Photos and video | Sandor Bodo, The Providence Journal
Enjoy the brisk fall air on a magical nighttime ride aboard illuminated swan boats at Roger Williams Park, through Nov. 6.
The night rides on Polo Lake run in conjunction with Roger Williams Park Zoo's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.
Eighteen swan boats are available to ride at night from Roger Williams Park's Dalrymple Boathouse, weather permitting, through Nov. 6.
Hours: 6-10 p.m.
Adults: $10 (ages 16 and older)
Children: $5 (1-15 years)
Up to 18 lighted swan boats might emerge from Dalrymple Boathouse.
Polo Lake, a pond that is a small pearl among a string of lakes in the park, is at the foot of the hill by the Museum of Natural History.
Allen E. Days and his company, La Gondola Inc., run the water rides at the park as an independent contractor. When new paddleboats were needed at Dalrymple Boathouse, he took inspiration from the bevy of swans that graced the seven lakes of the park, and recommended the whimsical swan boats. That was in 2007.
Days brought the gondolas to the Providence Renaissance in 1997. Just back from Italy, he saw the potential of the intimate Woonasquatucket River as it snaked through downtown Providence. Since then, he has sold the gondola business and turned his efforts to the waterways of Roger Williams Park.
About five years ago, another flash of inspiration hit: Light up the swan boats at night and offer night rides on the water, with illuminated tunnel features. There is also a pirate boat with light and sound effects that add to the romance of the evening.
Credits:
Providence Journal photos and video by Sandor Bodo