Enjoy Autumn in Newport!
November 18, 2020
Happy Fall! We hope you have been enjoying the cooler weather and the crunch of leaves beneath your feet as you explore Newport’s open spaces this Autumn.
As we make our way through 2020, one thing has remained constant – the importance of our public, open spaces. Whether walking your dog, or sitting and enjoying the ocean views, being outside is a sure way to boost your mood and manage mental health during these challenging times.
NOSP believes, as stated in our Newport Tree, Park, and Open Space Master Plan, that “Parks, open spaces, and trees play critical roles in the life of communities – socially, environmentally, culturally, and economically.” We are committed to furthering enhancement of Newport’s open spaces and ensuring Great Parks & Open Spaces for our community.
Great Parks & Open Spaces balances:
- Active recreation
- Passive enjoyment
- Civic and social space
- Environmental needs
Open spaces must provide a balance of areas for passive enjoyment, active recreation, social gathering, and habitat. Sometimes this balance occurs within a single open space like at Miantonomi Park; other times, the balance occurs across multiple parks. Comfort and safety are foundational attributes of any successful open space.
For example, we can create Great Parks & Open Spaces by:
- Upgrading amenities and basic infrastructure, including restrooms, benches, lighting, water fountains, trash and recycling receptacles.
- Increasing activity and programming in parks, helping them become more vibrant gathering spaces; such as our Summer programming at Miantonomi Park.
- Continuing to upgrade playgrounds and increasing ADA accessibility and universal design.
- Strengthen waterfront connections and public access.
- Enhance wildlife habitat and improve environmental health.
As we continue to further enhance and protect our public spaces, we hope you will continue to use them! This Fall, get safely outside (remember to wear a mask) and enjoy the beauty that Newport has to offer.
