The Friends of Ballard Park is dedicated to protecting, preserving and maintaining Ballard Park, Newport's Only Nature Preserve. It's goals are to allow for the peaceful contemplation of nature for the local public, to provide a passive cultural, historical and educational resource, and to enhance the unique and exceptional aesthetic natural qualities of the 13 acre park.
On all of its efforts, the Friends of Ballard Park looks to other nonprofit organizations for collaborative opportunities. Summer educational classes set in Ballard Park have been offered free of charge since 2002 to agencies such as Island Arts, the Salvation Army, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and the City of Newport's Teen Extreme program in an effort to enhance their curriculum and introduce children to Ballard Park who might not have access to it. Grants have been awarded to science teachers at neighboring Rogers High School as well as the Newport Area Career & Technical Center's photography class. Additionally, students from the NACTC's carpentry program worked to build boardwalks in the park and a youth board was created last year to further engage Rogers High School students.
The board of directors is dedicated to creating programming that will impact park use. Rogers High School students have been one of the largest user groups of the parks over the past few decades. Underage drinking parties create unwanted trash, graffiti, hurt the environment and in some cases create dangerous situations for teens. Our philosophy with regard to educational programs is to start with preteens so that we lay a foundation for interaction with area youth in which they respect the park and give them a sense of ownership so they serve as stewards when they enter their high school years and when exploring it with friends do so in a positive manner.
Programming which includes concerts, dance performances, yoga and belly dancing classes and nature-related tours also reflects this philosophy. The organization might be best known for creating the Ballard Park Pumpkin Tour which includes a display of over 1,000 jack-o-lanterns carved by children and adults enrolled in local nonprofit programs as well as the general public. The annual event is held the second Saturday before Halloween.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carol C. Ballard, President
Mrs. Ballard donated 13 acres to be used for Ballard Park
when an abutting 54 acre parcel she owned was deeded to
the City as a wildlife refuge closed. She had the idea that
Ballard Park would serve as the natural viewing area for the
54 acres while providing a site for educational and cultural
activity. She is a major contributor to the organization
both financially and as a visionary.
Misi Narcizo, Vice President
A graphic designer, Misi's creative talents enhance park programming greatly. As a parent of an elementary school
child and part time graphics teacher at a local private school,
Ms. Narcizo's input on family-oriented events is vital to
the organization.
Jill Spear, Treasurer
Ms. Spear and her husband are renovating an historic home
that abuts Ballard Park and have a vested interest in the
park's future. She is the New England Sales Manager for
GE Healthcare Technologies, has an MBA from Columbia
Business School and a wealth of financial expertise.
Frank Amaral
A freelance landscape designer who spent time at Ballard Park
in his youth, Mr. Amaral has helped shape both the landscape
of the park as well as community service and mentoring
programs with area youth.
Meg Edenbach
A nature enthusiast who not only volunteers but brings
others to volunteer at all park events, Ms. Edenbach is a
journalist who focuses on environmental issues and
constantly shares new information with the board.
Colleen McGrath, Secretary & Executive Director
Ms. McGrath has served as executive director of Friends of
Ballard Park for the past five year. Prior to that she worked for
nine years in New York City's publishing industry specializing
in marketing and special events and for a short term in
circulation. These skills along with deep community roots
have helped her to successfully grow the organization.
Mrs. Ballard donated 13 acres to be used for Ballard Park
when an abutting 54 acre parcel she owned was deeded to
the City as a wildlife refuge closed. She had the idea that
Ballard Park would serve as the natural viewing area for the
54 acres while providing a site for educational and cultural
activity. She is a major contributor to the organization
both financially and as a visionary.
Misi Narcizo, Vice President
A graphic designer, Misi's creative talents enhance park programming greatly. As a parent of an elementary school
child and part time graphics teacher at a local private school,
Ms. Narcizo's input on family-oriented events is vital to
the organization.
Jill Spear, Treasurer
Ms. Spear and her husband are renovating an historic home
that abuts Ballard Park and have a vested interest in the
park's future. She is the New England Sales Manager for
GE Healthcare Technologies, has an MBA from Columbia
Business School and a wealth of financial expertise.
Frank Amaral
A freelance landscape designer who spent time at Ballard Park
in his youth, Mr. Amaral has helped shape both the landscape
of the park as well as community service and mentoring
programs with area youth.
Meg Edenbach
A nature enthusiast who not only volunteers but brings
others to volunteer at all park events, Ms. Edenbach is a
journalist who focuses on environmental issues and
constantly shares new information with the board.
Colleen McGrath, Secretary & Executive Director
Ms. McGrath has served as executive director of Friends of
Ballard Park for the past five year. Prior to that she worked for
nine years in New York City's publishing industry specializing
in marketing and special events and for a short term in
circulation. These skills along with deep community roots
have helped her to successfully grow the organization.
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