Newport approves purchase of new park property

The Newport Board of Mayor and Alderman has approved the purchase of a 1.33-acre property that will be added to the city’s Woodland Park. The property along Birch Street will be used to build a trailhead and main entrance to the top of the hill of the park. The $90,000 purchase will be covered with COVID funds. The two unopened streets in the area could possibly increase the park size by about 1.75 acres or more. The 72-acre Woodland Park was created through a purchase in 2022 and will provide more options for hiking, picnicking, and other recreational opportunities.