By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – On Feb. 27, the Marlborough City Council, acting on a recommendation of the Finance Committee, approved spending $100,000 for the initial phase of constructing a new Memorial Beach. Their action gave Mayor Arthur Vigeant permission to use funds from the $1 million bond the council approved last year to start the design and engineering process.
Located off Hosmer Street, just short of the Hudson town line, the popular beach was dedicated to the veterans of World War II in 1952. The local Recreation Department has provided swimming and boating lessons to youths throughout the summer months for many years.
The review of Memorial Beach came after the mayor told lawmakers in January that Marlborough didn's make the cut on a $500,000 state grant this year. As part of the recommendation, Vigeant will file for the grant next year. First drafted by the Recreation Commission in late 2010, the bond was filed with lawmakers during a meeting in February 2011.
A proposal made by Conservation Officer Priscilla Ryder to dedicate the beach area for recreation purposes was introduced to the City Council several weeks ago by Councilor Ed Clancy. It gained full council approval. When completed, the 10-acre beach will boast extensive site work, renovation of the concession stand, a new parking lot, beach improvements, upgrades to the children's play area and a new basketball court.
Filing for the next round of grant applications with the state Division of Conservation Services, is due in June and determination of recipients to be announced in November. The City Council has asked the mayor to report back on the status of the project and grant at that time.
