Board names 188 North Main "North Brookfield Memorial Park," accepts committee mission

The North Brookfield Board of Selectmen voted March 24 to name the downtown site at 188 North Main Street "North Brookfield Memorial Park" and accepted a mission statement from the newly formed Memorial Park Committee.

John Tripp, representing the committee, read a history and mission that said volunteers and local donations largely funded the park's construction and upkeep. "We organized the board... our first thing on our list is to name the park in the center of town North Brookfield Memorial Park," Tripp said, summarizing the committee's request that the selectmen formalize the name and consider a budget line for maintenance.

Selectmen discussed whether donated benches and plaques had been formally accepted in past meetings; board members noted that a formal vote to accept donations converts items to town property and asked the committee to provide a list of donors and donated items so the board can process official acceptance. The board also discussed establishing a vetting policy for memorial plaques and policies for maintenance and lifecycle replacement of donated items.

A motion to name the property at 188 North Main Street "North Brookfield Memorial Park" passed by unanimous voice vote. The board separately moved to accept the committee's mission statement; that motion was also approved unanimously. Selectmen said town staff would set up or confirm a dedicated gift account for park donations.

Next steps: The committee will provide a list of donated benches, plaques and other contributions for formal acceptance. The board indicated financial support would be considered in the town budget process.