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Redevelopment authority funds water line; state grant covers fence and beds for Trevassos/Father Trevassos community garden
Summary
The Park Board approved an RDA-funded water line to the Trevassos community garden and a state-funded fence and additional raised beds for the Flint/Father Trevassos garden; residents and staff said these improvements will secure water access and improve safety and use.
The Fall River City Park Board on Feb. 4 approved two related projects to support community gardening at Trevassos and Father Trevassos parks: a water service line to the Trevassos Park community garden funded and installed by the Fall River Redevelopment Authority, and a fenced enclosure plus additional raised beds at the Flint/Father Trevassos community garden funded through a Massachusetts state agricultural grant.
Karen D. Martin, identified in the meeting as a project manager with the Fall River Redevelopment Authority, told the board the RDA would cover the full cost to trench a water line under the walkway to the garden; staff estimated the installation at about $10,000. The board approved the RDA-funded water line (motion by Commissioner Amber Burns; second by Commissioner Farris).
Gloria Sadler, who said she works in community revitalization and lives near the garden, said she secured state agricultural funding to buy the fence and 20 additional raised beds and described plans for community stewardship. "I was able to secure funding from Massachusetts agricultural, the state, for a fence and for my additional raised garden beds," Sadler told the board, noting she coordinated with the Redevelopment Authority and existing volunteer stewards on key control and garden care.
Sadler and staff described concerns that garden plots had been affected by runoff and occasional encampments near the new rail trail, and they said a locked fence would help keep produce safe for volunteer gardeners and seniors who use the space. The board approved the fence project (motion by Commissioner Burns, second by Commissioner Helen Rigo) and entered the schematic into the public record.
Board members asked staff to coordinate timing (installation will occur when the ground thaws in spring) and key distribution: Sadler said keys would be held by senior building volunteers, Darren (parks staff), and select nonprofit partners including Bristol Black Collective and the Cambodian Community of Fall River to allow steward access while limiting unauthorized entry.
Next steps: Parks staff will schedule installation with the contractor (Superior Fence) when weather allows and confirm the water line timing with the RDA. The board recorded the projects and requested staff updates as work proceeds.
