MIANTONOMI PARK
Miantonomi Park plays a critical role in northern Newport from many perspectives – offering key recreation, gathering space and passive enjoyment, wildlife habitat, and tree canopy in a densely populated neighborhood. Named after Chief Miantonomi of the Narragansett Indians and home to Newport’s only official WWI Centennial Memorial, the park has a rich history. The Master Plan highlighted Miantonomi Park as a key project and opportunity.
NOSP has focused on Miantonomi Park for our summer programming (see the Parks in Motion project for more info) and has been working to secure additional funding for critical infrastructure upgrades. We helped write a successful grant, alongside the City of Newport and the Miantonomi Park Commission, to receive funding from the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission to replace the WWI plaques on Miantonomi Tower. Additionally, we’ve worked with the City of Newport to secure funding from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to replace the bathrooms. Finally, we’ve been working with the City of Newport and the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, through their Island Waters program, to address drainage issues in sections of the park. These must needed improvements will greatly improve the experience for park users.