Come see Newport’s Ballard Park all a-glow with beautiful and artistic light displays composed of thousands of bulbs at the 11th annual Illuminated Garden event, scheduled for February 18th through the 20th, 2016.
Newport’s only nature preserve, Ballard Park, is always worth a visit. Its 13 acres of views, trails, natural pool, diverse foliage and wildlife make it seem far more vast than it actually is. During the annual Illuminated Garden event, however, you wont believe your eyes as the otherwise lush and verdant quarry meadow is transformed from an unencumbered green-space into a magical land of light and wonder.
Ballard Park’s Illuminated Garden, presented by the Ballard Exploration Company, Inc., is the end result of hundreds of hours of work and planning by students and professionals, designing and creating eye-popping, other-worldy displays of light and form on the trees and other features of Ballard Park’s three acre quarry meadow.
Displays at the Illuminated Garden use not only light and features already in the Ballard Park meadow but also chicken wire, aluminum, glass, plastic sheeting, and other materials – even snow! – to help bring their themed displays to life. Vendors will be on hand with snacks and beverages, such as hot cocoa, to help warm visitors. This 3-day event is free but weather dependent.
Ballard Park is a thirteen acre nature preserve supporting several ecosystems, including woodlands, meadow, and a one acre vernal pond. Ballard Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife including larger mammals like deer, many birds, and a healthy collection of insects. The park has numerous, easy walking paths and, as it abuts a 54 acre wildlife refuge, is great for quiet wildlife and birdwatching.
Ballard Park hosts a number of events throughout the year. Beyond the Illuminated Garden, they also provide an outdoor summer movie series, open air concerts, special hikes, and more. You can view the Ballard Park event calendar at their site: www.ballardpark.org
Ballard Park Illuminated Garden
6pm to 9pm, February 18th through the 20th, 2016
Hazard Rd, Newport, RI 02840
Ballard Park Lodging
Why ruin a perfectly good vacation with substandard accommodations at some cold, cookie-cutter hotel or motel? Whenever you’re in Newport, give yourself the gift of true comfort, hospitality, and bang for your buck with a stay in a Newport Bed & Breakfast Inn!