In 1990 Carol C. Ballard donated a thirteen acre parcel of open space to the City of Newport “for the enjoyment of all Newport’s residents” thus creating Ballard Park. Carol envisioned the site would serve as an outdoor laboratory for area students and a place where the local public could connect with nature.

Friends of Ballard Park formed in 1996 “to protect, preserve and maintain Ballard Park”. Founding board
members included Carol Ballard, Jim Baker and Ginny Purviance. The trio worked with Scott Wheeler and Susan Cooper from the City of Newport to clean up the quarry meadow. Burned out cars, large construction material, household appliances and other trash were removed and the quarry was regraded and sodded. A trail system was introduced and clean ups were held.

The first field trips to Ballard Park were held in 2002. Each year Friends of Ballard Park has expanded the program to partner with more social service agencies and most recently schools. Ballard Park is designated as a field trip site for second and fourth graders from Newport Public Schools.

In 2003 Friends of Ballard Park hosted its first large event — the Annual Ballard Park Pumpkin Tour. More than 2,000 people attended and the annual event now draws 5,000 people or more. Over the past few years Friends of Ballard Park has developed a regular stable of events which kick off each February with the Illuminated Garden and include outdoor movie screenings, concerts, yoga classes and a Mad Hatter (Iced) Tea Party.

With the support of the community, Carol’s vision is being realized — over 700 children participated in field trips at Ballard Park last year and more than 8,100 people came to events in Ballard Park, scores more visit the park on their own each day. We appreciate your support of our efforts and look forward to seeing you along the trails of Ballard Park!