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Haverhill council creates gift fund for Winnie Kinney Park improvements
Summary
The council voted unanimously to set up a designated account to accept gifts for landscaping, trail work and long‑term restoration at Winnie Kinney Park. Mayor Barrett said the city has $1.2 million in a private trust but needs roughly $10 million for full castle restoration and hopes the fund will facilitate private partnerships and donations.
Mayor Barrett presented an order to establish the Winnie Kinney Park Landscaping and Maintenance Fund, saying the park has seen recent improvements through federal and state earmarks and city public works work. He told the council the Dorothy McLennan Trust has historically paid some maintenance near the castle and marquee and that the trust currently has about $1.2 million earmarked for restoration work.
Barrett said the city lacks the resources to fully restore the castle — he estimated a $10 million restoration cost — and that the new fund will provide an avenue for private donations and possible partnerships; he mentioned Historic New England as an organization interested in playing a role in future restoration discussions.
Councilors asked whether the model could apply to other parks; Barrett and councilors said a parks gift fund could be used elsewhere and would serve as a supplemental resource to city budgets. The council voted 10–0–1 to establish the Winnie Kinney Park Landscaping and Maintenance Fund. The mayor directed staff to publish donation instructions online.
