[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6090302,"mediaKeyId","2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc","parentId",2867669,"title","Veterans group pitches restoration and accessibility upgrades at Kennedy Park; board asks proponents to coordinate with historical commission","audioSeconds",310,"startMs",3720000,"endMs",4030000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc&start=3720&end=4030","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc/thumbnail_3720000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6090302/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Veterans-group-pitches-restoration-and-accessibility-upgrades-at-Kennedy-Park-board-asks-proponents-to-coordinate-with-historical-commission","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090302-00d588bb73af3488683fa02b1ccdc24b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442877&Signature=Y4ZbzpjjwcYP0ebGqtHw8vEC6yEN0pR2ltdOGC8iS0SliQOkNFHDjoqLbSC1g37qz~uy-DLPlEoTmM2KycSsYZ23Nkm4awOEXsr7362usLiHUFXE5ohQ0Umjf1l6fmdS89RUlleHqSZ4tjVx6hK51mhj9PH9QGLNqCTAG6WqMKvevanQ3dz45wpp3f~vzMlrK3TnW8fTfvwBaax6-ndalHenHdeZqERzZ6oN8YhL6~iaY8QBUzmK~HLZNS-FlclED9HkQKfguVmqiYOW0SwhHGW3SRk2QVIjp0Y2gfZd1TDfBev8T88K1bvyEWZ~I0Ao6xwe61zFMYE2M9GZwwELWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fall River City, MA","date","2025-04-03T21:25:37Z","article","Tom Santos, representing the Porteous American Veterans of Bristol County, presented a privately funded plan to restore the World War II and Vietnam monuments at Kennedy Park and to improve site accessibility. Mr. Santos said the monuments’ concrete surrounds are cracked and heaved and suggested replacing the dated skirt around the monuments, matching cobblestone edging and adding benches to restore the site to its mid-20th-century appearance.

\"We totally redid Santo Square…we fundraised over $15,000,\" Santos said, citing a prior veterans-led corner renovation. He said the monument work would be similarly privately funded and that the group would like to reconstruct sidewalks, add cobblestone accents and restore benches where appropriate.

Board members expressed support for the intent but noted the site’s historic character and possible Olmsted Park design considerations. Commissioners recommended the proponents consult the historical commission and return with formal plans and any required procurement or permitting documentation so the board can place the item on a future agenda for formal approval.

Why it matters: The monuments are public assets, and restoration or alteration of memorial sites often involves historical-commission review and careful procurement oversight. Proponents indicated the work would be privately funded, which may change procurement requirements but does not eliminate the need to coordinate with city preservation and park-design rules.

Next steps: The veterans group will refine designs and coordinate with parks staff and the historical commission. The board indicated it will place the proposal on a future agenda for formal consideration after proponents submit detailed plans.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4.2.2025 Park Board","oneSentenceSummary","Members of the Porteous American Veterans of Bristol County proposed privately funded repairs and accessibility improvements to the World War II and Vietnam monuments at Kennedy Park. The board discussed logistics and asked proponents to consult the historical commission and return with detailed plans.","taxTitle","Fall River City, Bristol County, Massachusetts","taxId",4215,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090306,"Park Board approves hazardous-tree removal at Pierce Street; denies removal in Bailey Street cul-de-sac without contractor evidence",653,2303000,2956000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc&start=2303&end=2956","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc/thumbnail_2303000.jpg","/articles/6090306/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Park-Board-approves-hazardous-tree-removal-at-Pierce-Street-denies-removal-in-Bailey-Street-cul-de-sac-without-contractor-evidence","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090306-e2ad0a156c09388ea8630def8379d6b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442877&Signature=FP7roEuVlNI53DVPp8EvyI9mKTRSxmjCw-oBWPcEEGa~1fzx2EJZMU0AHWxNDQvfstXpkE6CQyzHe0R9hlBWHDbJii3tsT1aXjS1uXYbjwvyhav7fuSOry3Ga1aV9FkbuGqEM45zoIkhhGODHzX8AksgJhC6qjd82dcegtqDKhuigTO4tPJjRAbfmcAltLecpYx6-~MACiNAc3LOR7sq9RnvIA9zdXix0TSmarBNiH7QYluwBDQa5LHCdhEJw~IIDzIGBDl5LA94GdsGuddLt0~Kw8rcjp9pTAxvcW99OrxFPoyTQolJQRR24AWvzZfqY~LQjprhRSGH3AhUD7fo-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Park Board on April 2 approved the removal of a street tree at 342 Pierce Street after parks staff documented that the tree had lifted the adjacent driveway and sidewalk, creating a tripping hazard. Staff said the tree’s root mass had heaved the pavement and that sidewalk repair and stump removal would follow the tree removal.

By contrast, the board denied a separate request from Cheryl Wilding to remove a tree in a Bailey Street cul-de-sac. Parks staff inspected photos and the site and told the board the tree appeared young and healthy and that cracking at the driveway entrance likely reflects a sink or undermining near a manhole rather than root upheaval. Commissioners told the applicant she may submit a contractor or engineering report showing the tree caused the damage if she wishes to reopen the request.

Why it matters: Tree removals on city streets raise questions about pedestrian safety, sidewalk ADA compliance and replanting. Parks staff said they often replant trees where feasible, but homeowners sometimes decline replacement when a tree has affected a driveway or utilities.

Implementation notes: Parks staff will remove the tree and the leftover stump at 342 Pierce Street and have DCM (design and construction management) repair the sidewalk. For the Bailey Street request the board asked the applicant to provide professional documentation if she wants a reconsideration.","Parks staff inspected two private-property tree requests. The board approved the removal at 342 Pierce Street because the tree had heaved a driveway opening and created a trip hazard; it denied a separate request in a Bailey Street cul-de-sac after staff determined the tree appeared healthy and driveway damage was likely due to other causes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090312,"Bridal Park soccer field needs turf, net and lighting fixes; parks staff to seek funding options",321,936000,1257000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc&start=936&end=1257","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc/thumbnail_936000.jpg","/articles/6090312/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Bridal-Park-soccer-field-needs-turf-net-and-lighting-fixes-parks-staff-to-seek-funding-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090312-a7cddeecc9dd7035aa61bf5113c2381b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442877&Signature=I30r7vUU3eRszkvfrS4DYDGLCezWKv9EYuZBptjr0AerSuSrPF3r1xcyRwxO6VUXCbe5HvW-XvBfhJPmx7GLTn2Dp6JNWhEnfjlNKmWbCxfkL63r85u46T~3V2tdORrUgy1VQax6d0OSnyKBt~jDRKsLV9ipQ8Qf~SdBcVDNP9Qt~Gpgz4cKWkSuEEkM-vOer9uYufHKqpPPIpNpbsVlaW9Hhr39zvkHUfA73OK3LekVCWFSQP2qTFMCoaLAqna4dluhmm3sK9LobybP1wP-XxXMecWziXe9qUjtEJmV~Plp~BPuTWMmi5NeDmykxmS1NMmXjWhzw9qLFLqCJ0eaJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the April 2 meeting the Park Board discussed maintenance needs at Bridal Park after a Florida Youth Soccer representative described repeated turf damage in penalty-kick areas, a replaced net on one side and a second net now needing replacement. The league also noted that field lines are fading and touch-up paint was applied last year.

Parks staff said several of the turf patches have been repaired previously by cutting out and gluing new turf pieces, but new holes have appeared. Commissioners urged the league to coordinate with Al in the parks office and with Charlie (maintenance) for immediate repairs. The board encouraged organizers to ensure the correct athletic turf paint is used for future touch-ups.

Lights were another concern. Parks staff confirmed that lights at the facility are aging, some poles were flagged for replacement elsewhere in the city, and an osprey nest occupies at least one light pole. Commissioner(s) suggested the league consider applying to the Community Preservation Committee for funding for new lighting; the CPC has previously funded new softball lights at Father Kelly.

Why it matters: The field is used by local travel teams, visiting squads and community leagues. Board members said the appearance and safety of the facility affects Fall River’s ability to host visiting teams and tournaments.

Next steps: Parks staff will work with the league to inspect the PK spots and replace nets; staff will also provide CPC application information to the league. The board approved the league’s field use request while noting maintenance items to be scheduled.","Representatives for Florida Youth Soccer reported turf damage, faded lines and net replacements needed at Bridal Park’s 11v11 field. Commissioners recommended coordinating maintenance and exploring Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding for lights.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090316,"Fall River Office of Community Development and residents win approval for Father Travasso Park community garden",579,1441000,2020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc&start=1441&end=2020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc/thumbnail_1441000.jpg","/articles/6090316/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Fall-River-Office-of-Community-Development-and-residents-win-approval-for-Father-Travasso-Park-community-garden","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090316-a287f5b8a225f3e947f2bbda8adc0d05/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442877&Signature=ol2hJuW-xIn1R51Mnpf-D1aWwS6nBxZBzOymmUQOUerIlDn0uXJiTUb3TTNDvqlwRxvaNViNzClQsos8TunFgrUZuHwh2yKKNqjP1rn2xP16LxWn3oo5TcOhfxByGNNtxeuJKwjK1yKaLv~CfKIbkh8SziF-hpiXSW~tT7o2Y6mHNdtWoP~ZC53e01ssOki-QUCy5sFCQl~2cbRHgT2ypriDPfZQWndK9Dew7IQBCYGOfl7ofCAQrN~3SS2JUGS9aXyMNGysfmJj31tBPVcvceFdf-C9ZFVq9fjx7lbKnOXABOeU7Tp1U1oc9Imzcc-4aGULS6nYjHIixOoJAFQr0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fall River City Park Board on April 2 approved a resident-led plan to establish a community garden at Father Travasso Park after a presentation by Dr. Gloria Sadler, who said she is coordinating the project with the Office of Community Development and neighborhood partners.

Dr. Sadler told the board the project grew from resident input and that the plan is to use raised 24-by-8 boxes (the initial submission requested 20 boxes but the applicant said she will start with fewer as a trial). She said the garden will be built with help from the Fall River Young Marines and the police department as a community service exercise and that the design will include table-height, ADA-accessible beds so older residents and people in wheelchairs can use them.

\"We are going to start small with those garden boxes,\" Dr. Sadler said, adding that she has met with a grant writer and plans to apply for community-gardening grants to pay for fencing and accessible surfaces.

Why it matters: The approval allows residents to pilot a garden with raised boxes without invasive soil testing (applicant said choosing boxes avoids immediate soil disturbance in a former mill-site area). Commissioners emphasized that the project should not become a maintenance burden on parks staff and asked the applicant to provide a timeline and grant-application progress.

Implementation details and conditions
Dr. Sadler said she will purchase or procure rain barrels for water capture and will coordinate volunteers to refill containers if municipal water access is not immediately available. Parks staff will provide a site plan review and assist with grant contacts. The board approved the project on the condition that the applicant submit a more detailed box count and a plan for initial watering and maintenance; staff suggested fencing will be pursued after a successful pilot.

Next steps
Dr. Sadler will submit a revised plan with the pilot box count and a budget for the grant writer to complete applications. Parks staff will work with her on site logistics and on connecting her to funding sources the board mentioned.","Dr. Gloria Sadler and neighborhood partners secured Park Board approval to start a phased, ADA-considerate community garden at Father Travasso Park. The board approved a pilot of raised boxes and urged the applicant to pursue grant funding for ADA access and fencing.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090321,"Fall River Park Board approves multiple event and field permits; several maintenance and tree requests addressed",233,95000,328000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc&start=95&end=328","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2867669-93a7d24277e3e8a2ad61502747a0fbfc/thumbnail_95000.jpg","/articles/6090321/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Fall-River-Park-Board-approves-multiple-event-and-field-permits-several-maintenance-and-tree-requests-addressed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090321-a85b9ee3410d3069db3008880997bbe2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442877&Signature=DgBx0mZw1amUtP~jsa0JETVodXwpET8ipVqy0An4XD2XqIOW3YWiXw54khrOvPckLKH3fGiJQw772vJaZ2nY9-UtiRoDN19hLBUjQ3kYx7hSycuzZVOr0o9Lj~pP-eJf0Qi8nj7h9QhLEpmwNaMAF6~Y5OcP-XWNEcHJp3k2~S53awiuqEI2~mUSMGXYKo68EzQpCTELJsb2J3vzbQQ-hsTmTnHE9TMLU8DNC22C37frGhjHBucCpmLyVsa3ADP1j4Wt~U0mUvYh9nBCDTbV8bjYDf8fb5dQUi3062rjfOUiL5QXvAHNRQdn-GdAtKCuBVr7hpMKnWTewyf~OFalJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fall River City Park Board on April 2 approved permits for a set of community events and athletic seasons, accepted a proposal to plant trees at Bowmanville Green and voted on several tree-removal requests. The board also discussed maintenance needs at Bridal Park’s soccer field, a community garden proposal for Father Travasso Park and a privately funded plan to restore monuments at Kennedy Park.

The actions were routine permit approvals and administrative votes, typically approved by voice vote after staff or event presenters answered basic questions about insurance, sanitary facilities and logistics. Commissioners repeatedly told applicants to work with police, the health department and parks staff to finalize details before large events.

Votes at a glance
- Approval: Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park — Cops & Bobbers family fishing clinic (Sept. 18, 2025). Motion approved by voice vote (mover: Commissioner Farris; seconder: Commissioner Rigo). Notes: event hours 4–6 p.m., setup 3–4 p.m.
- Approval: Tree planting at Bowmanville Green (applicant John Solvia). Motion approved (mover: Commissioner Rigo; seconder: Commissioner Farris). Notes: applicant will coordinate final species selection with parks staff and contracted arborist Mariah Day.
- Approval: Fall River Young Marines event at Kennedy Park (Oct. 18, 2025). Motion approved by voice vote (mover: Commissioner Rigo; seconder: Commissioner Farris). Applicant stated vendors and DJ will provide insurance; police department coordination planned.
- Approval: Florida Youth Soccer use of Bridal Park for spring/summer season (2025). Motion approved; parks staff to reconcile calendar conflicts if any.
- Approval: Diamonds boys & girls tennis program at Bicentennial Park. Motion approved (mover: Commissioner Farris; seconder: Commissioner Rigo).
- Approval: Community garden at Father Travasso Park (applicant Dr. Gloria Sadler). Motion approved; applicant discussed phased start and grant-seeking for ADA access and fencing.
- Approval: Removal of a hazardous tree at 342 Pierce Street (request by Lynn Maderas). Motion approved after staff inspection; parks crew to coordinate sidewalk repairs.
- Denial: Tree removal request in Bailey Street cul-de-sac (request by Cheryl Wilding). Motion to deny approved; staff determined tree appears healthy and damage to driveway was not conclusively caused by tree roots.
- Approval: Jamal McConnell family reunion at True Park (July 12, 2025) pending standard insurance/health approvals for porta-johns and any food vendors.
- Approval: Multiple seasonal and special-event permits including Heilau Pediatrics summer stroll (June 11), Fall River Federal Little League 2025 season, an Easter egg hunt at Kennedy Park (April 12), and adult slow-pitch softball at Father Kelly (May 5–Nov. 7). Motions approved by voice votes as noted in minutes.
- Tabled: Dumont Park softball-season request by Bobby Bailey pending submission of specific dates.

Discussion highlights and next steps
Board members flagged a number of implementation items applicants must complete before receiving final permits: certificates of insurance, health-department sign-offs where food or porta-johns are involved, and police coordination for route/finish-line placement for road events. Parks staff will cross-check calendars for field conflicts and confirm lighting availability on fields where evening games are scheduled.

The board also heard a privately funded proposal to repair and enhance World War II and Vietnam monuments at Kennedy Park. Commissioners encouraged the proponents to coordinate with the historical commission and with parks staff; that item will return on a future agenda for formal consideration.

Several items — including specific paint or turf repairs at Bridal Park and detailed dates for the Dumont Park request — were left for follow-up with staff and will be revisited at the next meeting.","At its April 2 meeting the Fall River City Park Board approved a series of park permits — including youth events, leagues and community gatherings — and acted on multiple tree and maintenance requests. Several facility-maintenance issues and a proposed veterans-monument restoration were discussed and will return for follow-up.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Veterans group pitches restoration and accessibility upgrades at Kennedy Park; board asks proponents to coordinate with historical commission

Park Board approves hazardous-tree removal at Pierce Street; denies removal in Bailey Street cul-de-sac without contractor evidence

Bridal Park soccer field needs turf, net and lighting fixes; parks staff to seek funding options

Fall River Office of Community Development and residents win approval for Father Travasso Park community garden

Fall River Park Board approves multiple event and field permits; several maintenance and tree requests addressed