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.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Now Has 3 Splash Pads

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:26PM / Sunday, August 09, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— New facilities are coming to city parks.

A splash pad is now running at Durant Park, and a mini-pitch soccer field will be installed at Crane Park this fall. During the last Parks Commission meeting, Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath delivered project updates.

"We want to see these parks utilized. This is all about healthy Pittsfield," he said during the commission's July 21 meeting.

"Let's activate our parks and use the commission to really sensibly look at other improvements."

This is Pittsfield's third splash pad, the others at Clapp Park and The Common. Constructed by Baskin Builders, the outdoor water attraction is button-operated and has a variety of water elements for different ages.

The facility soft-opened recently, and Pittsfield plans to host a formal ribbon-cutting this month with the Westside Legends and Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

"That project went really well, and we're really looking forward to offering a splash pad down at that great little park," McGrath said.

Durant Park, a 2.1-acre park at 30 John St., also hosts a 4,750-square-foot playground, basketball court, softball field, picnic area, and sitting areas. It is located in the heart of the West Side neighborhood and is within walking distance of many households.

In December, the City Council accepted $215,980 from the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission to install a stormwater treatment system on Francis Avenue and a splash pad at the park. BRPC agreed with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program to administer the funds.

View Full Story