3. Summary of Existing Conditions

The foundation of this Master Plan was a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Newport’s assets. The goal of this existing condition inventory and report was to document Newport’s trees, parks and open space, highlighting key opportunities and challenges.

° An inventory of Newport’s parks and open spaces

° Needs assessment and level of service analysis comparing open space and recreation availability in Newport to national standards

° Analysis of sea level changes, environmental considerations, legal protection status, and historic identity

° Input from Advisory Groups, stakeholders, and the Steering

Committee

° Public feedback at the first community meeting

The process yielded several key themes and opportunities useful in shaping the future of Newport’s trees, parks, and open space network. Key findings by theme included:

Equity: How can all parts of the city equally enjoy great open spaces, recreational elements, trees, and passive enjoyment opportunities. Today, while many neighborhoods of Newport enjoy easy access to waterfronts and open spaces, some areas such as Northern Newport1 show greater gaps. The gaps are apparent when demographics and population are taken into consideration; the North End contains only 7.5% of the city’s park space and 18% of the city’s playgrounds yet 44% of the city’s population lives there.

1 “Northern Newport” includes the North End and Broadway Neighborhoods.

Park Activation and Amenities: How can amenities and programming further enrich the experience of Newport’s parks and open spaces? Improved signage, park enhancements, seating, paths, accessible zones, stormwater management, and additional shade are opportunities to improve park visitor experiences.

Connectivity: How can access to and between parks, the waterfront, and neighborhoods be improved for bicyclists and pedestrians? Currently Newport is only home to two stretches of bicycle lanes. Public input has shown a desire for a more connected greenway network, where multimodal streets, designated bike lanes, and green infrastructure provide connections throughout the city.

Living Legacy: Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. 1913 plan helped shape the future of the city, recommending a framework for the establishment and preservation of open space, boulevards, and greenways. Today, many street connections and the urban forest reflect the influence of Olmsted. This plan, in tandem with legal protection, is an opportunity to preserve Newport’s rich legacy, while also addressing current and emerging needs.

Resiliency: How can Newport’s parks be prepared for future changes in climate, sea level rise, and storm surge from coastal storms? Today key zones such as King Park are already feeling the effects of climate change; Downtown and the North End are next in line. There is a need to adapt these zones to sea level rise and climate change through the use of innovative design, salttolerant plant species, and wildlife habitat creation. Newport’s system of parks, open space, and trees provides a key opportunity to act as an urban stormwater sponge, which has the potential to help absorb rainfall and also clean water.

Habitat and Natural Systems: Planning for trees, parks, and open space in Newport must consider natural systems, promoting functional ecological habitat and green connections. How can Newport’s green spaces and trees support the ecological needs of the city, as well as the recreational needs of residents and visitors?

An Enduring System: Newport’s trees, open spaces, and waterfronts are defining features of the city; yet, they also face challenges from tight budgets and development pressure. Many of Newport’s beloved open spaces are not permanently protected, and older trees in the city, like its Centennial Beeches, are nearing the end of their lifespans. Open space preservation and a strategy for the next generation of Newport’s urban forest are critical considerations for the master plan. Newport’s public open spaces, including city-managed sites and two state parks, also face fiscal challenges. Maintenance needs are high and have increased for the Newport Buildings, Grounds, and Forestry division with the addition of schools to their responsibility. Parks staff are increasingly asked to do more with fewer resources. What are the opportunities to create a fiscally sustainable system to provide more support for maintenance?