Fall River plans Kennedy Park Overlook with $106K funding extension request

The Fall River Community Preservation Committee convened on May 19, 2025, to discuss the future of the Kennedy Park Overlook project, which has faced funding challenges since its inception. Dan Aguilar, the city’s director of engineering and planning, presented an update on the project, highlighting the need for additional funding to move forward.

Originally funded in 2017, the project received a follow-up grant of $35,000 in February 2022. However, Aguilar revealed that the total estimated cost for the complete project has ballooned to approximately $2 million, far exceeding initial expectations. This has left the city at a crossroads, contemplating whether to scale back the project to focus on essential landscaping and parking improvements or to pursue a more ambitious design that includes a pavilion.

Aguilar emphasized the importance of sustainability in the project’s design, noting that maintaining any new structures is crucial to avoid future deterioration. He expressed concern over the city’s ability to care for new installations, referencing past projects that have struggled with upkeep. The committee discussed the potential for a phased approach, allowing for incremental development that aligns with available funding.

The remaining funds for the project total approximately $106,000, which Aguilar proposed to use for completing the design and permitting phases. The committee agreed to extend the project timeline by two years, enabling the city to refine its plans and seek additional funding sources.

In a broader context, the meeting underscored the city’s ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive Open Space and Recreation plan, which aims to prioritize projects that enhance community spaces over the next decade. The Kennedy Park Overlook project is identified as a high-priority goal within this framework.

As the committee moves forward, Aguilar and his team will continue to explore funding opportunities and refine the project’s scope, ensuring that it meets both community needs and sustainability goals. The next steps will involve further discussions on the design and potential phased implementation, with the hope of creating a valuable asset for Fall River residents.