If attendance at Rhode Island’s “First Day Hike - 2015” was a prelude of things to come, then a fully open Rocky Point Park looks to draw some serious crowds.

Proving that old Rocky Point Amusement Park jingle still rings true, hikers came with their friends and families to take part in the fourth annual First Day Hike. Crystal clear skies greeted those who braved freezing temperatures for a two plus mile trip that highlighted interesting points throughout the state’s newest park, now fully open to the public.

According to Felicia Celeberto of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Park & Recreation, the First Day Hikes began more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation State Park in Milton, MA, and it’s grown from there. Sponsored by the National Association of State Park Directors, hikes range in length and difficulty and are held each New Year’s Day. Celeberto, who organized and led the day’s hike, said all 50 state park systems have joined this year to host First Day Hikes.

“This is the fourth year for Rhode Island, previous hikes have been at John Chaffee Nature Preserve at Rome Point and Goddard Park,” said Celeberto. “The hike usually attracts 20 to 30 participants, so turnout far exceeded our expectations!”

In fact, the record-breaking turnout drew ten times that number, with more than 250 appearing for the 11 a.m. event. Drawing memories of parking problems from the past, Rocky Point Avenue outside the park was lined with cars after the entrance way parking lot completely filled.

Because of the larger than expected crowd, many of whom were eager to see the park for the first time since it closed, volunteers from the Rocky Point Foundation assisted with the hike. DEM Park Manager Brian Gallagher was also a volunteer, stationed at the beginning of the hike to sign in and greet hikers and hand out original Rocky Point Park clam cake tickets as mementos. While the crowd was large, no major traffic incidents were reported or seen.

“Everyone who participated was very enthusiastic, and happy that the land has been saved for future generations to enjoy,” said Celeberto. “My favorite part was the stories the hikers shared about the park when it was open, about the rides, the Shore Dinner Hall and "Rocky" bingo.”

The hundreds of walkers meandered through the park as if on an unseen track, forming a line reminiscent of those that once queued up outside the former amusement park’s rides. Starting at the park’s entrance, their path brought them to the remains of the saltwater swimming pool, the World’s Fair Arch, onto the site of the former Shore Dinner Hall. From there they passed the more than century old Observation Tower foundation and Circle Swing tower, to the peaks of Rocky Point and the top of the old Sky-Liner ride.

Walkers continued to the northern part of the park, visiting the site of the summer cabins and Rocky Point beach. They then completed the circle by following the walkway along the coast back to the entrance.

“This is an amazing view from an amazing place,” said Paul Earnshaw, president of the Buckeye Brook Coalition and avid local environmental enthusiast, who broke off from the hike to see the top of the hill near the Observation Tower. While praising the work done on the park during the past year, he was shocked at the event’s turnout.

“I had a feeling this was going to be a significant event when I read about it, but I can’t believe how many people came here today, it’s incredible,” he said.

“I learn something new about the history of Rocky Point each time I’m here,” said Denise Drouin of the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. “It’s great that the public can now enjoy this place.”

Avid Rocky Point fan George LaCross of Barrington brought his son Evan, who only experienced the park as an infant. LaCross is the editor of www.laffinthedark.com, which specializes in Fun Houses and dark rides and is an expert on Rocky Point history. After his visit, he referred to the park as Rhode Island’s “Field of Dreams.”

"This field, it's a part of our past,” said LaCross, who praised the First Day event as an outstanding time. “It reminds us of all that once was good and it could be again."

While the majority of attendees approved of the event, a few voiced concerns of the challenges of an unexpected crowd that size. While those challenges expose the difficulties of bringing events back to a fully open park after decades of disuse, DEM appears resolved to build upon these experiences.

“Through DEM events such as the First Day Hike we hope to share the park, its natural beauty, and historical features with as many visitors as possible,” said Celeberto.

The State of Rhode Island is currently coordinating the development of Rocky Point State Park with the City of Warwick. Interested organizers of special events should contact the DEM Parks and Recreation main office for consideration and information.