The Traveling Wheelchair

One Finance Way
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-272-1040
http://www.waterplaceri.com/

Saturday evening, a warm summer-like night in April, Tony, Josh and I traveled to WaterFire at Waterplace Park in Providence, R.I. I’ve heard of this event but never had the opportunity to see it. And what a WONDERFUL experience it was.

We valet parked in the parking lot of WaterPlace Restaurant & Lounge in Providence, R.I. for a total cost of $10. From inside this restaurant is direct access to Waterplace Park. The restaurant was charging an admission fee of $50 per person, as a fundraiser to raise money for future events of the Firewater Shows. A very kind employee let my friends and I take a short cut through the restaurant to Waterplace Park.

The WaterPlace Restaurant & Lounge is fully wheelchair accessible and has the best view of Waterplace Park, WaterFire and the Providence skyline. Special Dinner/Theater packages, including tickets to the Providence Performing Arts Center are available! We had already eaten dinner at home but one night I would love to come back to enjoy dinner and a show.

There are three levels of this restaurant. We used the third level entrance which is the street level on Finance Way. Located in front is an outdoor patio; all the tables here are of a good wheelchair accessible height; there are heating torches to help keep you warm and toasty. There are no automatic entry doors, yet the doors are wide enough to fit my chair through with ease.

An elevator takes you to all three levels. This elevator is spacious with plenty of room to fit me in my chair with my friends. We took the elevator to the second level. Here is a huge open dining room; all the tables are wheelchair accessible and of a perfect height. A bar, located on the left side is not wheelchair accessible for it is too high. The ADA does not require bars to be accessible :<)

A balcony, located outside on this second level is very wheelchair accessible; entering was easy for the double wide doors were wedged open. All the tables located on the balcony are of a perfect wheelchair accessible height; the outdoor bar counter where you place your drink order is wheelchair accessible for it is not too high; and there is plenty of space for me to maneuver my chair on this balcony. I saw a SPECTACULAR view of the city of Providence from this balcony.

We then headed down to the first level, which is the level where access to the Waterpark is located. The restrooms, located on the first level are wheelchair accessible; the handicap stall is a little small for my wheelchair to turn but manageble; the accessible sink is of a good height; the pipes under the sink are not covered as is now ADA required; the soap dispenser, hand dryer and trash container are all at a good height for me to reach.  

The dining area, located on this first level is spacious and all the tables are of a good accessible height. A band was setting up to the side of the dining area. I love bands and one day will come back to hear the live entertainment. The bar, located to the left is not wheelchair accessible for it is too high. The outdoor dining area, located on this level is tighter than the other dining areas. The very kind host apologized to me for he had to move some of the seats for me to wheel by.

We then exited from the restaurant to the Waterpark and were very excited we were about to see the WaterFire. 

Kenny & Company give the Waterplace Restaurant & Lounge FOUR STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the Fifth Star, they would simply need to install automatic entry doors at all external doorways so a person in a wheelchair can independently enter and cover the pipes under the accessible sink in the restroom. If they made a small section of each of the bars to a wheelchair accessible height, I would give them a big PLUS STAR. All the employees get FIVE STARS for they were very friendly, courteous and sensitive. I Thank You All!!