Larry Mouradjian Fishing Pier

Larry Mouradjian Fishing Pier. . , Rocky Point was traditionally accessed via Narragansett Bay. In 1860, the American Steamship Company ran ships to the park's pier several times a day. The pier, a constant fixture at the park, was not untouched by the ravages of nature, however. In 1883, a fire demolished the boathouse at the pier. The 1938 New England Hurricane and Hurricane Carol in 1954 both destroyed the pier, but it was rebuilt so eager vacationers and parkgoers could once again arrive by dinghy, pleasure boat, or even yacht to enjoy all that Rocky Point had to offer., The pier remained a desirable way to approach Rocky Point, even as land access to the park became available through horse and trolly cars. Once those methods of transportation gave way to cars and buses, the pier became less of a focal point for park access and, instead, the park's owners began offering boat rides while limiting drop off and pick up at the pier for private excursions., In the 1960s, the pier became a popular destination for local fishing tournaments. It operated in this capacity for roughly twenty years until the pier was barricaded off to public use in the 1980's due to safety concerns. During its 40 year closure, the pier ruins were the subject of many breathtaking photos., The vision for rebuilding the iconic pier was that of former RI Dept. of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Asst. Dir. Larry Mouradjian. Larry, well known as a fiercely passionate and friendly advocate for public lands, had spent four decades working for RIDEM fighting for public access to high-quality parklands through the state. Larry played a key role in coordinating a myriad of state and federal agencies to ensure the acquisition of the property and authority to construct the new fishing piers., The fishing pier features a 280 footlong timber T-shaped pier with a shade structure, benches, railings, and solar lighting. Railing heights vary to allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy access. Due to its length and location, the pier is the only true deep-water fishing pier in Narragansett Bay and has become one of the Bay's premier fishing spots.