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This story appeared on Page A4 of The
Standard-Times on February 20, 2005
Grant will be spent on handicapped facilities at
park
By CURT BROWN, Standard-Times staff writer
DARTMOUTH -- The town has received a $162,400 state
grant to construct a handicapped-accessible picnic
area and pavilion at the Dartmouth Regional Park and
Trails.
The grant, secured through the Executive Office of
Environmental Affairs Urban Self-Help Program, will
cover 58 percent of the $280,000 project.
Sen. Mark C.W. Montigny, D-New Bedford, and Rep.
John F. Quinn, D-Dartmouth, assisted in obtaining
the grant.
David P. Sylvia, chairman of the Board of Park
Commissioners, said the town's share of the project
is $117,600.
Mr. Sylvia said work on the four
handicapped-accessible tables and walkways and the
large, covered pavilion that will house various
activities and functions will start in the spring
when the weather breaks.
Although the majority of the project will be
finished this year, he said the target date for its
opening is summer 2006.
The construction of what is considered Phase IV of
the project is expected to pose only minor
inconveniences to park users.
The 298-acre parcel, formerly known as the Hawes
property and located off Old Fall River Road, was
purchased by the town in 1997.
The park consists of a playground for children of
all ages; basketball, tennis and volleyball courts;
a multi-use soccer field and softball and Little
League fields; and a 3,600-foot bikeway.
Over the past 10 to 12 years, Mr. Sylvia said, the
town has received $1,431,000 in grants for the park.
Phase V is proposed for the 2007-08 fiscal year,
depending on the availability of state grants, town
funds and Town Meeting approval, he said.
Future possibilities for the park include lights for
the fields and pavilion, an in-line skating rink and
a swimming pool.
"With the soon-to-be-added passive recreational
areas, this truly has become a full-service regional
facility and represents our board's commitment to
offering park and recreation facilities to all
residents of our town," Mr. Sylvia said.
"Twelve years ago, the Park Board made a commitment
to the residents in the north end of town who felt
they had been overlooked when it came to park
facilities," he said.
"We are proud that the hard work and planning of our
board and staff, as well as the cooperation of Sen.
Montigny and Rep. Quinn, has resulted in a
full-facility park in the north end of our town
which can be enjoyed by residents throughout our
town and region."
Mr. Sylvia said the Park Department is no longer
offering individual passes for the park and town
beaches.
He said that this summer, the new park will be
included in the Park Department's sticker for
residents.
The new sticker includes all town beaches and costs
residents $30, $20 for senior citizens.
Nonresidents can purchase a sticker for the park for
$18.
This story appeared on Page A4 of The
Standard-Times on February 20, 2005 |
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