[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6242873,"mediaKeyId","3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f","parentId",3244185,"title","Board discusses dog-park plans, staff changes and site renovations at Kennedy Park","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1856617,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f&start=1856&end=1856","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f/thumbnail_1856617.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6242873/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Board-discusses-dog-park-plans-staff-changes-and-site-renovations-at-Kennedy-Park","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242873-5129dd3bcfc817ae3cb6c4025daf1a12/orig.mp4?Expires=1773768412&Signature=Hccj5XxRJ-ncHNBxt5Fa-zEHlLCVlOi-zmajvstmqGeU6obEqkGNZx-~VOGlYlnNUphDFEFaw~0PTT1NNveUxVA6yMnKnigwBmGNqMjJwc4cz2q~5HDIJX2Cvze2pXu6nC3aFlFjGina~iJfKQwVpR5TCP8m1tmz~gmv6~2MVyily69o82uiCfq2tEeXdoWSOH5C3oGrHdlXHTCm1FFCGGekRIYmHYTNHiri6b8iIVRC~lTQDX6SrjMx5qXC1vngwO24q~1Iu2psU7TegldhX2kOYmlcc7sKc3mLy344HLbU~vdgWrN5Gz~h4bEkOZI-fh9aEzQlBmnqguc1Yb8-mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fall River City, MA","date","2025-05-08T12:38:38Z","article","At the May 7 meeting, the Park Board discussed plans to renovate an existing fenced area near the bottom of Kennedy Park to create a dog-park facility with multiple staged fenced areas and possible restroom access, and staff said work could advance within roughly 30 days.

Commissioners described the Kennedy Park site as a priority and said fencing and an on-site building that could be revived for restrooms make it a practical candidate. “We are moving on that…probably within the next 30 days or so,” a parks staff member said, adding the work aims to create separated/“staged” fenced areas for different sizes or types of use.

The board also reported that the city is looking into improvements at North Park and that Pulaski Park discussion had previously favored leaving an open space rather than reinstalling a fence. Commissioners asked that the Kennedy Park dog-park renovation and Pulaski Park plans be placed on the next agenda for a vote and further neighborhood engagement.

Separately, the board confirmed operational staffing changes: Sam and Nina are consolidating permit intake and event coordination, a new parks clerk has started and will take on day-to-day permit coordination, and Charlie Denmeade will be the point of contact for park operations going forward as Commissioner Alvaro transitions roles. Commissioners said they will distribute Charlie’s cell number for public contact.

Board members asked staff to continue coordinating with the mayor’s office and neighborhood groups on dog-park siting, and to bring finalized plans and any budget implications back to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5.7.2025 Park Board","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners received updates on plans to renovate a fenced area near Kennedy Park for a dog park, a proposed North Park project, and staffing changes (a new parks clerk and a shift of responsibilities to Director Charlie Denmeade).","taxTitle","Fall River City, Bristol County, Massachusetts","taxId",4215,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6242878,"Board approves review for tree removal at 214 Reed Street to address ADA sidewalk access",225,1185040,1410470,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f&start=1185&end=1410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f/thumbnail_1185040.jpg","/articles/6242878/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Board-approves-review-for-tree-removal-at-214-Reed-Street-to-address-ADA-sidewalk-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242878-9b13188e7e69670c28cfcc66135c63bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1773768412&Signature=FRue4nqzM69F88V7k3ryK9BEToHJHLFniua5hPYaLKyw6xa1U~OwBYf0BO4X3QRsIQjdiXhZraYOjMSthrwyxE-FxLRjMWPgqshHz8ONuYKpydjUi5476qDhyK3zcvnoR8CZ3SGtDbDWq-PIn95LAqmvEs6k4Q1~jwZ2QoQ92WYgoqYTJXTUKaSx0aVM2d-rXQrIJDGWj0Z5vRKy0MnOTTNmP4ONzq0q2yUe8iQbC0DPZw4cFDnFwJDSN7fGeMIPfTU8guooTYEa~6-mwKqR2z3IbQBGk6lnInSsDolFOvedfxIIQ7RZx8Y~NPJnEPOUer2PgMuIAJeH8wzzMW4TzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Park Board on May 7 approved staff review and potential removal of a tree at 214 Reed Street after city maintenance staff said the tree and adjacent sidewalk currently do not meet ADA accessibility standards and the sidewalk would require more extensive repair than a simple cutback.

Parks staff reported that the sidewalk between the tree and a nearby wall does not meet ADA clearance standards. “It’s gonna have to be removed to be able to do the repair plus make it ADA compliant,” a staff member said. The board voted to approve the action pending a site review by Mr. Martin and to defer to Martin’s office to determine whether removal is required.

Commissioner Amber Burns moved to approve the request and defer to Mr. Martin for review; Commissioner Talos Farris seconded. The motion carried by voice vote. Staff said that if the tree is removed, replacement in the same spot may not be possible because spacing would not meet standards and that sidewalk repairs could require replacement of adjacent panels and curb work.

The board asked staff to coordinate with Darren (sidewalk crew contact) to determine the scope of repair and to report back with a recommended plan.","The board approved staff review and potential removal of a sidewalk tree at 214 Reed Street after staff said the tree and surrounding sidewalk are not ADA compliant; approval was made pending the parks-sidewalk crew's assessment and departmental review.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6242883,"Board approves privately funded bench dedication at Veterans Memorial",536,470345,1007245,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f&start=470&end=1007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f/thumbnail_470345.jpg","/articles/6242883/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Board-approves-privately-funded-bench-dedication-at-Veterans-Memorial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242883-4e539f2042ce0ff1a077deafe7311866/orig.mp4?Expires=1773768412&Signature=LwyRqeJKaAO3cI447tKThXotHy9P5Pfjy-Tm1X73j3aj3LQNSUo2BjYSPveWxdZowBhMYDLhz-Zu093F7SyGd-kIQNq6gYOUXKQXpECVlCjRY4cy9a2vW7JHB6vrEB8B2MKXVDkrvoNKMVGKcycixoiRkVetP1M7nFBvwpOFLmYDRzunZ5NblWg9PWbtvWNoJ4QltR4-U~IxgSdjsZKglt9kKAXfpqP-uAghynFVW1Gc1FI5U5omBAVzjfWcIfpW6RaSacI~BxCzal7clf0zar6nP2Jarj8vXkEdazKEXrQIOCnLkO~Aahjrbp7rlXapZ4-CaHIWjHR2Md4dsGGUYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Park Board on May 7 approved the placement of a privately funded bench at the Veterans Memorial in Bicentennial Park to honor Walter Hutzel, a Vietnam veteran, after staff said the bench would be paid for by private fundraising coordinated by veterans’ groups and departmental alumni.

Charlie Denmeade, director of the Department of Community Maintenance, told the board that the family and local veterans organizations had raised the funds and that the department would work with memorial committees to identify an appropriate location. “The bench will be fully funded,” Denmeade said.

Commissioner Helen Rigo moved to approve the bench placement; Commissioner Talos Farris seconded. The motion carried by voice vote. Staff said they will coordinate with the veterans’ agent and the memorial committee (Joe Marshall was mentioned) to finalize location and siting.","Parks staff and the board approved a privately funded bench donation at the Veterans Memorial, funded by alumni and local veterans groups, and authorized staff to find a site and coordinate placement.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6242885,"Park board offers letter of support for monument beautification, defers final approval to historical commission",216,200440,416540,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f&start=200&end=416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f/thumbnail_200440.jpg","/articles/6242885/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Park-board-offers-letter-of-support-for-monument-beautification-defers-final-approval-to-historical-commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242885-b001e7ad89d823a89c0c90c0919b1951/orig.mp4?Expires=1773768412&Signature=m8MES8mBbiscUUakArKn9WH2Oh8WtlVUrhVbPqxt~PyxyYkonq~vUbdlI2P2H0xplnaQJKDPUcHYSjzZTCiFFfCyUoCsAA8~Rq~gba2tWv50RTlml-fV7Am-LjUhckzYsgKcc3hgoWKS0lpXzHRPjJ0Y1irojwDM1c1zljZ~NumdyviOQG1~UosQc5v0Jak3d6PtM69hFkBwZ2tqEvUFJrlDuMCZRJCUJvx70KeZomAChfKcn0Ef8rv2NKdRY87Wq7m~a9Y0MN66hsgkLNp6sSDMlV4qVOMPjVBbkqysSYIzCEI6SJxheNR0yVbsXaVcn3mIbGVR2Zbxw00ruJDmLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fall River City Park Board voted May 7 to send a letter supporting a proposed beautification project around the soldier and Civil War monuments, but commissioners said the Historical Commission has final authority over changes to homestead monuments.

The request came from Thomas Santos on behalf of the Portuguese American Veterans, who asked the city to remove the concrete walkway around the soldier and Civil War monuments and replace it with cobblestone on one side and fresh loam on the other three sides. Commissioner Victor Farias confirmed Santos had previously discussed the plan with city staff and the historical commission.

Commissioners agreed the Historical Commission should review and approve any physical changes before the Parks Department acts. “We can write a letter of support. We can’t approve it,” Commissioner BJ McDonald said. Commissioner Amber Burns made a motion to send a letter of support to the Historical Commission, and Commissioner Helen Rigo seconded. The motion carried by voice vote; the meeting record shows Commissioner Victor Farias abstained.

Board members asked the applicant to meet with the historical commission and contact Rick Mancini to arrange that review. Staff said that if the Historical Commission grants approval, the applicant would not need to return to the park board for a second approval.

The board’s action was limited to endorsing the concept with that condition; no construction, funding or permit was approved at the meeting.","The board voted to send a letter of support for a beautification project around the soldier and Civil War monuments but said final approval rests with the Historical Commission; one commissioner abstained.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6242887,"Park board approves summer events, youth sports and community permits",1038,69509,1108121,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f&start=69&end=1108","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3244185-3c80b729c989e99e0ad9f601613d979f/thumbnail_69509.jpg","/articles/6242887/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Park-board-approves-summer-events-youth-sports-and-community-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242887-6eff7c1ee1fb2e349a123e9eaa12c787/orig.mp4?Expires=1773768412&Signature=J0IU1-VM1sADLSwUReTkGZp5LMw9tBWic51L~1bE9BBKJIBqxuoFUs7TY7siYvQSkoNE~TXDqGUpH~MzPly9LC5fsz5nVu4AboblojF-~P8NXl8baAbxPn1Re5wAbe5II~8-NoPV0OGFSRCNv0VRkvPEeblliq0OdCdKmM8zTSXYkp3Mnv0aQKsuLP165FJJhmcTp6hY9MiDNosR~Pd1qvCMGeD9dUz6D3NfrfJzamw2X5PFU0xGaecvsNYbqZn9PQcSvyx99rBFhoBEmY6GwDvH81i6O0MGJ02LrfyKQd3Mh~GXDuZTArvvbJRxt2YdtXGPv3oNEyRoafEdT7U31g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fall River City Park Board of Commissioners on May 7 approved permits for a slate of summer events and recurring community programs, including an eight-week Wednesday night “Evenings in the Park” concert series, the July 4 waterfront celebration, youth sports uses and local farmers markets.

Board members said the approvals clear the way for organizers to coordinate logistics with park staff and other city departments. “By the time they come to us, it’s cleared,” Commissioner Victor Farias said of the park-permit calendar; staff later described Nina and Sam as working together to coordinate insurance, site maps and scheduling.

The board voted to approve dates and sites provided by the mayor’s office for the summer evenings series: July 9 at Father Kelly, July 16 at Ruggles, July 23 at Griffin Park, July 30 at Pulaski Park, Aug. 6 at Maplewood Park, Aug. 13 at North Park, Aug. 20 at Kennedy Park and Aug. 27 at Lafayette Park. The board also approved a July 4 waterfront celebration at Bicentennial Park (5 to 9 p.m.) and a Greater Fall River Recreation summer lunch-in-the-park program running weekdays from June 30 through Aug. 22 at multiple parks.

Individual permit approvals included: use of Britland Park for the Argosy varsity flag football team on May 19 and May 22 (late afternoon), a request to hang a banner at the Jack Hackett softball field, the Kokoro Memorial Day ceremony at Griffin Park on May 25, multiple Memorial Day-week events at several sites, and a farmers-market day at Kennedy Park. The board also approved recurring community events such as a community garden kickoff at Father Trevassos Park on June 7, and an application from the Redemption Church for Lafayette Park on July 13 contingent on required site details and permit requirements.

Board members repeatedly noted that some operational approvals require coordination with other departments. Commissioners and staff discussed that electrical needs, generators, food-truck placements, inflatable rides and police details are handled through permit conditions and sign-offs by the building department or other relevant offices. “If they bring a generator, that would be part of their permit,” a board member said, noting those elements are outside the board’s direct scope.

Motions to approve each item were made and seconded during the meeting and carried by voice vote with the usual “Aye” responses. On the Memorial Day permit set, Commissioner Talos Farris abstained because of his role with veterans’ groups. The board instructed event applicants to work with Sam and Nina — or the new parks clerk who will take over some duties — to provide site maps, insurance and any additional documentation required by other city departments.

A few operational concerns were raised in the meeting: porta-potty vandalism reported at Britland/Brickland Park, the need for clearer event-permit checklists for applicants, and the perennial need to confirm that permit times do not conflict with scheduled sports programming. Staff said they are working to consolidate permit information and provide a clearer checklist for applicants.

The board made the approvals in routine motions; the record shows those motions carried and staff were directed to continue coordinating required interdepartmental sign-offs before events take place.

Looking ahead, the board asked staff to track outstanding items that require additional operational details — for example, food-truck maps and electrical permits — and to present any unresolved permit issues at the next meeting.","Fall River City Park Board approved a series of summer event permits, youth sports uses and recurring community programs at its May 7 meeting, including a Wednesday evening concert series, July Fourth waterfront celebration, summer lunch sites and multiple Memorial Day ceremonies.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board discusses dog-park plans, staff changes and site renovations at Kennedy Park

Board approves review for tree removal at 214 Reed Street to address ADA sidewalk access

Board approves privately funded bench dedication at Veterans Memorial

Park board offers letter of support for monument beautification, defers final approval to historical commission

Park board approves summer events, youth sports and community permits