Community Members Raise Concern About Proposed Springside Pump TrackThe Parks Commission has received a number of emails from community members regarding the possible impacts a pump track may have on the historic site. Springside Pump Track Survey Shows Support for the ProjectNinety-six percent of responses were positive, while four expressed concern. McGee said that overall, 91 percent of survey takers voted in favor of the bike skills park. Parks Commission OKs Location of Springside Pump TrackOn Tuesday evening, the commission approved the location and concept for a bike skills track at Springside Park subject to additional public input. Due to project timelines, this was a special meeting called outside of the commission's usual meeting times. Parks Commission Walks Through Proposed Pump Track SiteAlison McGee, president of the Berkshire Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association and program lead for the Little Bellas Berkshire Program, pitched the project to the commission last month. Parks Commission Approves Concept for Bike Skills ParkMcGee has been working with Garrett Pulley of the Berkshire Mountain Bike Training Series and Kevin Delaney of the Shire Shredders youth cycling program to put this project together. Homeless Encampments Springing Up in Pittsfield ParksParks and Open Space Manager James McGrath fielded some of the parks commissioners' questions and concerns Tuesday about the influx of the homeless in the city parks — most notably in Springside Park. Restoration of Springside Pond Plan Moves To Permitting ProcessThe design efforts to restore the Springside Pond is entering the permitting phase. Parks and Open Spaces Manager Jim McGrath updated the Parks Commission on Tuesday about the progress and said the city will be seeking permits from the Conservation Commission in the coming weeks. However, the project itself is going to be costly and a funding source has not been identified. Pittsfield CPA Recommends Dozen Projects to FundThe Community Preservation Act Committee is recommending close to $600,000 for a dozen projects. The group entered this year's process with $613,000 to spend but just slightly more than $1 million worth of requests for 14 different projects. In order to allow for some funds to roll over into next year, City Planner CJ Hoss suggested keeping the approvals under $600,000. Springside Park Cleanup Going Strong 30 Years LaterAt 9 a.m. the rain was pouring down heavily. And despite that, some 30 people volunteered their time to go into Springside Park and clean up litter and debris left behind. The annual park cleanup has hit a milestone with this being its 30th year. The effort is all volunteer and organized by the Friends of Springside Park. Letter: Pittsfield's Pickleball Service a FaultThe fact that the city of Pittsfield is prepared to disburse $350,000 in support of a project for just 151 citizens seems irresponsible enough. That there is no plan for maintenance when park maintenance in our city is already an issue shows a lack of planning and foresight. |
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