Newport Recreation Committee

The Recreation Committee serves as an advisory board to the Newport City Council on issues pertaining to parks and recreation. The group assumes a role in developing sense of community and enhancing quality of life by influencing the recreational future of Newport. At monthly meetings we discuss upcoming events, facility improvements, long and short term goals, volunteer opportunities and much more. Meetings are about two hours long and are held at the Newport Municipal Building on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00-8:00PM.
 
Consider this a formal invite to any and all who share our passion for parks and recreation! All meetings are open to the public with community participation encouraged. Our next meeting is scheduled for July 11, 2019.
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​CURRENT MEMBERS
Committee Chair: Jenn Smith
Assistant Chair: Marin Gardyne
Secretary: Debbie Smith
Members: Jaime Comtois, Mike Nolan, Adam "AJ" Thurston, Nicole Gratton, Shari-Lee Ryan, Vaughn Cloney
Alternate Members: Dave Jankowski, Maggie Brown
GARDNER PARK PLAYGROUND & SPLASH PAD PROJECT
​Newport City Council approved a resolution in December authorizing Newport Parks & Recreation to pursue a $180,000 grant through the Vermont Land & Water Conservation fund. The ambitious request will support a $400,000 proposed renovation to the Gardner Park playground including installation of a new splash pad scheduled for the summer of 2020. The ambitious request will support a $400,000 proposed renovation to the playground and restroom facilities in Gardner Memorial Park tentatively scheduled for the 2020 summer season. While much of the project will be grant funded, Parks & Recreation has enlisted the help of the Recreation Committee to close the $200,000 fundraising gap between now and July of 2020. ​Help us reach our goal!​

PRESS RELEASES
1/4/19: Sights Set on Playground Transformation - Newport Dispatch
JOIN THE NEWPORT RECREATION COMMITTEE
We are motivated by the community that surrounds us, and inspired by your ideas! This Committee works closely with the Director of Parks & Recreation and serves as an advisory board to the Newport City Council on issues pertaining to parks and recreation. The committee consists of 5-9 members, of which the majority must be Newport City residents. It’s a way to share your input and help steer the future of our City. Feedback direct from our community holds the highest value!

To apply for a seat, formal education is not necessary, but some demonstrated experience or involvement in volunteerism, parks and recreation programs, projects or planning is preferred. Members are appointed by the Newport City Council annually in March for two year staggered terms. Interested applicants can submit a letter of interest outlining their experience, qualifications and their desire to the the Parks & Recreation Director before the annual rolling deadline of  February 1. Letters can be dropped off in person at the Parks & Recreation office or emailed to Info@NewportRecreation.org.

Download Newport Recreation Committee Bylaws
MEETING MINUTES
December 8, 2018
January 10, 2019
February 7, 2019
​March 14, 2019
​April 11, 2019
​May 16, 2019
June 13, 2019 (Not Approved)