Southwick Department of Public Works Director Jeff Neece holds the sign that will be installed next week at Whalley Park. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – Although Whalley Park was never officially opened, the Parks and Recreation Commission expects to close it by the end of next week.
A unanimous vote to close the park was taken this week so that remaining projects could be completed this summer. Residents have been using the park, especially the playscape area, now that spring has arrived.
Commissioner Daniel Call said a sign would be in place sometime next week alerting anyone trying to enter the park that it is closed.
“It’s a matter of safety,” Call explained. “We still have to do finish paving and there are catch basins sticking out inches above the ground, there are exposed utilities – we don’t want anyone tripping over these things.”
The Commission sent a letter to Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart and the Board of Selectmen letting them know of the decision to officially close the park so it could open this fall.
“The newly under construction Whalley Park is now officially closed regarding the public’s use until further notice,” the email notice stated. ‘The reason for the closing is simple. The park, at this time, is an unsafe area for any general public outdoor recreation.”
Call said a bid package would be ready soon and would include installation of a gate at the park entrance that could be locked and opened to control traffic into the park.
“The sign and the gate will assist us in letting people know the park is closed,” said Call.
Projects that still need to be complete include paving and lighting the driveway, as well as some fields. Restrooms are also on the list of projects. The letter to Stinehart stated that the Commission “is committed to completing the necessary work” and the finished park would provide “not only a state of the art park for Southwick, but a place where the public’s safety will never be in question.”
Call said Dig Safe is expected to find the best location for the sign early next week and following installation of the sign, which is at the town Department of Public Works already, Whalley Park will be closed.
