New Skate Park Opens In Newport After Years Of Fundraising

NEWPORT, RI — The new skate park in Newport has opened, with the Friends of Newport Skatepark holding a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday.

The skate park, which is part of the new recreational complex on John H. Chafee Boulevard, is about 19,000 square feet in size and features different areas for all ages and skill levels.

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 settled on the location in 2022.

Organizers of the nonprofit Friends of Newport Skatepark spearheaded the planning and multi-year fundraising campaign for the park. Through grassroots donations, the nonprofit raised $1.3 million for the park.

"Since about mid-November, the park has been visited daily by 100s of skateboarders, friends and family," Friends of Newport Skatepark President Michael Richards said. "Our skate park is a meeting place for so many skateboarders and their families. It feels like a town center, or the local beach, when you know everyone there."

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.