August 2006 marked the 10th Anniversary of the founding of Friends of Ballard Park. In 1996 by-laws were signed and the nonprofit was officially incorporated as a 501(3) c with a mission of protecting, preserving and maintaining Ballard Park, Newport’s only nature preserve.
The Friends of Ballard Park today owes much of its success to the founding park members -- Jim Baker, Ginny Purviance, Peter Simpson, Hap Morgan and, of course, Carol Ballard -- who had the foresight to create an organization that would ensure Ballard Park would remain accessible to the public as a passive cultural and educational resource.
Once a dumping ground (when the FOB cleaned up the area large items like cars, refrigerators, ovens and construction materials were removed - see photos at right), Ballard Park is now emerging as a center for education and culture. The Friends of Ballard Park pays for a landscape architect to maintain the trails of the park.
Memberships, grants and corporate donations to the Friends of Ballard Park have allowed the organization to expand its programming and reach. We appreciate this generous support and look forward to increased participation and input as we develop future events which balance community needs and long-term resource protection at Ballard Park.
ABOVE: The quarry meadow of Ballard Park today
BELOW: Photos of the quarry meadow prior to it being graded and cleaned up
BELOW: Photos of the quarry meadow prior to it being graded and cleaned up
