Providence Summer Meal Sites, Pools and Waterparks Open June 29

Providence summer meal sites, pools and waterparks open June 29

Providence’s summer meal sites, pools and waterparks will begin opening for the season on June 29, giving city children and families access to free meals, recreation, splashpads, pools and enrichment activities through the start of school in the fall.

Mayor Brett P. Smiley joined Providence City Council President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, Providence Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez, Superintendent of Providence Parks Wendy Nilsson, Director of Recreation Sean Holley and DoorDash Public Engagement Manager Daniela Michanie to announce the opening of the city’s summer programs.

All youth ages 18 and under can receive healthy, free meals at 32 parks and participating community library locations across Providence, Monday through Saturday.

The city will also mark the opening of its waterparks and pools with a ribbon cutting at the newly renovated Miguel Luna Park, Playground and Splashpad.

“Through our Summer Meals Program, waterparks and pools, recreation programming and enrichment opportunities across the city, we are ensuring families in Providence have access to safe, welcoming spaces where kids can learn, stay active, eat healthy meals and make the most of their summer breaks,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Summer in Providence should be a time for kids to stay kids. Whether they are cooling off at one of our waterparks or pools, participating in activities across our parks or joining a community program, every child deserves a summer filled with opportunity and support.”

The Community Meals Program, offered in partnership with the Providence Parks Department and Sodexo, provides free, nutritious meals to children throughout the summer. Last summer, the city served more than 65,000 meals in seven weeks. This year, youth will continue to have two daily lunch options to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs.

The reopening of Miguel Luna Park adds special meaning to this year’s kickoff.

“This city, this ward, and especially the children of this ward, meant everything to Councilor Miguel Luna,” said President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo. “So it’s fitting that we’re reopening his namesake park in conjunction with the Summer Meals and Splashpad kickoff event. We have a hot summer ahead of us, and Miguel Luna, along with so many parks throughout the city, will be a great place for kids to cool off, have fun, and stay active and nourished all summer long.”

Meal site times and locations are available at EatPlayLearnPVD.com. Parents and families may also call 3-1-1 during business hours or 2-1-1 to find the nearest active site.

In case of rain, meals will be served at all nine Providence Community Libraries. Four libraries will also serve free daily lunches: South Providence, Wanskuck, Olneyville and Fox Point.

Saturday meal service will be available at three city waterparks — Harriet & Sayles, Fargnoli and Bucklin Park — as well as at Neutaconkanut Park. Free “meals on the go” boxes will also be available for any child enjoying a Friday lunch at any open Eat, Play, Learn meal site, making it easier for families to access meals during weekend recreation.

“No child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Providence Public School Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “For many students, school is a reliable source of healthy meals during the academic year, and the Summer Meals Program helps ensure children continue to receive the nutrition they need when classes are out.”

Each summer, Eat, Play, Learn Parks are staffed with trained youth ambassadors. At 17 park sites, staff will have arts and crafts supplies, books, balls, games, musical instruments and other materials to encourage creative play.

The city, in partnership with the Parks Department and the Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, will also fund live performances at Ely Park during lunch service, bringing music and theatrical shows to meal sites throughout the summer. Regular visits from the Zoomobile and Bookmobile will continue, connecting creative and educational experiences with the city’s free meals program.

“Summer should be a time of joy, discovery, and connection,” said Superintendent of Parks Wendy Nilsson. “Through free meals and creative play in our parks, we are making sure that every child has the opportunity to be nourished, inspired, and surrounded by community.”

The city is also continuing its partnership with DoorDash, which will provide targeted support through $15,000 in Community Credits gift cards. The $25 “Make a Dash for It” community credit cards will be randomly distributed in free lunches served at park locations throughout the summer.

Zappos is also supporting the program through its Zappos Miles for Meals initiative, which provides funding for healthy snacks and fresh produce to be paired with youth meals served at Eat, Play, Learn locations. Families can eat together at the park or take the snacks home.

“Along with the many other opportunities provided by the City of Providence, the Providence Recreation Department also utilizes the Summer Meals Program as a vital part of our amazing Summer Camps and Sports Camps programs — programs which are considered the official start of the summer,” said Director of Recreation Sean Holley. “Providence Recreation this summer is managing Summer Camps at 11 recreation centers, as well as its Sports Camps that are all filled to capacity, and will ensure that our youth are provided healthy meals daily through the Summer Meals Program. Additionally, Providence Recreation takes on the responsibility of staffing each of the City of Providence pools and waterparks to ensure safety for the city.”

Waterparks and pools

Waterparks and pools will be open citywide from June 29, 2026, through August 14, 2026, operating Monday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Families can visit the city’s website for a complete list of waterpark and pool locations and hours.

“No child should have to worry about where their meals are coming from when schools close,” said Daniela Michanie, New England Public Engagement Manager at DoorDash. “DoorDash is proud to support the City of Providence’s work to provide healthy, reliable meals to kids across the city and help more families put food on the table this summer through our Community Credits program. We’re grateful to Mayor Smiley for a third year of partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to fight hunger in Providence.”

For up-to-date information on summer meals, recreation opportunities and park programming, visit EatPlayLearnPVD.com. For assistance, contact the Mayor’s Center for City Services at 311.