Independence Park

41º40'27.34" N    71º16'46.06" W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

This is a site for launching boats from trailers. Boat ramps can normally be used to launch canoes and kayaks but please do your best to keep the boat ramp clear for boat trailers.

Comments & Overview:

Independence Park is a small city park in downtown Bristol, near the north end of Thames Street. There is a two lane cement slab boat ramp here that provides access to Bristol Harbor as well as a broad gravel beach suitable for launching hand-carried boats. Bristol Harbor is a busy harbor with much to look at, but also plenty of boat traffic to watch out for. The Prudence Island Ferry runs from a dock a bit south of this put-in.

Heading out the east side of Bristol Harbor puts you under the Mount Hope Bridge, at the junction of Mount Hope Bay and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, an area where there are likely to be lots of boats of all sizes, including freighters, tugboats and barges.

Heading out the west side of Bristol Harbor takes you around Poppasquash Point and then on to Colt State Park. The shoreline here is pretty, but be aware that large vessels use the shipping channel just offshore to get to the Port of Providence.

This site provides access to the following water bodies: Bristol Harbor.

Location:

Town: Bristol

Nearest Town Center: Bristol, RI

Driving Landmarks: As you are approaching downtown Bristol on Route 114 south, bear right onto Thames Street and look for the park and boat ramp on your right. From Route 114 north, go through downtown Bristol and turn left onto Franklin Street, go one block and then turn right onto Thames Street. Look for the park and boat ramp on your left.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: estuary, ocean/bay

Note: Because one boat launch can access, say, both a lake and a river or both the upstream and downstream portions of a river, not all paddling trips at a given site will necessarily encounter all of the features listed.

Type of Access: Boat ramp

ADA Accessible Boat Launch? no

Shoreline: Gravel beach and hard surfaced boat ramp

Float/Dock: no

Parking:

Parking: parking lot, 60 spaces

Sources for More Information:

Website: Mike Krabach's kayak access website

Ecological, Cultural & Recreational Attractions:

Independence Park is the at the south end of the East Bay Bike Path.

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