Committee To Form To Rebuild Moulton Park Playground

The Moulton Park playground could get completely redone by the end of 2012, thanks to several area families who have taken it upon themselves to organize into a committee, fundraise the money needed, and hire a contractor to build the park.

Lisa Crane, who came before the Board of Selectmen on May 23rd to ask for the creation of a town committee, said the playground would not only benefit families who live in the area, but would be a total community-building activity.

"One of the reason we’re excited is for the playground’s attachment to little league," Crane said. "Hundreds of families who use the field for little league and soccer, and the younger children can play while mom or dad or the older child is involved in some activity 50 feet away."

Crane said that there are already nine families who are interested in serving on the committee, the group has already been in touch with the Department of Public Works, who has conncted them with a playground vendor, and they already have an initial concept and cost estimate for the new playground.

In total, the project could cost between $50k - $60k.

"We know it's an ambitious timephrame to raise $50,000 to $60,000 and to have it built next fall of 2012, but we’re confident we can do it," said Crane.

Crane also thanked Rick Stinson, director of the Department of Public Works, for his support and guidance on the project.

"We’ve very grateful," she said.

The Board of Selectmen expressed support for the committee and its project.

"I wish you all the luck and any help that we can provide," said Patrick Glynn, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. "The only thing I ask [is to] please respect the Veterans Promenade trees and the work of the members of the West Side Social Club."

Selectmen Albert Turco said he is grateful the families are taking on the project, and said he thinks the fundraising timeline is achievable.

"As I recall we did exactly this for Colonel Connolly Park, and ... I think it’s entirely realistic to think you could fundraise the $50,00-$60,000," he said.

The next step for the committtee is for the Board of Selectmen to advertise that the committee is forming. Appointments to the committee will be made at the June 13th Board of Selectmen meeting.