Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 128

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan
Washington Square
Washington Square, with Eisenhower Park as its heart, is the historic, economic, social, and civic center of Newport.
The green space at the center, known today as Eisenhower Park, functioned as Newport’s first town common. The
green space was originally used as a temporary holding area for livestock such as sheep and cattle brought into town
for purposes of trade, and then was the site of several small dwellings and a shop. The area was serviced by a spring
at the top located behind the Colony House. It forms the entry courtyard for the Courthouse building and acts as a
major pedestrian thoroughfare to destinations on either side of the park.
Old Stone Mill-Touro Park
The stone structure in Touro Park (referred to as the Newport Tower, the Old Stone Mill, or the Touro Tower) is
believed to have been originally constructed in the mid-17th century as part of the estate of Benedict Arnold, the first
colonial governor of Rhode Island. It was used for various purposes throughout its history, as a wind mill, a haymow,
and for powder storage in the mid-18th century. During the American Revolution, it was used as a lookout by
American troops and, while Newport was occupied, the British stored munitions in the tower.
Cardines Field
Originally called Basin Field, with references found as early as 1893, the property was used by local railroads as a
drainage and supply basin for steam engines. Neighbors complained about the smell and mosquitoes, which
prompted drainage of the area. Local groups of railroad and other workers began to play baseball on the field. There
is some debate over whether baseball was played here prior to 1900, which would make it one of the oldest ball parks
in the United States. Earliest documented proof of the stadium construction is the backstop which dates to 1908.
The field hosted many barnstorming all-star teams and Negro League Teams. In 1936 the City of Newport took
ownership of the stadium and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed stone bleachers along the thirdbase line in 1937. The original WPA grandstand was destroyed in the hurricane of 1938 and reconstructed in 1939.
The park was eventually renamed for Bernardo Cardines, a Newport baseball player who was the first Newport citizen
to die in World War I. During World War II, many professional baseball players were stationed at the Naval Station in
Newport and played in an amateur league called the Sunset League which continues to this day. The Newport Gulls, a
summer collegiate baseball team, moved to Newport in 2001 and have helped raise attendance and activity at the
field.

Freebody Park’s
Land for Freebody Park WPA era stadium was donated to the city of Newport in the 1870’s and was designated for
use as a baseball field in 1882. A stadium and walls were constructed by the WPA after World War I. Freebody Park
was home to the Newport Jazz Festival from 1955 until 1964.
Ellery Park
Ellery Park is a small triangle mini park located where Thames Street and Farewell Street intersect. This park is home
to the Liberty Tree—an iconic and symbolic gathering place for colonists to assemble and protest.

Overview of Types of Parks

Parks can be divided into categories based on their size and general function. Typically, smaller parks address
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