The Newport City Council is set to consider a resolution to name the new skatepark on John H. Chafee Boulevard in memory of Seamus Kirby during their Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Seamus Daniel Kirby, a beloved member of the Newport community, passed away on April 14, 2024, at the age of 29. Known for his passion for skateboarding and commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, Kirby left a lasting impact on the local skating community.
All seven Council members signed/introduced the resolution – a not-seen very-often symbol of unification.
The resolution, when passed, would officially designate the recently opened facility as the “Newport Skatepark in Memory of Seamus Kirby.”
Friends of Newport Skatepark (FONS), the organization behind the park’s development, has expressed full support for the naming proposal. In a letter to Mayor Charles Holder and council members, the FONS Board of Directors wrote, “Naming the skatepark in his memory would be a fitting tribute to Seamus’s life and legacy.”
The skatepark, which opened on Nov. 27, 2024, represents the culmination of years of community effort. Paul Marshall, Vice President of the FONS board of directors, highlighted the project’s journey at the May 31 groundbreaking ceremony.
“What started as a Rogers High School senior project some ten-plus years ago to today has been a journey, to say the least,” Marshall said.
The approximately 19,000-square-foot park was constructed with more than $1 million in raised funds. It aims to provide a safe and inclusive environment for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
The resolution emphasizes Kirby’s influence beyond the skateboarding community, citing his creativity, kindness, and dedication to the values of camaraderie and perseverance.
“Seamus Kirby’s influence extended beyond the skateboarding community, touching the lives of many through his creativity, kindness, and dedication to the values of camaraderie and perseverance,” the resolution states.
Kirby, a graduate of Rocky Hill Country Day School and the College of Charleston, was known for his athletic abilities and professional work with Kirby Construction. His obituary describes him as someone who “had a wonderful ability to bring everyone into his embrace, his tent was big, and he wanted everyone under it.”
Obituary: Seamus Daniel Kirby
The proposed naming seeks to ensure Kirby’s memory continues to inspire future generations of skaters and community members.
If approved, the resolution would serve as a tribute to Kirby’s enduring legacy and his contributions to the Newport community, aiming to inspire generations to embrace the values of creativity, community, and resilience.
The City Council’s decision on the resolution will determine whether the Newport Skatepark will officially bear Seamus Kirby’s name, cementing his legacy in the community he loved and served.
update
Newport City Council approves Skatepark dedication, debates traffic safety measures
See the full resolutions below or here.
