Friends of Corliss Park

The original land encompassing present-day Corliss Park comprised more than 195 acres on the north side of the city. Described as a beautiful tract of rolling hills, a winding stream, woodland and two ponds, it served as a respite from the ever expanding city and its nearby industrial developments. George H. Corliss purchased the land about 1875 and he appointed a caretaker to protect the trees and shrubs “from mischief makers.” A small group of workmen also worked to maintain the parklands. In 1898 Edward M. Harris acquired the land from the Corliss estate.

Growing interest in recreation and concern over the effects of growing urbanization led the State of Rhode Island to authorize the creation of the Metropolitan Park Commission in November 1904. Between 1909 and 1917 the commission acquired more than 1,200 acres of land around the state to be used, as “reservations” for recreational purposes among the lands acquired in 1916 was the 195-acre parcel in the North End, which became known as Corliss Park. The commission maintained the park until it was abolished in 1935. Ownership of Corliss Park however remained with the state and was placed under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture and Conservation.

In May 1963, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed and appropriation of $10,000 for the development of recreational facilities at Corliss Park. By the late 19160s, the state expressed interest in transferring the park to the city and on August 14, 1972 the Providence City Council passed Resolution 312 formally requesting the acquisition of the park by the city. Just over two years later, on December 10, 1974, Providence Mayor Joseph Doorley accepted the 195-acre park from the State of Rhode Island.

In October 1992 the city moved to reduce the size of the park, transferring a portion to the Providence Redevelopment Agency for the development and giving a small area adjacent to the Rhode Island School for the Deaf for their use. The balance, including the improved recreational area, remained as Corliss Park. 2016 will mark the centennial of the establishment of Corliss Park by the Providence Metropolitan Park Commission.

Source: Paul Campbell, City Archivist, Providence City Archives, 4/24/12