RI to purchase Rocky Point property

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Rhode Island is now one step closer to purchasing Rocky Point in Warwick and turning the land into a State Park.

On Wednesday, District Court approved the state's offer to purchase the 82 acre property for $9.65 million.

Funding for the purchase will be provided from the $10 million Open Space bond approved by Rhode Island voters in 2010.

• Related: Rocky Point Deal Awaiting Court Approval
• Photos: Rocky Point Today

Wednesday’s court approval began a 30-day appeals period, which means closing on the property is at least a month away.

“The Court’s decision today brings the State of Rhode Island significantly closer to successfully acquiring and preserving this iconic property,” stated Governor Lincoln Chafee. “Rocky Point, one of Rhode Island’s most beloved natural assets, holds many special memories of the past. I look forward to it becoming available for all Rhode Islanders to enjoy.”

Forty-one acres of the shoreline property at Rocky Point was previously bought in 2007. Over the past three years, the city of Warwick has opened the waterfront portion for public use.

Rocky Point has an over 150 year history of being a popular summer attraction for Rhode Island residents and visitors. Over the decades, attractions at Rocky Point have varied from nature tails, a ferry pier, observation tower, hotels, restaurants, a swimming pool, games, rides, and concerts.

In 1995, Rocky Point closed as an amusement park.