ABOUT THIS PROJECT

The City of Newport reimagined Festival Park to enhance its role as a vibrant community hub, supporting recreation, festivals, and events while addressing ecological concerns tied to increased river flooding. The new master plan streamlines the park’s layout from three tiers to a single elevated platform above the frequent floodplain, ensuring long-term usability, maintenance ease, and aesthetic appeal in response to climate change.

The design embraces the park’s natural topography, shaping open plazas, green islands, and river overlooks. A dual multi-modal spine along the levee wall enhances navigation for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists, while smaller plazas with swings and landscaping serve as welcoming gathering spaces. Sculptural terraces provide scenic access to the water’s edge, and a multi-use pedestrian trail strengthens connections between the urban riverfront and key community assets, including a main pedestrian bridge and Newport on the Levee.

Extensive community engagement ensured the park balances large-scale event programming with inviting passive recreation spaces. The design also incorporates flexible vehicular access to accommodate events while maintaining safety and accessibility. By integrating thoughtful planning and responsive flood mitigation, the Newport Festival Park Master Plan creates a dynamic, resilient public space that enriches both the city’s cultural vibrancy and its relationship with the riverfront.