Solar celebration set for Newport bike facility

Published On: July 25, 2025

Bike Newport will celebrate the installation of solar power at its Big Blue Bike Barn with a community event Tuesday evening.

The celebration runs 7:30-8:30 p.m. July 29 at 20 Sunset Blvd.

The solar installation powers lights, fans and computers for summer camps and educational programs at the facility. It also enables evening programming and provides internet access and phone charging stations.

“This is a dream come true,” said Bari Freeman, Bike Newport executive director. “Sustainable power year-round provides the community with comfort, opportunity and connection.”

The project was funded through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Delta Ahead Grant, distributed by the Newport Health Equity Zone. The zone selected Bike Newport as transportation lead for its Greening Urban Spaces initiative.

“Healthy green spaces and engaging public programs not only address air quality — vibrant gathering sites like the Big Blue Bike Barn reduce stress, provide one-on-one support, and build on the strengths of our community,” said Sydney Ormerod of Newport HEZ.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame supported the project as part of its annual carbon offset initiative through its partnership with 11th Hour Racing.

“This year, we really wanted to work with a local community leader, and Bike Newport was a natural fit,” said Luke Ahearn of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

A1 Roofing & Construction, Beacon Solar and AQ Tech provided construction support.

The facility sits on a former vacant lot on the northern end of Miantonomi Memorial Park. Since 2017, the Newport Housing Authority and Bike Newport have developed the site into a community hub.

More information is available at

bikenewportri.org/bbbb-solar-power/