NEWPORT – Jay Peak Resort has partnered with Newport Parks and Recreation to host the Green for Gardner Park Day—an event designed to raise money and awareness for the parks and rec department’s Gardner Park Restoration Project.
On Saturday, February 1, a portion of the proceeds from lift ticket sales will be donated to the initiative, and representatives from the Newport Recreation Committee will be on hand to share concept designs.
Gardner Park is one of Newport City’s most heavily used recreational facilities.
It attracts over 40,000 people annually hosting community events, sports leagues and general recreation visits.
Such popularity though has come with the cost of aging infrastructure in need of restoration to meet safety standards and the contemporary needs of the community.
“My family contributed to many of those 40,000 annual visits,” said Jay Peak’s General Manager Steve Wright. “The plan that the parks and rec department has come up with will evolve the play area so that future generations will be able to enjoy the park, and its surroundings, for years to come.”
Initial improvements to the park are scheduled to begin this fall and will focus on major playground and restroom facility renovations.
Project elements include replacement of all existing play structures in the play area, installation of a 40’x40′ motion-activated splashpad, updated family-style restrooms, and a modest concession area.
“Those of us working on the project have always known it’s cool enough to shout from the mountain top—and now we actually have the chance to,” said Jessica Booth, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Newport.
As the largest independent business and employer in the region, Wright says the resort has a responsibility to support local communities, the people who live within them, and the various causes and opportunities that help them to thrive.
“Our employees and guests live and work in Newport and the surrounding communities,” Wright said. “Having a safe and vibrant place to gather as family and friends is integral to a community’s health, and it’s our responsibility to support these sorts of efforts when we can.”
The Gardner Park Restoration Project is a long term, multi-phase initiative to improve one of Newport City’s most prominent public recreation assets.
Organizations and individuals interested in learning more about the project can call 802-334-6345, and are invited to join project representatives at Jay Peak’s Bullwheel Bar from 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1 to learn more.
Visit www.NewportRecreation.org/SPLASHPLAY for project details.
