A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the presentation of a comprehensive trail network plan for Newport. The plan, presented by Connor Cox, a senior transportation planner from Bolton and Mink, underscored the need for enhancing and expanding the city’s trail system. Cox detailed the results of community engagement activities that have been conducted over the past few years, which have stressed the importance of developing trails. Survey data and community feedback have consistently ranked trail improvements as a high priority for residents, leading to the city council’s backing of this initiative.

The current trail network consists of approximately nine miles of trails, primarily located on either side of the highway. The proposed plan aims to increase this to roughly 18.5 miles over the next 10 to 20 years, introducing new connections to key city locations such as city hall, schools, parks, and the Mississippi River. This expansion is designed to enhance accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists, with particular focus on creating safer crossings at critical intersections.

Cox highlighted several priority corridors, including 4th Avenue, which will connect vital destinations within Newport. Short-term recommendations for this corridor involve restriping the road to accommodate an on-street walking and biking path. The long-term vision includes developing an off-street shared-use path to narrow the existing roadway, thus enhancing safety and accessibility. Similar plans are proposed for Cedar Lane and 16th Street, initially improving safety with advisory shoulders and eventually establishing off-street trails.

Community feedback has been integral to shaping these plans, with a ranking activity held at a community event helping to prioritize trail corridors. Concerns from residents, particularly parents, about pedestrian crossings have been acknowledged, leading to added crossing locations along Hastings Avenue based on survey responses. Questions about the financial implications of the plan were raised, with assurances that the city aims to pursue grant funding to minimize community financial burdens.

Transitioning to other topics, the board heard a presentation from Sarah Marie of the Newport Library about the “Adventure 5505” program. This initiative is designed to engage youth in educational activities during the summer. The program offers adventure packets, each containing educational worksheets, available at parks and schools. Participants earn prizes upon completion of the activities. Last year, the library distributed 500 packets and received around 100 completed responses. This year, the goal is to distribute at least 600 packets, with a significant number going through Newport Elementary School. The program has been praised for its ability to blend education with fun, as illustrated by a child’s remark about being “tricked into learning.”

The meeting also touched on a seedling planting event scheduled for the following day at Beta School Forest, emphasizing community engagement opportunities. Discussion then shifted to the design of new sport facilities at Lovelin Park, which will include one basketball court, one tennis court, and three pickleball courts. Plans also include additional parking and ADA accessibility, with hopes for project completion within the year, pending the bidding process.

Upcoming community events were discussed, including a family fun night planned for June 3rd. Potential activities such as games and ice cream were proposed, alongside suggestions for involving the local sheriff’s department to foster community interaction. The board considered logistical needs like a Bluetooth speaker for music and creating spaces for younger children.

Pioneer Day, traditionally held on a Sunday, will now take place on Saturday, August 9th. The festivities will include a parade and an afternoon event at Briner Park, with a movie night planned for the preceding evening. Final details regarding the movie selection and additional activities are still under consideration.