Swan Point Cemetery welcomes quiet reflection in nature with restored gates & footpaths

Swan Point Cemetery, a 200-acre, active, nonsectarian garden cemetery located at 585 Blackstone Boulevard in Providence, Rhode Island, marked the start of its year-long celebration of 175 years of service to the community with the reopening of its restored pedestrian entrance gates and new footpaths. After being closed for decades, the reopening of the two wrought-iron gates that flank the main entrance and exit roadways was necessary to provide a welcoming and safe way for the increased number of people on-foot who visit the cemetery.

“Since the outset of the pandemic, we’ve experienced even more visitors entering the cemetery on foot to walk our beautiful grounds or quietly reflect and commune with nature,” said Anthony Hollingshead, President of Swan Point Cemetery. “We wanted to kick-off our anniversary by doing something tangible that directly benefits the community. We’re hopeful that these restored pedestrian entrance gates and new footpaths will continue to welcome visitors for the next 175 years!”

Searle Design Group was responsible for the overall design of the project. Haynes DeBoer, the architectural firm, oversaw the restoration and reinstallation of the pedestrian gates which were part of the original main entrance design created in 1899. New pathways were rebuilt for each gate and now connect North Way and Memorial Drive on the inside of the cemetery to the main drive outside the gates.

The layout of the pathways is based primarily on the original 1914 plans created by the Olmsted Brothers. Chip seal was installed as the paving material on the pathways which provides a stable walking surface with a natural appearance. New landscaping gently guides visitors along the pathways and away from vehicular traffic.

Chartered in 1847, Swan Point Cemetery is a tranquil, meticulously maintained 200-acre garden cemetery located in the northeast corner of Providence, Rhode Island.  Extending from Blackstone Boulevard easterly to the Seekonk River, the cemetery’s extensive grounds make it one of the largest green spaces in the City of Providence. Picturesque and serene, Swan Point is ideally suited as a resting place as well as a place to seek inspiration, take a walk or a bicycle ride, quietly reflect, or simply commune with nature. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Swan Point is an active, full-service, nonsectarian cemetery with an array of available burial lots, including The Ellipse for green/natural burial, and features a community mausoleum, a crematory and columbaria, several chapels and reception facilities. 

For more information on Swan Point Cemetery, please visit www.swanpointcemetery.com, call 401-272-1314 or email [email protected].