North Providence’s Notte Park swimming closed again after July reopening

Swimming at North Providence’s Notte Park Beach was off-limits again as of July 28, after a temporary reopening earlier in the month following a harmful algae advisory at Wenscott Reservoir.

The Town of North Providence posted July 28 that the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management had closed Notte Park Beach to swimming again. That town notice is the latest local status identified in the reporting record.

A short reopening followed the July advisory lift

On July 17, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Rhode Island Department of Health lifted their recommendation to avoid recreational activities at Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence. State officials said the harmful algae bloom had cleared, recent testing found low algae levels, and no toxins were detected at multiple locations.

The Local Insider News reported July 19 that Notte Park Beach had reopened after an earlier closure that began June 29. That reopening followed the state advisory lift, but it did not establish a permanent change in water conditions.

The renewed July 28 restriction means residents should not treat the July 17 advisory lift or the July 19 reopening report as the current status for swimming.

Swimming access is different from park access

The town’s July 28 notice concerns swimming at Notte Park Beach. Based on the available notice, it does not establish that the entire park or all beach grounds are closed for walking, recreation or other non-swimming uses.

Residents should look for any broader town closure notice before visiting. Anyone planning to enter the water should check the latest North Providence and Rhode Island DEM advisories first, because conditions and official restrictions can change.

What residents should watch for

State health guidance says harmful algae blooms, also known as cyanobacteria, can produce toxins that affect people and animals. Young children, pets and people with certain underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems may face greater risk.

People and pets should avoid water with bright or dark green scum, thick floating algae or a paint-like appearance. State officials also advise against drinking untreated water or eating fish from affected waterbodies. Anyone who comes into contact with suspected algae should rinse with clean water; people who develop symptoms should contact a health care provider, and pet owners should contact a veterinarian if an exposed animal becomes ill.

Because the status changed twice in July, the latest official notice matters more than an earlier reopening report. For residents considering swimming or other water-based activities at Notte Park, the town and state advisories should be checked before entering Wenscott Reservoir.

Sources

• Town of North Providence July 28 swimming restriction notice
• Rhode Island DEM and RIDOH July 17 advisory update
• The Local Insider News reopening report