The Department of Parks and Recreation oversees all the functions related to recreation/leisure planning, park development, and care, management of all recreation buildings and the protection or development of the town’s natural environment.
Recreation and Special Events Calendar
Discovering fitness classes and other program offerings by Bristol’s Parks and Recreation Department is easier than ever! Through the Mindbody platform, users can register, pay and receive updates for all of the town’s fitness offerings, trips, and events online!
To view our Calendar of Events, click here >
Have a smart device? Download our app!
Bristol Town Beach & Sports Complex
The Town Beach and Sports Complex is a 47.15-acre public facility located near the entrance to Colt State Park. Learn more about the amenity by following the link below.
Summer Camp
At the Bristol Town Beach
As a highlight of Bristol’s summer recreation offerings, this is a seven-week program is filled with a wide variety of activities including swimming, tennis, arts and crafts, soccer, kick-ball, and more!
Public Facilities Policies and Forms
Facility Use Permits & More
Learn more about Bristol’s facility-use policies and fees.
Places of Interest
Discover the outdoors in Bristol
Bristol is home to a number of parks, bike paths, walking trails, recreational facilities and open space areas.
Local Organizations
Discover local recreation organizations and sports teams in Bristol.
Recreation Board
The Recreation Board is made up of community volunteers appointed by the Bristol Town Council. The recreation board serves as an advisory group to the director on matters related but not limited to equipment and management of public playgrounds, athletic fields, swimming pools, bathing places and other community recreation centers. Additionally, the group works to promote recreation, play, sports and physical training in town.
Health Equity Zone
The Bristol HEZ is a community-wide effort funded through the Rhode Island Department of Health by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Health Resources and Services Administration to create innovative approaches that can reduce and manage chronic diseases, promote healthy lifestyles, assure healthy child development, and create environments where healthy choices are easier to make.
Parks & Recreation Newsletter
Find out what’s going on this month!

Quinta-Gamelin Community Center Address: 101 Asylum Road, Bristol, RI 02809
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 8:30AM – 4:00PM
Town Beach & Sports Complex Address: 50 Asylum Road, Bristol, RI 02809
Hours of Operation: Memorial Day through Labor Day | Sunrise – Sunset
Warren rensehausen, CPRP
Director, Parks and Recreation
Phone: 401-253-1611
Fax: 401-410-0019
[email protected]
Tim Shaw
Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation
Phone: 401-253-1611
Fax: 401-410-0019
[email protected]
MIchele Martins
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 401-253-1611
[email protected]