The proposal by Ripple Fiber to install cabinets necessary for fiber broadband deployment in Fall River parks was met with both interest and concern by the board. The representative from Ripple Fiber detailed the advantages of fiber internet over traditional cable services, emphasizing the higher and more stable speeds offered, which would benefit local residents. However, the proposal raised questions among board members regarding the potential visual disruption and the impact on historically significant parks like Kennedy Park and North Park. One board member highlighted the potential issues with placing electrical structures within parks, particularly those frequently used by the community.

There was discussion around the placement of the fiber cabinets, with suggestions to utilize existing, unused structures within the parks to minimize visual impact and reduce the risk of vandalism. The representative expressed openness to working with the city to find suitable locations that would blend more seamlessly with the parks’ environments. Concerns were also raised about the potential precedent this could set for future installations and the need for careful consideration of historical preservation requirements, particularly in designated historic parks.

The board considered tabling the decision to allow for further discussions with city officials and to consult the historical commission.

In addition to the fiber broadband discussions, the board addressed a verbal request to install a memorial bench in Bicentennial Park in honor of Herman Bombach. The bench, to be funded by the American Legion Post 464, was approved unanimously, with plans to remove two old benches near the Italian monument to accommodate the new installation. The parks department committed to preparing the site.

The meeting also included approval for the use of Travasos Park for a traffic garden event and the removal of trees around the new ice rink in North Park. Additionally, the board discussed prioritizing a single project for Community Preservation Committee funding. The decision was made to focus on resurfacing the basketball courts at Griffin Park, with a $300,000 funding application to be submitted to increase the project’s chances of approval.

Further deliberations involved approving a request for a candlelight procession in Kennedy Park and the installation of a permanent wayfinding sign in Britain Park as part of the ‘Echoes of the Picasset’ project. The sign aims to educate the community about the indigenous history of Fall River, with the board expressing support for the initiative despite concerns about potential vandalism.