Ballard Park,
Hazard Road, Newport, RI 02840
About Us
Welcome to Ballard Park: Newport’s Natural Oasis
Nestled in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island, Ballard Park is a captivating 13-acre public park located on Hazard Road. A cherished gem for both locals and tourists, this nature preserve offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, inviting you to connect with nature in its purest form.
A Legacy of Conservation and Community
Established in 1990 through the generous donation of Carol C. Ballard, the park was envisioned as a sanctuary for Newport’s residents and visitors alike. Carol’s foresight preserved this unique landscape, transforming it from a potential development site into a thriving outdoor laboratory where students and the community can explore and learn.
Adjacent to the park, a 54-acre wildlife refuge, also gifted by Mrs. Ballard, serves as a protected habitat for local flora and fauna. While this area is closed to the public, Ballard Park offers unobtrusive views and paths perfect for bird-watching and leisurely walks.
A Hub for Education and Culture
Ballard Park is managed and maintained by the Friends of Ballard Park, a nonprofit organization founded in 1996. Thanks to the dedication of its founding members, the park has evolved from a once-neglected dumping ground into a vibrant center for education and culture. The organization’s efforts are supported by memberships, grants, and corporate donations, enabling a wide range of programming and activities.
Events and Activities
Throughout the year, Ballard Park hosts numerous events that celebrate its natural beauty and cultural significance. Highlights include the annual Illuminated Garden, where thousands of lights transform the quarry meadow into a magical winter wonderland, and the popular Ballard Park Pumpkin Tour, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
In addition to these signature events, the park offers outdoor movie screenings, concerts, yoga classes, and educational field trips that engage over 700 children annually. These activities reflect our commitment to balancing community engagement with long-term resource protection.
Flora and Fauna
Nature enthusiasts will delight in the diverse plant life within Ballard Park. From the delicate Cinnamon Fern to the vibrant Day Lily, the park’s trails are adorned with a rich tapestry of native flora, providing a picturesque backdrop for exploration and discovery.
Visit Us
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an engaging community event, Ballard Park welcomes you to explore its trails and enjoy its natural wonders. We invite you to support our mission to protect, preserve, and maintain this invaluable resource for future generations. For event updates and weather advisories, please visit our website.
Come experience the beauty and tranquility of Ballard Park — where nature and community thrive together. We look forward to seeing you along the trails!
You might also consider
You might also consider
Photos
You might also consider
You might also consider
Reviews
"Beautiful cliffs and lots of short side trails. A nice, down to earth break from the glamor of Newport"
"Ballard's Park is a Beautiful place for a casual walk or decent run. You can find multiple different trails for whatever experience you're looking for. You can find plenty of spots to stop for a quick workout as well. Ballard Park can quickly be turned in your your own personal Gym. Peaceful, quiet, and Beautiful Views. This is a must see area."
"Park is opposite the 'front' of Rogers HS. Did not see anyplace to park so I used the HS parking lot (glad school was out). The trail was interesting. It was narrow, filled with tree roots and rocks. Definitely not for strollers. I couldn't tell which way - or which trail - I was on. So hopefully you won't be in a hurry exploring here! I gave it 3 stars because it was difficult to find, parking was scarce, navigating trails was a curious task :)"
"Very pretty views in this small but fun to hike park (lots of changing elevations as you got around the quarry in particular). However, SO MANY TICKS. We went in late april and pretty much stuck to the main paths and didn't go into any overgrown areas, and we (2 adults, one young teen and a medium dog) had more ticks on us than I have ever seen before. An hour of hiking/walking tops and we had 5 or 6 on the humans and probably 12-15 on the dog."
"This beautiful park is just a few minutes away from downtown and it's 100% worth talking a walk through! There is enough land/woods that you feel far away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. I parked across the street at the school since it was a weekend and I'm not sure where else to park since it looks very limited on the road. I really like the area where it opens up to a clearing and there is a huge rock/cliff. I was able to climb the cliff without any issue but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone because it was pretty risky(albeit extremely satisfying)."
You might also consider
People also searched for
List of local businesses, places and services in Rhode Island
⭐ business help 🔍 services ☎️phones ⌚️opening times ✍️reviews 📍 addresses, locations 🖼️ photos