Pittsfield Now Has 3 Splash Pads
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.
Fueling excitement around the World Cup, U.S. Soccer has been working with the Massachusetts Youth Soccer League to make mini pitch soccer facilities available to 20 communities — one of which will be at Crane Park at the intersection of Benedict Road and Springside Avenue.
In June, the City Council accepted the mini-pitch from the U.S. Soccer Foundation. The city also received a $10,000 donation from the Mill Town Foundation to remove the old boards and prepare the site.
The inline rink system and wooden border will be removed, and the site will be planed up to welcome the mini pitch, which will still allow for inline skating. It is partially made of galvanized steel; the field surface has a shelf life of about 15 years.
The mini pitch, which will stay up year-round, is to be installed no later than the first week in October. It will not be illuminated.
"There's a huge amount of interest because of the World Cup. I think seizing on this moment with a new mini pitch and sort of small side soccer at that park is going to be really monumental," McGrath said.
"I think there's going to be a lot of interest from a lot of groups, and it's going to really, I think, energize that park."
He reported that a nearby family who spends a lot of time at the park is "very" excited about the project. While the Crane Park is not underutilized, he said this will bring in a new use and some new interest.
There are even visions for more improvements to the park.
"I hope what happens here is that there's some momentum we can ride to make other improvements at Crane Park," McGrath added.
"The swing frames that are vintage 1960s, maybe we look to make some improvements there, and maybe pull out some of that old fencing in some areas which are old and rusty. So, I'm looking forward to focusing more on Crane Park."
Tags: parks,
