GRAFTON – A former family farm will become the town’s latest place for passive recreation.
During fall Town Meeting on Oct. 17, voters approved $685,777 in funds from the town’s Community Preservation Act to create a park at 95 North St.
The park was the one-time farm and orchard owned by the Engvall family. It was donated to the town in 2020.
The design for the new park will include an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible multi-use loop, hiking and walking trails, shaded picnic and shaded areas and interpretive signage.
What drew the most discussion was the parking – or lack thereof, according to resident Bill Yeomans.
“The amenities will be enjoyed only if there’s parking,” he said.
According to the design, there would be space for seven regular and two handicapped vehicles. Yeomans said that it’s simply not enough, and he would like to see that space doubled.
“It’s woefully inadequate,” he said.
Yeomans recommended a “no” vote and have the Recreation Department return to spring Town Meeting with updated plans for an expanded parking area.
Select Board member Raymond Mead agreed that the parking area was too small, but he said would “vote in favor of this” and look into the design for additional parking.
Jen Anderson, director of the Recreation Department, pointed out that the site is within a half-mile of Grafton Center and the North Street Elementary School.
The vote on the project, which was Article 11 on the warrant, passed, 82-41.
Article 12 also passed, which would allow the town to seek grants for the project.
As to the remaining articles on the warrant, two articles were passed over relating to off-street parking and restoration of historic furniture at the Grafton Public Library.
The other articles passed. This included repairs to the bridge crossing Cronin Brook on Fitzpatrick Road; adjustments to the town’s medical marijuana bylaws; the purchase of 173 and 183 Upton St. for open space and passive recreation and approving $1.537 million in road improvements.
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