The
beginning
and the
end
Independence Park is a small park located at the southern end of the East Bay Bike Path. Some people call this the start of the 14.5 mile bike path others refer to it as the end. I guess it all depends on your point of view.
If you do start from the northern end up in Providence, Independence Park is a great place to stop for a rest before heading back north. It's not a huge park but it has some nice benches with great views of Bristol Harbor, a little boardwalk, a couple of monuments and even an old cannon. Usually clean bathrooms and a drinking fountain are across the street and several ice cream places and restaurants are close by. Definitely a nice place to inhale some ice cream and rest before biking back the last 14 miles.
A friendly woman walking around in the park told me that this was once a railroad yard. I'm not sure if that is true but it wouldn't surprise me since the old tracks did start (or end) here. The tracks are long since gone and the old rail line now serve as the bike path.
Even thought he park isn't large it has a lot going on in it. Arts and crafts shows and the summer concert series take place here in the summer and on the 4th of July the famous Bristol celebration is centered in the park.
The town of Bristol has the oldest 4th of July celebration in the country, first started way back in 1785, the parade and festivities have been going on ever since. Quite an event, it seems to get larger every year.
Even though this is a rather small park it serves many functions. Great views, history, parades, music, ice cream, bathrooms, drinking fountains and arts and crafts. A great place to start, end, or take a rest during a cool bike ride. read more