Gardner Park Restoration
Centrally located, Gardner Park is one of Newport City’s most heavily used recreation facilities. Annually, over 40,000 people visit the park for community events, sports leagues and unstructured recreational use. While the park is regularly enjoyed by many, the facility is challenged by aging infrastructure in need of restoration to meet safety standards and the contemporary needs of our community. The Gardner Park Restoration Project is a long term, multi-phase initiative to improve one of our City’s most prominent public recreation assets. With community support, fundraising, and assistance from donors, we can shape the outlook for Newport City's most iconic park!
PHASE ONE: Splash & Play Project
Initial improvements scheduled for fall of 2020 will focus on major playground and restroom facility renovations as outlined in Newport City's Waterfront & Downtown Master Plan. Project elements include replacement of all existing play structures in the play area, installation of a 40'x40' motion-activated splashpad, updated family style restrooms and a modest concession area. The first step to achieve project goals is to secure the $598,00 project cost through a series of grants, fundraisers and private donations. The Newport Recreation Committee has been tasked by the Newport City Council to raise a large portion of the funds needed to match state and federal grants. Attending committee sponsored events, or supporting fundraisers is a great way to help the Splash & Play project come to life! Read more... Press Release: Sights Set on a Playground Transformation - Newport Dispatch Press Release: 
PHASE TWO: Waterfront Access & Ice Rink Improvements
In keeping with Newport's broader theme of "look to the lake," the Waterfront & Downtown Master Plan recommends aesthetic and functional improvements to the shoreline at Gardner Park to encourage more recreational use of the lake. Proposed plans include additional dock space, a new rental kiosk for stand-up paddle boards, peddle boats and kayaks and ecological landscaping near the water's edge. Upgrades the the ice rink is also planned during phase two to remove tall ice rink boards and replace them with low-profile seasonal fixtures to increase shoreline visibility during spring, summer and fall months. 
PHASE THREE & BEYOND
Following phases of the Gardner Park Restoration may improvements to athletic fields and lighting, a walking path and bridge over the Clyde River to connect the main park with the Causeway/bandstand area and development of a "barn-style" venue for indoor events, farmer's market and community activities. The long-term outlook for Gardner Park largely depends on the shared vision of our residents and those who participate in committees and public meetings. |
SPLASH & PLAY PROJECT FUNDING
Updated: 11/19/19 Recreation Committee Fundraising: $8,812 Original Gardner Park Restoration Funds: $15,000 Community Bock Development Grant: $100,000 Land Water Conservation Fund Grant: $182,500 Buy-A-Brick Sales: $400 Corporate Sponsors/Partnerships: $41,000 
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