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Collier Point Park Project
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COLLIER POINT PARK PROJECT

A Symbol of Hope

As the Capital City, and heart of the state’s maritime commerce, it is only fitting that Rhode Island’s state flagship, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY, should have a permanent presence in Providence, proudly visible to hundreds of thousands of people daily, as she stands as an icon of the Ocean State. Representing not only our seafaring legacy, but our contemporary Blue Economy. MaritimeRI seeks to revitalize the underutilized Collier Point Park and bring empowering experiences and access to Narragansett Bay to the residents of Providence and the Capital region.

Timeline

This long-term project begins with restoration of a functional pier and utilities at Collier Point Park, developing a safe and functional base of operation for the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY and leads to a permanent presence with shoreside infrastructure (e.g., classroom space, workshops) and year-round programming.

Phase 1 (12 months)

Bring the ship to Collier Point Park for 6 months of the year beginning in May of 2026

  • Embarkation/return point for single and multi-day shipboard programs
  • Community open ship events
  • Dockside receptions and programming
  • Mobile support infrastructure in consideration of flooding vulnerabilities
  • Access to utilities: Power, water, sewer

Phase 2 (three years)

Develop shoreside permanent infrastructure for year-round programming

  • Upland elevated facilities including classroom and workshop spaces, for permanent maritime and marine trades workforce training, K-12 school programs, Community outreach
  • Expanded mooring facilities to accommodate expanded fleet, and visiting vessels/partner organizations

Action Items

Initial discussions have been had with the City of Providence as well as a number of major stakeholders including the Providence Working Waterfront Alliance, The People’s Port Authority, School and Community Partners, and potential donors. To bring this vision to reality, we are now ready to move forward on the following action items:

  • Identify lead for City of Providence to negotiate final approval for upgrades and access to Collier Park with Lotus Infrastructure Partners
  • Enhance security — While docked at Collier Park, the ship must have security measures in place to prevent vandalism and trespassing
  • Formalize partnerships
  • Infrastructure improvements are necessary to support the ship
  • Determine viability of existing barge located at Provport for use as floating dock for ship — estimated cost $500K
  • Medium term — Begin development of bid package for pier improvements to provide safe berth and ADA compliant access to ship in all weather
  • Long term — $2M in landside infrastructure (classroom space, workshop space)

Industry Partners

  • Moran Shipping
  • McCallister Towing
  • Provport
  • Waterson Terminals
  • Providence Working Waterfront Alliance
  • Sprague Terminals
  • Sims Metals

Community Partners

  • The Met School
  • Charette School
  • The Paul Cuffe School
  • Rhode Island Black Heritage Society
  • People’s Port Authority

Potential Funding Partners

  • Joel Cohen (Confirmed)
  • ProvPort/Waterson Terminal Services (Confirmed)
  • City of Providence
  • RI Infrastructure Bank
  • RI Foundation
  • Champlain Foundation
  • Sprague Terminals
Maritime Rhode Island is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to provide innovative and empowering education-at-sea programs to promote personal and professional growth.