By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – A $3 million bond to convert the Hudson Street landfill site into a recreation area with athletic fields and walking paths was approved by the City Council at the council’s April 6 meeting.
Last October the city received a Parklands Acquisition and Renovation for Communities (PARC) grant through the Commonwealth of Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for $400,000 to be used toward the development of the site.
In addition to these financial resources, Mayor Arthur Vigeant told councilors in a communication that the city has been involved in discussions with a private party who is interested in making a significant private donation towards the project.
“With the PARC grant, this investment has the potential to cover as much as 50 percent of our remaining costs,” he said.
The city’s Recreation Commission will carry out the terms, purposes and conditions of the grant.
Included in the master plan for reuse of the landfill site are a softball/baseball field, two multi-use fields, playground area, a parking lot for 100-plus parking spaces, a concession stand with restroom facilities, a water bubbler, bike racks, exercise center, picnic tables, and landscaping with the addition of more than 60 trees and shrubs. A walking path loop is also to be developed for the project and lights to be added to extend play time on the fields.