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Marina Park

41° 25.624' N    71° 29.789' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

Google Maps is the mapping system used on the new ExploreRI mapper and shows the access site located on a terrain view, a street map or an aerial photograph. Clicking on this link will take you to the full Google Maps website, which is not part of ExploreRI.
Map Server shows a topographic map of the area. The Map Server website is not part of ExploreRI.org.
Acme Maps shows the access site located on a topographic map. The Acme Maps website is not part of ExploreRI.org.

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.

Description & Overview:

This is a very user-friendly launch facility in a small park called "Marina Park" at the head of Point Judith Pond. There are two cement plank boat ramps here. If the ramps are busy with trailered boats (as is common on a nice weekend) space can be a little tight for launching hand-carried boats, but you should be able to find some space. If the ramps are not too busy with trailered boats you can drive to the boat ramp area to load and unload, and then park across the street.

Paddlers can explore the pond or explore the lower Saugatucket River from here. Be mindful of the heavy pleasure boat traffic on the pond! Aside from the pleasure boat traffic, both the pond and the river are usually calm and easy to paddle.

The large grassy area next to the boat launch is the site for a number of annual events such as carnivals and boat shows. The URI sailing club is also in Marina Park.

On most days the southwest wind fills in across this area in the morning and blows throughout the afternoon, so be prepared for this when planning your trip.

Warning: As of early 2019 the main ramp here reportedly had a significant drop-off at the end of the ramp. Use caution when launching trailered boats.

This site provides access to the following water bodies in the Saugatucket River watershed: Point Judith Pond, Saugatucket River.

Location:

Town: South Kingstown

Nearest Town Center: Wakefield

Driving Landmarks: From Route 1 North, take the Salt Pond Road exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right. The launch is 1/4 mile ahead on the left. From Route 1 south, take the South County Hospital/Salt Pond Road exit. At the end of the ramp turn left on Salt Pond Rd. The boat launch is 0.4 miles ahead on the left.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: estuary

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: Paved boat ramp. Adjacent shoreline is stabilized.

Float/Dock: no

Hours of Operation: sunrise to sunset

Fees: no

Limited to Town Residents? no

Parking:

Parking: yes: 100 spaces, overnight parking permitted

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? yes

Nearby Amenities:

Public Restrooms: No

Sources for More Information:

Other Guidebooks: Salt Ponds Coalition Kayaker's Guide

Website: Salt Ponds Coalition Kayaker's Guide to the Coastal Salt Ponds of South County, RI

Website: Daytrippers Guide to Rhode Island

Photographs:

The parking lot at Marina Park

The parking lot at Marina Park

Photography by: Art Ganz and Bambi Poppick

Date of Photograph: August 17, 2006

 
Boat Ramp at Marina Park

Boat Ramp at Marina Park

Photography by: Art Ganz and Bambi Poppick

Date of Photograph: August 17, 2006

 

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The data on this website come from many sources, including volunteers and organizations across the state of Rhode Island and nearby parts of Massachusetts. We have done our best to make sure the data are accurate and up to date, but any information critical to the success of your trip should be confirmed before you start. The maps and information on this website should not be substituted for nautical charts, topographic maps, or other more detailed maps and guides. We welcome corrections and additions. To send a correction or provide other feedback, please use our feedback form (see link above).

This site report was last updated on January 13, 2019

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