Newport Celebrates Stone Wall Restoration at Miantonomi Park

On July 22, the City of Newport and Preserve Rhode Island announced the completion of the stone wall restoration at Miantonomi Park. This significant project began last September with the repair of a 250-foot stretch of wall. The second phase, which started in June, saw the restoration of approximately 336 feet of wall along Girard Avenue and the finalization of the park's north entry point. Preserve RI, acting as the project lead for the Scenic Aquidneck Coalition, partnered with the City of Newport to execute these repairs.

Miantonomi Park, located in Newport’s densely populated North End, is a crucial green space for the local community. Owned by the City of Newport and protected by a conservation easement held by the Aquidneck Land Trust, the park’s restoration is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its historical and communal assets. The North End Equitable Development Strategy (NEEDS), created by Smart Growth America and the North End Local Advocacy Group, identified the importance of accessible, high-quality green spaces for equitable development. The restoration of the stone walls addresses one of the key challenges cited in NEEDS by making Miantonomi Park more accessible and visibly marked.

The City of Newport acquired the land for Miantonomi Park in 1921, dedicating it as a memorial to World War I in 1929. The park's original perimeter stone wall, designed to reflect the iconic stone walls of Aquidneck Island, is unique in its construction. Unlike the dry-laid stone walls of the 18th and 19th centuries, the Miantonomi Park wall appears dry-laid but has a cement core. The recent restoration project honored this early 20th-century building technique.

“Stone walls on Aquidneck Island help create its special character and unique sense of place,” said Valerie Talmage, executive director of Preserve RI. “Now the wall along Girard Avenue at Miantonomi Park stands again to mark this special place, adding to the scenic beauty and historical setting of the North End. On behalf of the Scenic Aquidneck Coalition, we’re all delighted to take this step to enhance a historic site, make a spot more scenic, and contribute to the vitality of the area.” For more information, visit PreserveRI.org.