Newport launches park ranger program; short term rental registration deadline nears
The city of Newport is set to launch a new seasonal Park Ranger program this summer to provide visitors to Newport's network of public parks a helping hand and to be on the lookout for potential hazards and quality of life issues.
The program, which is the first municipal program of its kind in Rhode Island, stems from a series of community meetings related to park use and safety that began last year, culminating in a Park Safety Report drafted by the Tree & Open Space Commission and presented to the City Council.
While the rangers will be a visible presence across the city, they will not be law enforcement officers. Rather, as part of the Department of Public Services, they’ll serve as ambassadors for the city with the stated goal of promoting positive uses in parks and building relationships with visitors.
They’ll also be keeping an eye out for potential problems such as unleashed dogs, noise violations, and illegal dumping, and will act as a conduit between the public and law enforcement should the need arise.
The initiative is modeled after other successful park ranger programs in communities such as Denver, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Rangers will visit all parks, but will focus their efforts on the city’s most popular urban areas including Storer, King, Hunter, Miantonomi, and Vernon parks.
Once operational, rangers will monitor parks from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. throughout the summer season.
The city is currently accepting applications and a full job description is available online at www.CityofNewport.com/jobs. As a community-facing position, bi-lingual candidates and those with a passion for the outdoors are encouraged to apply.
Short term rental registration deadline nears
Short Term Rental operators in Newport have until May 31 to register with the City Clerk’s Office or face a Municipal Court citation.
According to city ordinance, any property owner engaging in rentals for 30 days or less are required to register their properties with the city no later than May 31 of each year.
In addition to conforming with the city’s zoning rules, property owners must also receive approval from the Fire Marshal's Office prior to engaging in short-term rentals.
Applications are available on the city’s website, at www.CityofNewport.com/ShortTermRentals, or in the City Clerk’s Office, and carry a $100 registration fee.
Newport’s registration is in addition to a requirement by the State of Rhode Island that obligates short-term rental property owners to register with the Department of Business Regulation.
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Newport short term rental registration deadline May 31
