Venue Directory
Ballard Park
In 1990 Carol C. Ballard donated a thirteen acre parcel of open space to the City of Newport “for the enjoyment of all Newport’s residents” thus creating Ballard Park. Carol envisioned the site would serve as an outdoor laboratory for area students and a place where the local public could connect with nature.
Friends of Ballard Park formed in 1996 “to protect, preserve and maintain Ballard Park”. Founding board
members included Carol Ballard, Jim Baker and Ginny Purviance. The trio worked with Scott Wheeler and Susan Cooper from the City of Newport to clean up the quarry meadow. Burned out cars, large construction material, household appliances and other trash were removed and the quarry was regraded and sodded. A trail system was introduced and clean ups were held.
The first field trips to Ballard Park were held in 2002. Each year Friends of Ballard Park has expanded the program to partner with more social service agencies and most recently schools. Ballard Park is designated as a field trip site for second and fourth graders from Newport Public Schools.
In 2003 Friends of Ballard Park hosted its first large event — the Annual Ballard Park Pumpkin Tour. More than 2,000 people attended and the annual event now draws 5,000 people or more. Over the past few years Friends of Ballard Park has developed a regular stable of events which kick off each February with the Illuminated Garden and include outdoor movie screenings, concerts, yoga classes and a Mad Hatter (Iced) Tea Party.
With the support of the community, Carol’s vision is being realized — over 700 children participated in field trips at Ballard Park last year and more than 8,100 people came to events in Ballard Park, scores more visit the park on their own each day. We appreciate your support of our efforts and look forward to seeing you along the trails of Ballard Park!
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At-a-
Glance
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Contact Info
Ballard Park
Corner of Hazard and Wickham Roads
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401.619.3377 | Email | Official Website
Admission:
Free
Hours:
Sunrise To Sunset
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Map
Full map and directions
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Parking Info
WHILE ENJOYING BALLARD PARK PLEASE:
Beware of poison ivy & ticks
Carry out your trash
Keep dogs leashed
Stay on the trails
NOT PERMITTED AT BALLARD PARK:
Alcoholic Beverages
Archery
Bungee Jumping
Camping
Fires
Golf
Hunting
Illicit Drugs
Littering or Dumping
Motorized Vehicles
Rock Climbing
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Accessibility Services
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Upcoming Events
| 06/16/13 |
Father's Day Hike
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
June 16, 2013
Start Father’s Day with fresh air and a hike of the trails at Ballard Park! Friends of Ballard Park staff will host a guided tour of the thirteen acre park providing information on its unique features and history. Meet at the Wickham Road entrance across from Rogers High School. $10 suggested donation per family.
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06/18/13-
08/27/13 |
Yoga in the Park
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
June 18-August 27, 2013
Breathing, warm-up, basic postures and relaxation for all levels. Those interested should wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. Class is in the quarry meadow. Use Hazard Road entrance.
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| 07/10/13 |
The Newport Community Band
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
July 10, 2013
The Newport Community Band is a forty-five piece symphonic orchestra sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts at Salve Regina University. Membership is open to all Newport-area residents, including high school students and Salve Regina students. The Newport Community Band has performed at a variety of public events. Seating is on the grass- bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance to ensure a place to park and time to make your way down to the quarry...
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| 07/24/13 |
Jenkins Construction presents Concert by The Moldy Suitcases
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
July 24, 2013
The Moldy Suitcases is a tribute to the underground music of 1920’s. The Suitcases are an original band that resuscitates long lost hits from over the decades. Kelsey holds the front with lead vocals and her bluesy "Can" solos. In addition, Tom Poitras showcases his unique flair for the guitar on both ukulele and banjolele. Greg holds the groove on upright bass while drummer, washboard player, suitcase specialist, and all around percussionist Tom O’Leary adds the stomp...
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| 07/24/13 |
Concert by The Toe Jam Puppet Band
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
July 24, 2013
Offering a special brand of hands-on children’s entertainment, the Toe Jam Puppet Band encourages kids and parents to sing and dance along with the band as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs, shadow puppetry and storytelling. Seating is on the grass- bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance to ensure a place to park and time to make your way down to the quarry meadow. Use Hazard Road entrance. FREE
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| 08/05/13 |
4th Annual Mad Hatter (Iced) Tea Party
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
August 5, 2013
Enjoy tea sandwiches, desserts and an assortment of iced teas in between playing croquet, making your own crazy hat and participating in the Alice in Wonderland-themed scavenger hunt along the trails of Ballard Park. Use Hazard Road entrance. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and should be purchased prior to Thursday, August 1. E-mail us for an invitation at events@ballardpark.org or send your check made payable to Friends of Ballard Park, 226 Bellevue Avenue #10, Newport, RI...
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| 08/07/13 |
Movies on the Rocks: Mary Poppins
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
August 7, 2013
From the moment Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) floats into the Banks’ household, things are never the same. The children are swept into magical romps across the English countryside, tea parties on the ceiling, and madcap dances over the rooftops of London. Winner of five Academy Awards. Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke. Rated G; 140 minutes; 1964. Seating is on the grass- bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive 15 minutes prior to the screening to ensure a place to park and time to make...
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| 08/14/13 |
Movies on the Rocks: Grease
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
August 14, 2013
A musical about teens in love in the 50s. Good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fell in love over the summer. But when they unexpectedly discover they’re now in the same high school will they be able to rekindle their romance? Starring John Travolta and Oliva Newton-John. Rated PG; 110 minutes; 1978. Seating is on the grass- bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive 15 minutes prior to the screening to ensure a place to park and time to make your way down to the quarry meadow. Movies begin...
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| 08/21/13 |
Movies on the Rocks: Moonrise Kingdom
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
August 21, 2013
Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, this film tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore — and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle. With scenes filmed in Ballard Park! Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray. Rated PG-13; 94 minutes; 2012....
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NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is
accurate. However, it's a good idea to visit the website or call the
venue to verify the information.
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Current &
Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Events
| 06/16/13 |
Father's Day Hike
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
June 16, 2013
Start Father’s Day with fresh air and a hike of the trails at Ballard Park! Friends of Ballard Park staff will host a guided tour of the thirteen acre park providing information on its unique features and history. Meet at the Wickham Road entrance across from Rogers High School. $10 suggested donation per family.
|
06/18/13-
08/27/13 |
Yoga in the Park
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
June 18-August 27, 2013
Breathing, warm-up, basic postures and relaxation for all levels. Those interested should wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. Class is in the quarry meadow. Use Hazard Road entrance.
|
| 07/10/13 |
The Newport Community Band
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
July 10, 2013
The Newport Community Band is a forty-five piece symphonic orchestra sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts at Salve Regina University. Membership is open to all Newport-area residents, including high school students and Salve Regina students. The Newport Community Band has performed at a variety of public events. Seating is on the grass- bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance to ensure a place to park and time to make your way down to the quarry...
|
| 07/24/13 |
Jenkins Construction presents Concert by The Moldy Suitcases
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
July 24, 2013
The Moldy Suitcases is a tribute to the underground music of 1920’s. The Suitcases are an original band that resuscitates long lost hits from over the decades. Kelsey holds the front with lead vocals and her bluesy "Can" solos. In addition, Tom Poitras showcases his unique flair for the guitar on both ukulele and banjolele. Greg holds the groove on upright bass while drummer, washboard player, suitcase specialist, and all around percussionist Tom O’Leary adds the stomp...
|
| 07/24/13 |
Concert by The Toe Jam Puppet Band
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
July 24, 2013
Offering a special brand of hands-on children’s entertainment, the Toe Jam Puppet Band encourages kids and parents to sing and dance along with the band as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs, shadow puppetry and storytelling. Seating is on the grass- bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive 15 minutes prior to the performance to ensure a place to park and time to make your way down to the quarry meadow. Use Hazard Road entrance. FREE
|
| 08/05/13 |
4th Annual Mad Hatter (Iced) Tea Party
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
August 5, 2013
Enjoy tea sandwiches, desserts and an assortment of iced teas in between playing croquet, making your own crazy hat and participating in the Alice in Wonderland-themed scavenger hunt along the trails of Ballard Park. Use Hazard Road entrance. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and should be purchased prior to Thursday, August 1. E-mail us for an invitation at events@ballardpark.org or send your check made payable to Friends of Ballard Park, 226 Bellevue Avenue #10, Newport, RI...
|
| 08/07/13 |
Movies on the Rocks: Mary Poppins
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
August 7, 2013
From the moment Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) floats into the Banks’ household, things are never the same. The children are swept into magical romps across the English countryside, tea parties on the ceiling, and madcap dances over the rooftops of London. Winner of five Academy Awards. Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke. Rated G; 140 minutes; 1964. Seating is on the grass- bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive 15 minutes prior to the screening to ensure a place to park and time to make...
|
| 08/14/13 |
Movies on the Rocks: Grease
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
August 14, 2013
A musical about teens in love in the 50s. Good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fell in love over the summer. But when they unexpectedly discover they’re now in the same high school will they be able to rekindle their romance? Starring John Travolta and Oliva Newton-John. Rated PG; 110 minutes; 1978. Seating is on the grass- bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive 15 minutes prior to the screening to ensure a place to park and time to make your way down to the quarry meadow. Movies begin...
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| 08/21/13 |
Movies on the Rocks: Moonrise Kingdom
Ballard Park
Presented by Friends of Ballard Park
at Ballard Park
August 21, 2013
Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, this film tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore — and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle. With scenes filmed in Ballard Park! Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray. Rated PG-13; 94 minutes; 2012....
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Past
Events
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