Cheers to a Great Year for Open Space!

December 20, 2019

From the heat of the summer to the first snowfall of the season – 2019 was a great year for open space in Newport. At NOSP, we continue to pursue our mission to implement the Newport Tree, Park, & Open Space Master Plan, while finding new ways to engage and support our community. Thank you to everyone who supported us this year! As Newport Tree Warden, Scott Wheeler, said, “Yes, we are indeed fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful place, but it’s an even greater treasure to be blessed with a community that cares so much for our natural surroundings.”

2020 promises to be an even bigger year, with projects planned to protect open space, improve our parks to fit community demands, reduce polluted stormwater runoff into our drinking and recreational waters, and ensure equal access to our parks for all Newport residents.

We hope you will join us in celebrating 2019’s success and toast the promise of the new year to come! Cheers!

Here are a few highlights from 2019:

  • Installed new restrooms at Miantonomi Park
    • The new facilities allow residents to fully enjoy Miantonomi Park for longer periods of time.
  • Installed play equipment for toddlers at Morton Park
    • The generosity of the Hamilton Family Foundation allowed us to better serve the community by installing playground equipment intended for children ages 2-5 to complement the existing equipment geared for 5-12 year olds.
  • Made strides toward improving Murphy Field
    • Newport City Council voted to pursue a grant for drainage and aesthetic improvements and would introduce an open sports field concept that would more fully contribute to meeting the changing demands of our community.
  • Made Miantonomi Park a central meeting point through summer programming
    • The Play Hut was open daily throughout the summer, with program staff coordinating games and individual play.
    • Miantonomi Tower was open to climbers to experience the history and views of the 1929 WWI memorial.
    • Aquidneck Growers Market held a weekly farmers market, which provided fresh produce and baked goods, while adults and kids alike learned about healthy living.
  • Supported installation of new lighting fixtures at Aquidneck Park Centennial Reading Garden, a gift of Landscapes and Lanterns to City of Newport.