 Pittsfield Parks Commission Begins Draft Plan to Empty City ParksActions include installing new signage and increased awareness of park rules, cleaning abandoned sites and monitoring for new ones, leaving "friendly written reminders" of the overnight camping rules at sites, and circulating community reminders on the best ways to direct goodwill to those in need.  Adams to Seek CDBG Funding for Coal & Grain ParkMembers of the Community Development Department gave a presentation to the Selectmen at its Wednesday workshop and informed the board that now that the park designs are complete, the town can apply for funds to begin park.  Williamstown Con Comm Contemplates Adding a Trail on Conserved ParcelAt its July 9 meeting, the commission discussed a request from a former member of its body to install a trail on the Deans Lot, a 47-acre parcel off White Oaks Road.  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.  Adams Receives Eight Bids For Town Common ProjectWM.J. Keller & Sons Construction of Castleton, N.Y., came in with the lowest base bid of $233,535.30 and J.H. Maxymillian had the highest bid of $513,474.  Pittsfield Parks Commission Review Phase Three EventsThe Parks Commission has preliminary approved a group of events and started the conversation about what events will look like in Phases 3 and 4 of the state's reopening.  Adams Reopening Parks Thursday With Several RestrictionsThe past few weeks have seen on-site retail sales return and patio seating reopen, followed by a socially distanced form of inside dining for restaurants. Wednesday night the board, with guidance from Code Enforcement Officer Mark Blaisdell, took the necessary steps to reopen parks and open spaces.  Pittsfield to Enforce Park Vegetation RemovalWinn said downed wood is important to the ecosystem and helps store carbon creating a resilience against climate change. She added that the downed wood also acts as "sign posts" for critters.  Pittsfield Receives Insurance Grant to Inspect ParksThe city received a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association to inspect all playgrounds and provide inspection trainings.  Williamstown Parks & Rec Committee Delivers Its ReportAmong the more ambitious suggestions from the committee is to designate a town employee to "curate, prioritize and advance this work," a step that would have clear implications for the town's budget.  Lanesborough Stands By Banning Dogs From Laston ParkThe board had previously decided to allow dogs at the Narragansett and Bridge Street parks but cited safety concerns about Laston.  Clarksburg Preserves Memory of Fallen Vietnam SoldierPeter A. Cook's comrades in arms have ensured that his name will not be forgotten within the town of Clarksburg.  Pittsfield Tweaks Westside Riverway Park DesignLast week, the commissioners discussed with Parks and Open Spaces Manager James McGrath a modified previously approved plan that lowers the overall cost of the project.  Westside Riverway Park to Go Back Out to BidThe Westside Riverway Park project bids have come in too high and the city will have to put the project back out to bid.  Williamstown Parks & Rec Advisory Committee Conducting SurveyThe committee is charged with gathering input from residents and organizations and compiling a list of recommendations to report back to the Select Board, which created the ad hoc committee earlier this year.  North Adams Residents Presented With Five Possible Theater ParksThe city will look at five possible outdoor theater and park locations in the downtown including the parking lot off of Main Street.  Splash Park Opening Makes a Big ... Well, SplashAt 11 a.m. sharp, though, right on time, Bernard and a group of officials from the city's Parks and Recreation and Water departments stood in front of the first of two blue ribbons tied to water elements. And he said only a few words before the first ribbon was cut.  Adams Presents Town Common Renovation DesignThe proposed design for the Town Common rehabilitation project was presented on Tuesday night at a public meeting.  Adams Open Space Plan Nearing CompletionThe town plans to apply for a state Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grant that would fund the proposed $425,000 Town Common rehabilitation project.  North Adams Parks Commission Hears Plea for BenchesThe Parks and Recreation Commission is open to benches at River Grove Park and a have a simple solution to prevent Kemp Park from going to the dogs.  Adams Seek Funding for Town Common and SBA CelebrationTown Administrator Jay Green told the board on Wednesday that he had received communications from Sen. Adam Hinds' office in regard to a state budget amendment that would secure nearly $50,000 for the park.  Pittsfield Council Backs Clapp Park PlanThe City Council agreed to cover the funding gap in the Clapp Park renovation project. The city had found itself short by about $150,000 for a planned restoration of Clapp Park. The project entails work the installation of a splash pad, improvements to the baseball field, and restoring the bathroom.  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.  Pittsfield Council Asked To Contribute More Toward Clapp Park ProjectAfter bids came in too high twice, the City Council is being asked to up the city's contribution toward the renovation of Clapp Park. The city had received a $400,000 state grant to undertake a massive restoration of the West Housatonic Street park. That was matched by city funds for bathrooms, the community preservation act funding, $180,000 donation from the Rotary Club, and a $5,000 donation from Carr Hardware. |
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