Social distancing at Rocky Point


The sun was shining brightly, and a cool breeze was blowing, as I parked my car in the Rocky Point parking lot last week.

Memories of The Flume, the Shore Dinner Hall, and the rickety old roller coaster were still fresh in my mind as I looked at the welcomed transformation of the noisy, brightly lit old amusement park into the oasis of peace and tranquility it has become.

I walked down to the beach and watched children swimming while their parents enjoyed a brief respite.

Following the path along the rocky shore, I saw a dozen people fishing from the rocky points. I guess that is why they call it Rocky Point. The fish were biting as I watched two different people land two good-sized ones.

They were dozens of people walking, picnicking and sunbathing throughout the beautiful, clean, well-maintained grounds, all following the social distancing rules.

The new pier appears to being nearly completed. It is currently fenced off, but you can get a good look at it.

Moving up the hill, past where a sign tells us where the Shore Dinner Hall used to be, the walkway follows the shoreline and then cuts sharply inland.

A young couple ahead of me disappeared into the bushes at the curve, following a narrow path, which I had never noticed before. I decided to check it out.

The path followed the shoreline all the way to the second beach and the end of the property, where the summer cottages used to be.

The path is rugged, with some rock ledges and sharp brush, in deep contrast to the openness of the paved pathways.

There are at least a half-dozen openings to rock formations overlooking the water, and half of them were taken by young couples.

Now that’s social distancing!

I came out on the second beach, gathered a seashell (Whenever I go to a beach, I take home a sea shell or moonstone).

I would not recommend the path for those who are not surefooted or walk with a cane (me), but it is much more adventuresome.

There was only one person, enjoying the solitude of the beach.

A path leads up to the main macadam path just before the end of the property and a U-turn that takes you through shady trees to the second parking lot and back across a huge open area and the path to the parking lot and an awaiting Del’s truck.

Rocky Point is one of Warwick’s true treasures, and a perfect place to visit at any time, but especially during these difficult times.


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