Park board refers Ripple Fiber plan for cabinets in parks to City Council committees

On Jan. 6, 2026, the Fall River City Parks Park Board voted to refer a proposal from Ripple Fiber to the City Council so the council and corporation counsel can review legal, procurement and fee issues before any installations in city parks.

The board lifted a previously tabled October item describing Ripple Fiber’s plan to deploy “5 by 5 cabinets” in a handful of parks to provide Internet service. An unidentified board member raised concerns about “a fee agreement, long term maintenance, and...Any exit if we wanted to break a contract with them, how does that work?” and also noted questions about open competition and procurement rules.

Steven Marr of Ripple Fiber was named in the letter that prompted the earlier discussion; board members said staff and Ripple Fiber representatives had walked potential sites. Board members said site placement (for example, locating equipment inside existing park structures where feasible) could reduce visual impact but that contract terms and procurement compliance needed higher-level review.

Commissioner Cecilio moved to refer the matter to the City Council’s committees on ordinance and real estate; Commissioner Farris seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Next steps: the City Council and corporation counsel will review the proposal’s legal, procurement and contract terms. The park board noted it expects to remain involved in future conversations about siting and placement of any equipment in parks.