Fall River Park Board Deliberates Park Improvements and Events
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Meeting Type:
Parks Commission
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Meeting Date:
07/16/2024
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Recording Published:
07/18/2024
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Duration:
39 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Fall River
- Meeting Overview:
The Fall River Park Board convened on July 16th, 2024, to discuss a variety of topics concerning the city’s parks, including requests for park use, improvements to facilities, and addressing damage to park property. The board’s deliberation on the organization and impact of a new pickleball league at Kennedy Park stood out as a noteworthy topic, requiring further information before a decision could be made. In addition, improvements to Griffin Park, the approval of Bristol Community College’s request to use Britland Park for soccer games, and concerns about the Vietnam Wall at Bicentennial Park were also points of discussion.
The pickleball league’s request for exclusive use of the Kennedy Park courts sparked a debate among board members. The league’s details, such as age groups, days and times of use, and the need for rosters and schedules, were examined. Questions arose regarding the proportion of Fall River residents to non-residents participating, as well as the impact on public access to the courts. A motion to table the decision to the next meeting was made to gather more information about the league’s structure and master schedule.
The board also addressed a request from Bristol Community College for use of Britland Park for soccer games in the fall. The approval was contingent on coordination with the park department for any weather-induced rescheduling.
Concerns about Griffin Park were brought to light, specifically graffiti on the basketball courts and a proposal to install a power outlet. While the discussion acknowledged logistical and cost challenges, the board moved to place the issue on file.
Damage to a boat ramp, suspected to be caused by a large trailer, was acknowledged by the board. The mayor’s office and park department were noted to be working together to resolve the problem.
The meeting proceeded with the approval of slow pitch softball and wooden bat tournaments at Father Kelly Park, albeit with a stipulation for alternative arrangements if construction interfered.
Further discussions included the approval of free movie nights promoted by the housing authority and an MIA POW event at Veterans Memorial Park.
An approved backpack giveaway event at Lafayette Park also featured in the meeting’s proceedings.
Lastly, the board expressed concern over tire marks and damage to the grass near the Vietnam Wall at Bicentennial Park. The mayor’s office was mentioned as working with veterans to address this issue, which underscores the board’s collaborative approach with other city entities and community groups.
Paul Coogan
Parks Commission Officials:
Joseph DaSilva, Amber Burns, Victor Farias, Bernard J. McDonald, Helen Rego
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Meeting Type:
Parks Commission
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Meeting Date:
07/16/2024
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Recording Published:
07/18/2024
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Duration:
39 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Fall River
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