Bike Newport’s Big Blue Bike Barn was a dream in 2017. That’s when 24 local leaders traveled to Riverside Park in Providence to experience the Red Shed bicycle education campus run by the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. Thoroughly inspired, we came back to Newport to process the question “What can the Newport version be?” Then, we got to work and built that dream!
Since then, dozens of partners and supporters have contributed to the building and growth of this vibrant campus. With land provided by the Newport Housing Authority, support provided by the City of Newport, ideas provided by inspiring facilities worldwide, and funds provided by numerous generous partners, we have together built a beautiful lush outdoor community space that hosts program areas, shelters, gardens, program containers, a ½-acre Pump Track, trails connecting into Miantonomi Park, and, since 2023, water! The Big Blue Bike Barn campus is a vibrant community asset and much-loved open space.
Now, thanks to a collection of visionary and enthusiastic partners – the Big Blue Bike Barn has electricity!
The Solar Power Project is powered by the generosity of The Newport Health Equity Zone, International Tennis Hall of Fame, 11th Hour Racing, A1 Roofing and Construction, Beacon Solar, and AQ Tech.
On July 29th, the community gathered to celebrate the project, thank the funders, and turn on the lights! With solar-powered music playing, attendees applauded at sunset as the sun went down and the lights came on. (Scroll down for photos)
Thanks to solar power, Bike Newport now has lights and cooling fans, computers, internet, and charging stations in the containers for Summer Camp and year-round community education programs. Outdoor lights mean evening programs and community gatherings. Sustainable power year-round provides neighbors with comfort, opportunity, and connection in this vibrant public space. The benefits of the Big Blue Bike Barn campus keep growing – Bike Newport expresses deep thanks to the incredible collaborative and caring community of Newport.
PARTNER REFLECTIONS:
“We receive monies every year from the CDC Delta Fund, and in past years we have been focusing on increasing green spaces. Studies show that more green spaces decrease the occurrence of intimate partner violence. Our Green Spaces Working Group determined this solar power project with Bike Newport was a natural fit for this year’s funding.” – Sydney Ormerod, Director of Prevention, Women’s Resource Center, Newport HEZ
“The Tennis Hall of Fame is really committed to leaving the planet better than we found it. We were excited for this project as an opportunity to offset our carbon emissions within our local community through local solar power. Bike Newport holds a lot of the same values as far as mission, students and education, which made this a natural fit.” – Luke Ahearn, International Tennis Hall of Fame
“I first connected with Bike Newport when I biked to Folk Fest years ago and learned about them there. We love any project where we can get kids outside, active and connected with each other and the community.” – Sean Napolitano, Owner, A1 Roofing and Construction
“We want to work with people who get stuff done. And Bike Newport gets things done!” – Joe Goff, Managing Partner, A1 Solar
“Our work at the Bike Barn is our biggest community project yet. We were brought on board by Joe Goff from A1 who knew we could help, and we were excited to be a part of it. We definitely want to keep working on the space with Bike Newport, and our next step will be installing some security lighting.” – Phil Jewell, Owner, AQ Tech
“This is such a special space for the community, and it feels as if the connection has come full circle, with the solar project happening in the same month we brought bike parking to the tournament. Bike Newport is inspirational, and it makes us wonder what’s next. Maybe we’ll become the most biked-to tournament in the world.” – Julianna Barbieri, International Tennis Hall of Fame
“The Big Blue Bike Barn represents the power of partnership and community. Bike Newport’s harnessing of that power to illuminate this beautiful space with solar power is a beautiful reflection of what’s possible when we work together.” – Xay Khamsyvoravong, Newport City Councilor
“The Bike Barn is revolutionary with water and now electricity. I love what it does for the summer camp program, and that camp is inclusive and open to everyone.The location is great as is the partnership with the City of Newport to make this happen.” – Don Hartley, Bike Newport Board Member
“This project is a community accomplishment. Here with us today we have campers and parents, city councilors, board members, advisors, donors, and the businesses that generously took this project from concept to completion. It really does take a village! We want this community resource to be a model for creating more community spaces. We hope that when people come here, they will be inspired the way we were inspired by the Red Shed. My heart is so full and grateful to the organizations who have so much love for the community to see this through.” – Bari Freeman, Executive Director Bike Newport
Bike Newport