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Rhode Island Masonic Youth Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions

Pool

When does the pool open?

The Pool is open daily in July and August.

Does the Pool/beach have Lifeguards?

There are certified lifeguards on duty at all times while the pool is open. There are no lifeguards on the public beach.

General Questions

What is the Masonic Youth Center?

The Masonic Youth Center at Buttonwoods is a 70-acre site located on the waters of Narragansett Bay. It is ideal for picnics, outings, and get-togethers. The Center is available during the summer months to all Masonic Groups, responsible community groups, Masonic Families, civic organizations, etc.

The Masonic Youth Center at Buttonwoods is a 70-acre site located on the waters of Narragansett Bay. It is ideal for picnics, outings, and get-togethers. The Center is available during the summer months to all Masonic Groups, responsible community groups, Masonic Families, civic organizations, etc.

Is the Park open to the public?

The Robert J. Allen Medical Equipment DistributionCenter is open to the public on Fridays from 9:00 am to noon. The remainder of the park is designated for members and guests only.

Can I bring my dog to the park?

No pets are allowed upon the Center grounds at any time. Please leave your pets at home as many adults and children go barefoot while at the Center.
Service dogs, as described by ADA standards and RI Law, are welcome in the park.
• A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
• If the dog is out of control or aggressive towards other guests, and the handler does not take effective action to control it, you will be asked to remove the dog from the property.
• YOU are responsible for cleaning up after your dog.
• No pets, service or otherwise, are allowed in the pool area by order of the R.I. Dept of Health
• Emotional Support pets do not meet the ADA or State standards of a service dog.

How do I become a member?

Membership is limited to members of the Masonic Lodges in the State of Rhode Island. We also welcome members of our affiliate organizations, Eastern Star, Rainbow, and DeMolay.

Can I get medical equipment at the Park?

The Robert J. Allen Medical Equipment DistributionCenter is open to the public on Fridays from 9:00 am to noon. All services are provided free of charge.

Can I have my wedding reception at the park?

The Masonic Youth Center does not currently host wedding receptions.

What time does the Park close?

The park closes 30 minutes before sunset to allow staff sufficient time to clean and reset picnic areas safely before dark.

Does the park sell food or drinks?

Yes, pre-packaged snacks, coffee, drinks, ice cream and general picnic supplies are available at the Snack Shack.

How can I support the RI Masonic Youth Center?

The Masonic Youth Center is a private park that operates on charitable donations. Donations go directly to the upkeep of the park and can be made at checked in, at the Snack Shack, on our website, or by mail to:

RI Masonic Youth Foundation
2115 Broad St.
Cranston, RI 02905

What activities are available at the park?

Picnic sites, Covered pavilion with cafe style seating, Athletic fields, Playground, inground swimming pool with Certified lifeguards on duty when pool, Kiddie Wading Pool, access to over 1500' of beach area, Horseshoe Pits,Pickleball, Cornhole, Basketball, Tennis, beach volleyball, a snack bar is on site serving Ice cream, candy, chips, and drinks.

What is the Elenor Briggs School?

The Eleanor Briggs School is an alternative therapeutic school, operated by Thrive Behavioral Health. The school serves students from grades 1-12 who are challenged to thrive in public school. Briggs offers academic and clinical support designed to teach students skills that will allow them to succeed in all life settings. For more information about the Briggs School visit Thrive Behavioral Health's website. www.thrivebhri.org

Can I get a guest card for someone?

Actve Members of a Rhode Island Masonic Lodge may request courtesy cards on our website for their immediate family (Spouse, Child, Sibling or parent). www.rimyf.org

Do I need to make a reservation to come to the park?

No, unreserved sites are open on a first come first served basis. Members and guests are also able to make use of the facility without reserving a picnic site.

What is the Park's policy regarding Marijuana?

Recreational drugs, INCLUDING MARIJUANA, are strictly prohibited on the park property. Anyone found using drugs on the property will be referred to the Warwick police Dept, and be trespassed for a period of 1 year.

Does the Park have Handicap Parking?

The park has a limited number of handicapped parking spaces available on a first come first served basis. If needed, transport can be requested at the check-in station

How long has the park been operating?

The Masonic Youth Center began operations as a baseball field for youth leagues in 1955, picnic sites and other amenities were added in 1956.

Picnic

How do I reserve a picnic site?

Reservations for picnic sites can be made on our website. www.rimyf.org

How much does it cost to reserve a site?

The Masonic Youth Center is a private park that operates on charitable donations.

Can I reserve the pavillion?

The Pavillion is a common space for all guests of the Masonic Youth Center and is not available for weekend reservations.

Does the Park have grills?

Grills are no longer provided at picnic sites. You are welcome to bring your own gas or charcoal grill. Staff will collect and dispose of hot coals at the conclusion of your event. “Turkey Fryers” or deep fryers are prohibited.

Can we have alcohol at the park?

Yes, but rember this is a family-oriented Center so treat it as such. Be discreet. Carrying alcoholic beverages around in plain sight will not be tolerated. Keep it at your table or assigned area. Glass containers are not advised.

Can we have food trucks for our picnic?

Food Trucks are generally prohibited from the park, but may be allowed for large events ( over 300 guests) at the Executive Director's discretion.

Can we bring a bounce house?

Inflatables are generally prohibited from the park, but may be allowed for large events at the General Manager's discretion. NO stakes or spikes may be used to anchor inflatables.

Do the picnic site have electricity available?

There is no electricity available on the picnic sites.

Do the site have water available?

There are no water connections available on the picnic sites.

Can we have our picnic catered?

Yes, if approved by the General Manager.

Can we have a DJ for our picnic?

DJ's are generally prohibited from the park, but may be allowed for large events at the General Manager's discretion. Radios are allowed but must be kept to a reasonable volume and be of a proper decorum so as not to disrupt other parties.

Are there trash cans available?

Trash and Recycle Bins are available on each site and throughout the park.

Can I schedule a rain date for my event?

We do not schedule Rain Dates in advance. If your picnic is canceled due to rain the General Manager will assist in rescheduling your event.

Are there picnic tables available at the Park?

Yes, each picnic site is provided with Picnic Tables. There is additional seating under the Pavillion for general use.

What if it Rains on the day of my picnic?

In the event of a rain closure, the Park Director will contact you by 8:00 AM on the morning of your event. If you do not receive a call, please assume the park will open as scheduled.

What site will my picnic be on?

Site assignments are not given out in advance. Upon arrival, you and your guests will be greeted by our staff at the Wishing Well check-in station. Staff will direct guests to the appropriate parking area and assigned picnic site. All vehicles are required to stop at the check-in station.

Can I set up a tent or Canopy?

Yes, canopies can be setup on your group's designated site, as long as they are not staked into the ground. We recommend bringing something to weigh the legs of your canopy down due the wind.

Can we bring decorations for our Picnic?

Yes, but must meet the following conditions: Prior approval by the Executive Director, President or their designate.

All signs must be of the proper decorum.

All decorations, posters, signs, etc. must be removed prior to leaving the Center. No political signs or materials are allowed at any time.

Stakes, pipes, or pointed objects are not to be put into the ground without prior approval. Electrical and underground sprinkler system are just inches below surface in some areas.

Signs may be tied to trees, but at NO TIME will screws, nails, or other mechanical fasteners be allowed.