New CPA
Projects to Start
Several Groveland Community Preservation projects approved at our annual town meeting in May are set to begin in July. Two of the most notable are new bathrooms for Shanahan Field and Washington Park. The bathroom structures will be permanent and replace the porta-johns at Washington Park and the outdated bathrooms at Shanahan Field. The facilities will provide users with a cleaner and safer environment and will be maintained by the town. Requests for proposals will be available for vendors shortly.
Another project is a continuation of planning for upgrades to Perry Park. The final plans will address the remaining work to restore the park to a quiet community space. Native plantings will be added. Benches for visitors and improved parking for both the park and the neighborhood will be addressed. The final plans will enable the town to request bids for the project and pursue CPA and other grant funding for constructing the park.
Town meeting also approved a new basketball court at the Bagnall School. Requests for proposals will be available soon. The new court, located behind the school, will replace an older court and provide school and community members with an improved resource for recreation.
Crosstown Trail
A revised Groveland Crosstown Trail CPA project won approval in May. The new trail, a project originally approved in 2021, was never started due to COVID issues. The 2021 project was canceled last year by the Community Preservation Committee, and a new project was presented by the Conservation Commission. The new Crosstown Trail System would stretch from Main St, though Nichols Village, and into Town Forest. The new trail system will provide another recreation resource for the town. It will expand the reach of current trails enabling walkers and hikers to trek from Main St across town into Town Forest. From there walkers can access an area with an abundance of trails such as West Newbury trails, and the State Crane Pond Wildlife Management Area. Planning is expected to begin in the Fall. Completion of the project is expected in two years.
Community Trail Parking
At a Groveland Select Board meeting in June, parking for the Community Trail was discussed. Since opening, the trail has become a popular resource for residents and visitors for a healthy walk or bike ride. Especially on weekends, parking is at a premium. A new lot was added in the town property next to the trail at the pumping station. The lot is small however and can only accommodate 6 vehicles. Also, there is no sign identifying the availability of the lot. A sign is supposed to be added soon according to town administrator, Rebecca Oldham. Trail users are currently parking on Main Street next to the trail entrance, which is not safe. The board debated the alternatives and decided to expand the new lot to add more spaces and a sidewalk from the lot to the trail head. This will help eventually. However, until then, trail users are advised to park at the Shanahan Field lot.
What’s Going On At
46 Washington Street?
The historic brick building at 46 Washington Street is a former mill building and the last Groveland Mills building still standing. It has been empty for over four years since the Water Department moved out to their new location on School Street. So, what will happen to the building? The Groveland Historic Commission is very concerned about plans for the site. The town received a grant to pursue plans for the site. A consultant was hired to gather information about the land, nearby wetlands, and other restrictions, if any, on the parcel. The consultant drew up a draft plan and is in the process of presenting it to town committees. At last month’s Conservation Commission meeting the presentation was made and seemed to focus on the parcel and not the historic building. In fact, the consultant reported that they had not even been in the building yet. The Historic Commission wants to weigh in to make sure the building is not torn down or destroyed. It represents an important part of the town’s history when the Groveland Mills was known throughout the nation for the best flannel available. ♦
