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Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities reports progress on park, school and lake accessibility projects
Summary
The commission heard Community Development updates May 14 on Durant Park’s grant-funded splash pad aiming to open by end of June, a $50,000 grant for Williams School playground, Wahconah Park demolition and Pontoosuc Lake improvements, with some next-phase funding not yet authorized.
The Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities on May 14 heard a roundup of city accessibility projects from Jim McGrath of Community Development, including progress at parks, a school playground and Pontoosuc Lake.
McGrath told commissioners the Durant Park splash pad is complete, is the third splash pad built in the city and was funded through a grant; accessible pathways to the splash pad and to restrooms are in place, and additional improvements are planned with a goal to open the splash pad by the end of June. He said the city is also planning security improvements in park areas, including installation of cameras.
McGrath said demolition of the grandstand at Wahconah Park has begun and hazardous-material abatement is under way, but funding for the next phase has not been authorized. He described discussion among members about potential future options for the park.
On school and trail projects, McGrath said the Williams School playground received a $50,000 grant and the city is currently procuring vendor cost estimates. He reported the fishing derby area and Wild Acres trail remain fully accessible, and that Phase 1 of south-side improvements at Pontoosuc Lake is complete; Phase 2 is in design and expected to be several years out.
The commission did not vote on additional funding at the meeting; several projects noted funding gaps or future procurement steps and will return to the agenda as designs and budgets are finalized.
