SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Park and Recreation Commission is taking steps to take over Whalley Park.
Members of the commission asked the Southwick Select Board to give their approval for the commission to seek bids to complete work at the park, which was built by John Whalley with the intent to give it to the town, according to commissioners. The commission also told the board Monday it would seek Community Preservation funds for the work and purchase of the park. Commission Chairman Kelly Magni said the purchase price would be nominal.
“It would be about $1 or something like that,” said Magni.
The Select Board said it was premature to ask for funds when they do not yet know how much they need.
“You cannot go out to bid when you don’t know what you need,” said Board Chairman Fred Arnold.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart suggested the commission find out the scope of the work still left and get a general idea of cost.
During the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting last night, commissioners unanimously approved applying to the Community Preservation Committee for purchase and work completion funding as a first step.
Whalley Park, located on 70 acres of land on Powder Mill Road, will have eight athletic fields when complete, including softball, soccer and T-ball fields.
“It will be an outdoor sports complex,” said Commissioner Michelle Ackerman.
“John Whalley wanted it to be in honor of his son – he never intended to be the owner or manager,” said Commissioner Dan Call.
