 Letter to State Historical: Wahconah Grandstand Can't Be SavedThe letter outlines the current condition of the grandstand with structural deficiencies, hazardous materials, a lack of compliant accessibility features, and non-compliant restroom accommodations.  Pittsfield Historical Commission Plans Wahconah Park Project SupportOne member of the Historical Commission expressed a wish to see more historical materials used on the exterior.  Pittsfield Suns Pause Season at Wahconah Park, Promise New Summer ProgrammingThe Pittsfield Suns have decided to pause this year's baseball season at Wahconah Park and the administration says it is committed to offering "new opportunities" at the facility over the summer.  Pittsfield Historical Commission to Weigh In on Wahconah ParkPlanners were taken aback by the correspondence, as a raised and elevated option had been endorsed months ago, and Epsilon Associates was hired to guide these conversations.  State Historical Commission Favors Wahconah Park PreservationPlanners said they are are willing to work with Mass Historic and are considering hiring a historic preservation consultant to work as a liaison.  Wahconah Park Committee Looks for Cost Savings on $30M DesignThe project designers presented a revised option that shaves off about 7,000 square feet from the 40,000 square foot design valued at $30.2 million. Wahconah Park Panel Looks to FundingWhile planners hope that grants and donations fund as much as possible, they are also looking into borrowing an amount that the tax levy could handle but have not yet determined the burden on taxpayers.  Wahconah Park Committee Recommends $30M DesignThe Wahconah Park Restoration Committee has endorsed a $30 million overhaul of the historic ballpark that is three times the original estimate. Wahconah Park Restoration Committee Launches SurveyThe 8-question survey is not exclusive to city residents.  Wahconah Park Committee Focuses on Grandstand Over TurfDeliberations about artificial turf versus natural grass at Wahconah Park will go on the back burner for now as efforts are focused on the grandstand.  Wahconah Park Committee Sees Possible DesignsThe Wahconah Park Restoration Committee got a first look at what the historic ballpark could become.  Residents Ask for Preservation of Wahconah Park's Hometown FeelWhen it comes to the redesign of Wahconah Park, residents would like to see the historic baseball facility's charm and hometown feel preserved. Pittsfield to Host Public meeting on the Wahconah Park ProjectThis meeting will take place at the Berkshire Athenaeum located at 1 Wendell Avenue in the auditorium.  Plans Expected for New Wahconah Park in August Following Community InputNostalgic, practical, and functional. These are planners' hopes for the future of Wahconah Park.  Parks Commission Endorses Wahconah Park DesignerDuring a special meeting on Wednesday, the panel voted to hire S3 Design Inc. of Braintree for the restoration or rebuild of Pittsfield's historic baseball park. Special Meeting Called for Wahconah Park Designer RecommendationIn a cover letter, the firm wrote that it specializes in planning and design for athletics and recreation projects, a skill that is rooted in a passion for sports and the ability to create designs that foster community bonds.  Wahconah Park Committee Recommends DesignerThe park's restoration committee on Wednesday recommended S3 Design Inc. for the job after the firm scored highest against two competitors. Wahconah Park Restoration Committee Hears Timeline from OPMOn Monday the Wahconah Park Restoration Committee had its first public meeting with Skanska USA, who was hired out of three responses to a request for services issued in the fall. Wahconah Park, Hoosic River Study Get FundingThe Wahconah Park grandstand project is getting $3 million with the passage of the $1.7 billion omnibus spending bill on Friday. Wahconah Park Demo Not Off the FieldThe Wahconah Park Restoration Committee was told last week that the Massachusetts Historic Commission said "razing and rebuilding" park is not out of question. The park is on the National Register of Historic Places.  Wahconah Park Restoration Committee Inspects GrandstandAfter a structural evaluation in late 2021 revealed concerns, the city hired a structural engineer and architect to look at it more comprehensively.  Wahconah Park Restoration Committee Begins WorkThe panel, which was created by the City Council last month, contains nine members who will assess the current condition of the park, solicit public input, recommend the specifics of the repairs, and make recommendations to the city on the hiring of project agents.  Pittsfield Looks into the Future of Wahconah ParkThe city is embarking on a more than $3 million capital improvement plan for historic Wahconah Park with a restoration committee and a promise of federal funds.  Deteriorating Wahconah Park Grandstand Closed for 2022 SeasonParks, Open Space, and Natural Resource Program Manager James McGrath said the city has begun modeling out a funding strategy for a reconstruction and renovation project that is presumed to cost more than $1 million. |
