Tree & Open Space Commission recommends relocating Newport carousel; council urges alternatives to sale

The City Council received a communication from Maureen Cronin, chair of the Tree and Open Space Commission, reporting the commission’s recommendation to relocate the city carousel and explaining the factors that led to that suggestion. "We approached it with an open mind," Cronin said, and concluded that the carousel does not qualify for historic-grant funding and would require a building, year-round staffing and ongoing operational support.

Cronin told the council the commission applied six parameters in its site search and found recurring constraints: flooding risk at some waterfront sites, neighborhood opposition to music and parking impacts, and the carousel’s operating needs. "Nobody wants it near them, because they don't want to hear the music nor do they want the parking dilemma," Cronin said, noting the commission heard substantial public input during meetings and open houses.

Cronin also said the commission had not received any concrete purchase offers. "No one has stepped forward," she said, and cautioned that a buyer would need to invest substantially to make the ride operational. She described the commission’s view that, if funds were spent, they might better shore up recreation assets such as the Martin Recreation Center.

Several councilors urged alternatives to selling or relinquishing municipal control. Councilor (speaker 3) said he "will not support the city selling the carousel or relinquishing control," citing the carousel’s role in local employment and community life. Other councilors asked administration to consider siting options in the Gateway Center near the aquarium and to explore partnerships with nonprofits or philanthropic landholders that could steward the carousel while keeping it in Newport.

The communication was received by the council for informational purposes; no formal policy change was enacted at the meeting. Councilors directed staff to pursue additional information about feasible locations, partnership options, and funding mechanisms, and to return with options that reflect the commission’s constraints and the community’s preferences.

What happens next: staff and commissioners will continue outreach and report back to council with potential sites, partnership models and cost estimates so the council can decide whether to pursue relocation, sale, or retention with a different operating model.