Pittsfield Accepting Applications for Citizens Academy

08:00AM / Thursday, July 11, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Applications are now being accepted for the City of Pittsfield's Citizens Academy, which will begin in late August.

The Citizens Academy, a 12-week program, is designed to help community members understand the operations of local government.

Participants will gain awareness on the various functions of city departments within municipal government, tour designated locations, and engage in breakout activities. Attendees also will learn more about service opportunities available within local government.

"We have seen continuous growth of this academy throughout the years and 95 community members who have participated to date," said Catherine VanBramer, director of administrative services. "Community engagement is a vital part of my role with the city, and it is my hope that we encourage more members of our community to actively participate in their government. I look forward to welcoming a new class for the sixth year of the academy."

Class size will be limited to 25 participants. The sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings between August 21 and November 6. The sessions will be held 6-8 p.m. at various locations throughout the city. During the sessions, participants will interact with department heads and other city staff to learn about the day-to-day operations, tour various workspaces, and participate in breakout activities.

To be eligible for the Citizens Academy, applicants must be at least 18, live or work in Pittsfield, and be able to attend each of the 12-week sessions to the best of their ability. Sessions vary every year but can include topics such as:

• Overview of Municipal Government

• City Council and School Committee

• Police and Fire Departments

• Department of Public Services & Utilities

• Community Development

• City Clerk

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Airport

• Cultural Development

• Berkshire Athenaeum

• Human Resources

• Health Department & Building Inspectors

• Finance & Information Technology

• Building Maintenance

• Council on Aging, RSVP & Veterans Services

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate and be publicly recognized for their participation.

Program details are available on the city's website: https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/government/citizens_academy.php

• To apply online, visit here.

• To apply via mail, visit here.

• Paper copies are also available in the Mayor's Office at City Hall, 70 Allen Street.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, July 26.

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Wahconah Park Grandstand Cost Halved to $15M

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, January 15, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The price tag for Wahconah Park's new grandstand has been cut in half, and planners are looking at a "less is more" approach that is sustainable for the future.

In 2023, the park's restoration committee recommended a $30.2 million overhaul of the historic grandstand that was condemned the previous year. Now, the city is considering an approximately $15 million, smaller design within the same footprint, along with a staged approach that allows baseball to be played before the project is complete.

"There's some real, practical changes that we're making, which we think will still meet the spirit and intent of what we're trying to do but also recognizing that, hey, you know, we've got to maintain this thing into the future, and it's got to be designed and constructed in such a way that we can do that,"
Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath said.

The Historical Commission OKed the demolition of the grandstand on Monday. The plan is to demolish it in April and immediately make provisions to allow baseball on-site. The Pittsfield Suns will be back at the park this season after a two-year hiatus because of the grandstand.

There is no guarantee that the new grandstand will start to materialize in 2026, but the team is working swiftly to meet timelines.

McGrath described the 2023 proposal as an "all-in" design that met the robust needs of baseball players and the wider city. With some scaling down, material changes, and alterations to seating, it was shaved down to half of the original cost estimate.

A fair portion of the overall cost relates to site work, as the floodplain property is prone to flooding. The original civil engineer was not performing to expectations, and SK Design was brought in to take over the job.