Westerly, Rhode Island, is full of parks. It seems like every neighborhood in this town of about 17,000 people has at least one outdoor facility available for residents, which is excellent news for those raising children in the area.
There are parks outside of residential neighborhoods, too, which is the case with Rotary Park. This facility sits in an industrial area west of Westerly State Airport but provides one of the town’s best outdoor experiences.
The park enjoys a central location, as well, making it easily accessible for many of Westerly’s residents, and it features some activities for adults.
Here are some reasons why you might want to visit Rotary Park in Westerly, RI, after buying a home in the area.
The Playgrounds
If you have kids, the main reason to check out this park is its playgrounds. Park has two of them – one for older children and one for toddlers – helping keep the little ones safe while they play.
The facilities are relatively new and are sure to keep your children entertained for hours. Other on-site amenities include picnic tables, benches, a covered pavilion, and washrooms, giving you everything you need to spend an afternoon enjoying this green.
You’ll also find a children’s garden featuring birdhouses and plants at Rotary Park, providing the opportunity to teach your kids a bit about nature before or after they play.
Overall, the playground is perhaps the park’s main draw, but it’s far from the only reason to give it a visit.
Sports Courts
The playgrounds at this park are great, but they only give you part of the picture. That’s because the venue has a variety of sports courts adults can use while their children play.
First, there are four beach volleyball courts. These courts are kept in great shape, and the nets are usually up and ready to go all summer long. You’ll find benches and picnic tables near these sandy courts, too.
Next, the park is home to six tennis courts, two of which have lighting for night games. These courts received a complete renovation in 2021, so they’re in outstanding condition for competitive matches. There are bleachers where spectators can watch you play, as well.
Having access to tennis and beach volleyball courts in Westerly is a nice touch and another reason why Rotary Park is such a popular place with residents.
Hiking Trails
In addition to its on-site facilities, Rotary Park acts as the southern trailhead for the Mastuxet Brook Greenway. You can take this hiking trail either north or south, with the south-pointing course heading toward Diamond Falls near the Pawcatuck River.
Taking the trail north allows you to follow Mastuxet Brook to Benny Drive, which is part of a residential neighborhood. If you live near Benny Drive, the path offers a quick and easy way to reach the park, as well.
The official trail is less than half a mile long, but it is possible to hike further north if you wish. This extended pathway is relatively rustic, as it isn’t blazed, but you’re never far from civilization because the greenway is so thin.
If you wander far enough north, you’ll eventually reach Westerly Crossings Shopping Center and other amenities. Make sure you’re aware of any private property through this area, though, because you don’t want to enter someone’s land. Most private yards have fences and signs to inform you of their presence.
Getting There and Parking
Reaching Rotary Park is relatively straightforward, as the facility sits on Airport Road near Westerly State Airport. Airport Road is accessible via U.S. Route 1, where Post Road becomes Franklin Street.
Airport Road also intersects with Winnapaug Road when arriving from Misquamicut and Watch Hill Road, which connects downtown Westerly with Watch Hill.
Once you get to the park, you’ll see a decent-sized parking lot that’s usually large enough to accommodate most guests. There’s an overflow dirt parking lot on the north end of the park, which provides direct access to the hiking trails.
A South County Gem
South County as a whole is full of outstanding outdoor areas for the entire family. You’re sure to find a great spot near your home once you select a neighborhood in which to live, but places like Rotary Park might give you a reason to travel a bit because of the quality of the facilities.
Either way, you’re sure to find more than enough to do with your time after buying a home in Westerly or anywhere else in South County, Rhode Island.