Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 133

9 Open Space & Recreation Fields From a quantitative perspective, Newport has a sufficient number of fields to meet year- round demand. Baseball/softball fields are well distributed throughout the city in parks ranging from Abruzzi Little League Field, King Park, Braga Park, and Murphy Field. Fields for soccer or football are limited to the southern half of Newport. The North End has none of these fields. Courts Overall, Newport has a sufficient number of volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts to meet demand, but like fields, the distribution of these active recreation elements varies across the city. Some areas are well-served, but others have less access to courts. For example, basketball is a particular deficit in the North End. The North End subarea has a shortage of active recreational opportunities, especially basketball courts, fields, and playgrounds for the year-round population. Based on quantitative analysis, by Sasaki and Associates, gaps include: • Playgrounds (gap of 7-8) • Baseball / Softball fields (gap of 2-3) • Soccer/Football fields (gap of 3) • Basketball (gap of 3) • Tennis courts (gap of 2) • Picnic shelters (gap of 2-3) • Recreation center (gap of 1) Newport is exceptionally well-served by public tennis courts. In fact, the seventeen courts in the city are more than double the recommended number to meet peak summer demand! Last fall, the City of Newport converted a tennis court in Hunter Park to a Pickleball Court, a sport that is growing in popularity among many age groups. Play Newport has an appropriate number of playgrounds to meet recommendations, but their distribution is not equal throughout the city. The North End has fewer playgrounds, but the highest number of children. One skate park in Newport is sufficient to meet recommended demand, but its location is not accessible for many residents. In addition, its location is also prone to sand accumulation, contributing to the poor overall condition of the facility