As part of the New Deal, the United States government established the WPA (Works Progress/ Projects Administration) to address unemployment during the Great Depression. From 1935-1943, approximately 8 million jobs were created, mostly local civic improvement construction projects such as road and sidewalk paving, wall building and shoreline erosion control. Locally the WPA built sidewalks and most of the stone walls, grandstands, concession buildings and other facilities in Newport’s public parks. Vernon Park, Freebody Park and Cardines Field are the most visible examples.