New Location For Newport Skate Park Gets Unanimous Council Approval

NEWPORT, RI — The Newport City Council last week approved a new location for a skate park to be built in the city.

The approved location is near the east side of the Community College of Rhode Island's Newport campus. The city acquired five acres, and officials said they will use a portion of it for a new skate park and basketball court.

Newport used to have a skate park at Easton's beach, but it was demolished in 2016 when city officials agreed a more modern park, less vulnerable to ocean elements, was needed. Throughout the years, Newport city officials have struggled to find a suitable location, but with this vote, the search is over.

"I am happy to see that this has now come to the council with a much improved location that seems to please everyone," said Third Ward Councilor Kathryn Leonard. "This would allow the Friends of Newport Skate Park to move forward and raise funds. I think it's a safer environment than being on the sidewalk down town where we have to worry about everybody."

Doug, Sabetti, the president of Friends of Newport Skate Park, said construction should begin by the end of the year thanks to a $100,000 grant the city received from the Department of Environmental Management for the basketball court.

The skate park is expected to be about 22,000 square feet in size and will feature different areas for all ages and skill levels, Sabetti said.

"One of the best reasons to have this there is because over 60 percent of the kids in Newport live in the immediate area and will be able to walk there, skate there or ride their bikes," Sabetti said.

Friends of Newport Skate Park can now move on to the fundraising phase of the project. The group is aiming to raise $1.3 million.