3. Open Space

Newport News' most dramatic natural feature is its water.  Newport News has 47 miles of shoreline along Hampton Roads, the James and Warwick Rivers.  Its landscape is shaped by numerous creeks which flow into broad tidal marshlands.
 

Waterfront 2.svg
Newport News’ most dramatic natural feature is its water. (Popup full image) 

 

  Providing public access to the water is a feature of the Framework for the Future. Waterfront parks are recommended for the City Farm and on Skiffe's Creek Reservoir. Existing parks on the water include Victory Landing, Chesapeake Avenue, North and South Anderson Parks, Salters Creek, King Lincoln Park, Huntington Park, the Hilton Pier, the Mariners’ Museum, Riverview Farm Park, Newport News Park, and the Denbigh Boat Ramp.  Providing public access to the waterfront is a primary element of all future waterfront developments, including the Southeast Community and the City Farm.


Waterfront Tampa.svg
Providing public access to the waterfront has been identified by citizens as a top priority. Tampa, Florida has located several public parks and a boardwalk along the river in its downtown. (Popup full image) 
 

The Framework for the Future Plan incorporates elements of the natural landscape and attempts to preserve them and reintroduce them in critical areas where practical. The rivers, creeks, marshlands, fields and woodlands help define neighborhood boundaries and provide natural buffers between neighborhoods and other land uses. Open space corridors where pedestrian paths and bikeways can link neighborhoods with centers, schools and parks. The interconnection of these corridors creates a network of open space throughout Newport News.

A protected network of greenways and trails should connect neighborhoods. Miles of recreational trails will connect activity centers, parks and other destinations with residential areas in Newport News and the Peninsula. The construction of bikeways and sidewalks are a priority. New developments along stream and trail corridors must reserve easements for future open space and trails. Limited access roads crossing trail corridors should provide grade-separated bikeways and pedestrian paths. New roads and road widenings should be constructed with bikeways as a standard element of the projects. Neighborhood, community, district and regional parks, linked by greenways, are planned to ensure that all City residents will have access to open space and recreation.
 

 

Greenway Fla.svg
Greenways and trails can provide connections between neighborhoods and activity centers, such as this one in Watersound, Florida. (Popup full image) 


Parks are an important part of every neighborhood and community.  Neighborhood parks should be accessible by walking. Community, district and regional parks should be accessible by bicycle trails and public transit.  The City should identify important open space, views and vistas that should be protected and preserved either by acquisition of easements, or fee simple title.