Our History

The Rhode Island Masonic Youth Foundation was established to create a place where Rhode Island Masons, their families, and affiliated youth organizations could gather in a safe and welcoming environment centered on recreation, fellowship, and service. Founded in 1962, the Foundation was created with a long-term vision: to preserve and operate a dedicated property where youth and families could enjoy affordable outdoor recreation while strengthening community ties and supporting the values of Freemasonry.

Located in Warwick, Rhode Island, the Masonic Youth Center has served generations of families as a seasonal gathering place for recreation, youth programming, and community events. Over the decades, the park has grown into a unique nonprofit recreational facility offering open green space, picnic areas, an aquatic venue, playgrounds, and family-centered programming in a setting designed to be both welcoming and accessible.

What began as a recreational retreat for Masonic families evolved into something more meaningful: a place where young people could learn responsibility, develop workplace skills, and gain hands-on experience through seasonal employment and structured programming. For generations, RIMYF has employed youth in meaningful roles across park operations—including groundskeeping, aquatics, admissions, and guest services—creating opportunities for leadership development, responsibility, and community engagement in a supervised and supportive environment.

Today, the Rhode Island Masonic Youth Foundation continues to serve as both a community resource and a youth development organization. While rooted in Masonic tradition, the Foundation remains focused on providing safe recreation, meaningful employment, and community-centered programming that benefits youth, families, and the broader Rhode Island community.