Providence Delivers Summer Fun: Food, Water Play & Activities

Mayor Brett Smiley Announces Opening of Summer Meal Sites, Splashpads and Enrichment Opportunities for Summer 2025 

Providence Waterparks, Splash Pads and Pools Reopen, Summer Meal Service Begins   

Mayor Brett P. Smiley today joined Deputy Commissioner Drew Echelson, President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, Providence Public Schools Superintendent Javier Montañez, Superintendent of Providence Parks Wendy Nilsson and DoorDash New England Public Engagement Manager Daniela Michanie to announce that Summer Meal Sites in Providence will begin to open for the season on June 23 and continue through to the start of school in the fall. All youth ages 18 and under can enjoy healthy, free meals at 32 park locations across the city, Monday through Saturday. This year, two newly updated parks, Davis Park and Lippitt Park, have been added to the Eat, Play, Learn (EPL) program, expanding access and opportunities citywide. 

“In the summer, our parks transform into vibrant community spaces where families gather and young people connect. This year, we’re excited to expand our Summer Meals Program to reach even more kids across the city with healthy meals and engaging experiences,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Providence is committed to ensuring students have what they need to flourish all year long and this initiative creates safe and enriching spaces for our youth when school is not in session. Whether at a splashpad, making crafts or catching a performance, we want every child to feel excited about spending their summer in Providence.” 

The Community Meals Program, in partnership with the Providence Parks Department and Sodexo, aims to provide free, nutritious meals to youth throughout the summer. Last year, the City served over 75,000 meals. Youth will continue to have two daily lunch options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. 

“Access to healthy meals is linked to the healthy growth and development of children, and RIDE is pleased to administer the statewide summer meals program that ensures access to nutritious food during the school break,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We’re proud to partner with the City of Providence and communities throughout the Ocean State to offer meal distribution sites in many communities. We invite students to take advantage of the free meals.” 

Meal site times and locations are available at EatPlayLearnPVD.com. Parents and families are encouraged to call 3-1-1 during business hours or 2-1-1 to find their nearest active site. In case of rain, meals will be served at all nine Providence Community Libraries, Additionally, three libraries will also be serving free daily lunches: South Providence, Wanskuck and Olneyville. For the first time, Saturday meal service is expanding to four city waterparks: Harriet & Sayles, Fargnoli, Cabral and Bucklin Park and free  “meals on the go” boxes can go home with any child enjoying a Friday lunch at any of the open meals sites, making it easier for families to access during weekend recreation. 

“The Community Summer Meals program offers more than just free, healthy meals to Providence’s youth – it helps their growing minds stay curious and fuels their active, growing bodies,” said Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo. “In City Hall and in our neighborhoods, this council will continue to prioritize meaningful, year-round investments in our city’s young people. I look forward to seeing the community come together in our parks all summer.” 

This summer, Eat, Play, Learn Parks will be staffed with trained youth ambassadors. At 15 of these park sites, ambassadors will be equipped with arts and crafts supplies, books, balls, games and musical instruments. Additionally, in partnership with the Arts, Culture and Tourism Department (ACT), the City is also funding live Ely Park performances during lunch service, bringing musical and theatrical shows to meal sites all summer long. Regularly scheduled visits from the Zoomobile and the Bookmobile will continue, linking  creative, educational experiences and the free meals program directly to city neighborhoods.

Additionally, the City is once again partnering with DoorDash to provide targeted support through Community Credits gift cards totaling up to $10,000. These $25 “Make a Dash for it” gift cards will be distributed through a punch card system in July and August, offering even more ways for the Providence community to access meals.    

“DoorDash is proud to work alongside Mayor Smiley and the City of Providence for a second year to expand food access for families across the city,” said Daniela Michanie, New England Public Engagement Manager at DoorDash. “This collaboration shows how public-private partnerships can address critical challenges like food insecurity, and initiatives like our Community Credits program help local governments expand their reach and impact. We’re honored to support the City’s efforts and look forward to continuing our work together to uplift the Providence community.” 

Finally, splashpads will begin to open citywide starting June 23, with James Ahearn Park, a new splash and mist park at Obadiah Park scheduled to open on July 1. Al Carrington at Richardson Park scheduled for July 15 and Joslin Park’s splash pad closed for the season. All pools open for the season July 1. Operating Monday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Families can visit the City’s website for a complete list of splash pad locations and hours.   

For up-to-date information on summer meals, recreation opportunities and park programming, visit at EatPlayLearnPVD.com. For assistance, contact the Mayor’s Center for City Services at 3-1-1.