Memorial Fund and the John and Katherine Johnston Foundation and the Robert F. Stoico/FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation and assisted by volunteers from the John E. Fogarty Center.
Hours of Operation: 8:30 to 11:30 PM on each full WaterFire night. The last ride leaves from the dock at 11:00 PM. These boat rides require a reservation in advance by phone. See below.
Location: The boat leaves at half-hour intervals from the Dyer Street Dock (near Capriccio’s Restaurant at Pine Street and Dyer and across the river from Hemenway’s restaurant). Please note there is a handicap drop off zone provided, but no long-term handicapped parking is available at the curb. (See below for parking info).
Directions and Parking: There is a handicapped drop-off zone immediately adjacent to the Dyer Street Dock, but no parking at curbside. From Interstate 95 North or Southbound, take Exit 20 to Interstate 195 (East) and take exit 1. At the end of the ramp there is a traffic light. The available free parking lot (Park Rite) is immediately on your left. For drop-offs, take a right and the drop off zone is just beyond the next traffic light at the gazebo on the right. To return to the parking lot make a U-turn at the next traffic light. When entering the Park Rite parking lot please tell the attendant you are a guest of the WaterFire Access program.
Eligibility and Cost: This service is paid for by WaterFire and is free for individuals with accessibility issues and each person may bring along one companion. Wheelchairs are permitted, but due to weight considerations on the boat and the dock, motorized wheelchairs are discouraged. Additional companions are permitted on a space-available basis for $10.00 per person. Please note we are required by the sponsor to try to reserve the service for those who most need it. If there is space available we will maintain a waiting list and additional companions are welcome, but we may not know if there is space available until departure time.
Timing: The boat trips leave every half hour and the trip will take about 25 minutes. Please be on time to assure your reservation will be honored. Plan additional time for traffic, loading, and parking.
Reservations: Reservations are needed and must be made by calling WaterFire Providence at (401) 273-1155 x141. They will maintain a reserved seat for those with accessibility needs and for one additional companion. In addition, WaterFire Providence will establish a waiting list for additional companions to be on board (space permitting), if there is room available at departure time. Payments will be collected on board the boat.
Donations to WaterFire: WaterFire is presented without admission charge, but it is supported largely by donations, sponsorships and foundations. If you enjoyed your trip and want to see WaterFire and the Access Program continue, please consider making a donation. WaterFire is an independent non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Donations may be made to the boat captain, via the WaterFire website (at http://www.waterfire.org/), or by mailing a check to WaterFire Providence, 101 Regent Avenue, Providence, RI 02908
Please join us in thanking the Vigneron Memorial Fund, the John and Katherine Johnston Foundation, and the Robert F. Stoico/FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation for their generous support of this program and the assistance of volunteers from the John E. Fogarty Center. Boat and captain services for this program are provided by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.