Defunct Rhode Island Amusement Park Immortalized

The Rocky Point Amusement Park in Warwick, Rhode Island entertained generations of families in this smallest of states with the strongest of memories. Sadly, due to a number of factors, the formerly bustling little park closed for the last time in 1995.

In the past fifteen years there have been many plans and attempts to either reopen, sell, convert, or do something altruistic with the property. The main buildings have been demolished, the rides disassembled and sold off. And the remaining property is situated on some of the most gorgeous beach-front expanse Rhode Island has to offer.

The Rocky Point Amusement Park was not one of the grand scale such as a Six Flags, but contained plenty of rides, fun, food, etc. to keep people from the surrounding area flocking to the fun spot for decades. In the early 1980's the park underwent a bit of a refurbishment and reopened with a new "Castle of Terror" or House of Horrors that was especially appealing to teenagers. One of the cars from that ride is proudly displayed at the local ice skating building, Thayer Arena.

Rhode Island artist Jason Mayoh penned comic books dedicated to the amusement staple. David Bettencourt produced two books and then an award-winning documentary entitled "You Must Be This Tall" after the infamous height marker. Bettencourt's documentary did well on the festival circuit, enjoyed an extended run at the local multiplex, played on PBS and is now sold on DVD.

The Rocky Point Foundation is a non-profit formed to get the current owners to turn the remaining, unspoiled parts of the park back over to the residents of Rhode Island for recreational use. More information on their efforts can be found at GetThePoint.org.

The newest homage to the well-loved park comes in the form of an original stage play penned by Rhode Island playwright/director, Lenny Schwartz. Schwartz has written more than twenty original plays that have enjoyed performances in several states as well as New York City. In fact, one of Schwartz's earlier plays, "The Six Month Cure" will be produced at the Planet Connections Fest, an event focused on sustainable creative work.

The play, "Out to Rocky Point", is a coming of age story that takes place against the happenings at Rocky Point Amusement Park on the last day it was open in 1995. For anyone who was there, memories will be stirred by the production's use of authentic props and signs from the original park. Fans of the park will not be disappointed.

If you are in Rhode Island, do not miss the play that runs three weekends in April. For more information visit the Daydream Theatre Company website.

And where did those original pieces of rides and memorabilia come from? Perhaps only the escaped monkeys hiding in the forest near the Flume Ride know for sure.