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Dexter Training Grounds

Providence, City of Providence

1.0 miles of trail

1.0 mile

Very Easy

1.0 mile of trail at this site are wheelchair and stroller-friendly, however, these trails may not meet ADA standards.

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Very Easy

Trails that are smooth and relatively level with no steps, no roots, stones or uneven ground. These may be paved, crushed stone, continuous boardwalk and similar surfaces. These trails have a route that is quite obvious such as a single point to point trail or an easy loop or network of trails.

Easy

Relatively flat and smooth trails with a route that is quite obvious such as a single point to point trail or an easy loop or network of trails.

Moderate

May have a few hills or steep sections and multiple surface types including rocks and roots. Trails are generally well-marked but following them requires a trail map.

Difficult

Strenuous trails, trail systems that mostly involve multi-mile loops and trails that are narrow and may have obstacles such as stream crossings or rocky areas, some trails are less well marked.

Click on the "Trail Map (PDF)" button to download a PDF of the trail map that you can print and take with you on the trail.

Avenza maps are special, free maps that you can use in the Avenza app on your smart phone. These maps let you see your location on the map as you walk. Download the Avenza App for free in the Apple App Store or on Google Play

Click on the Avenza Trail Map button to "purchase" the free map for this trail from the Avenza map store. If this is your first time, Avenza will ask you to set up an account to check out. However, all Avenza trail maps listed on ExploreRI are free.

In Rhode Island the primary hunting seasons typically run from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and from the third Saturday in April to the last day in May, however this can vary from year to year and depends on what game is being hunted. During hunting season you should wear at least 200 square inches (a hat OR a vest) of blaze orange. During shotgun deer season, which is typically in December, you should wear at least 500 square inches of blaze orange (a hat AND a vest). For more information see the RI DEM website.

What’s There:

In addition to the paved walking paths lined with beautiful London Plane trees, Dexter Training Grounds feature ballfields, a volleyball court, 2 playground areas, bocce courts, chess tables, and an outdoor fitness area. From June through October, there is a weekly farmers market in the park on Thursday evenings. The park is situated alongside the beautiful Cranston Street Armory.

This 10-acre park is one of the most historic public spaces in Providence. Donated to the city by Ebenezer Dexter in 1824 as a military drill field, parade ground and park, the land became part of the city park system in 1893. A bronze statue of Dexter was installed in the park in 1874. During the Civil War, Rhode Island troops camped and trained here before joining Union forces. As late as World War I, troops also camped and trained at Dexter Training Ground. Today, in the very dense West Broadway neighborhood, this park serves as a significant community space in Providence.

Providence Parks Department, neighborhood parks information

Getting There:

Dexter Street Entrance

Google Maps is the mapping system used on the new ExploreRI maps and shows the trailhead located on a terrain view, a street map or an aerial photograph. Clicking on this link will take you to the full Google Maps website, which is not part of ExploreRI.org.
Acme Maps shows the trailhead located on a topographic map. The Acme Maps website is not part of ExploreRI.org.

Driving Landmarks: The park is located on Dexter Street between Westminster Street and Cranston Street.

Parking: Yes: On street, no overnight parking

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? No

Coordinates: 41° 48.955' N    71° 25.868' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Acme Maps


The RIPTA 17 and 19 buses both pass near the park on Westminster Street. Get off at the corner of Dexter Street and Westminster.


 

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This site report was last updated on May 11, 2022

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