BURRILLVILLE – When work on the Mill Pond Dam is completed in late spring, visitors will have access to a new viewing plaza overlooking the water that features seating as well as space for entertainment, according to a conceptual plan that was approved last month by members of the Burrillville Town Council.
Providence-based Traverse Landscape Architects presented three potential designs for the facilities at a meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The firm was hired through Pare Corporation, the contractor overseeing the larger dam rehabilitation project.
“Now that we have the dam a little over halfway done and they’re shutting down for a couple of months, it’s our opportunity to see what we can do out there other than just have a grass squall,” said Public Works Director Jeffrey McCormick, noting the design plans also came with cost estimates. “Of course they’re a little higher than expected, but I think the end product will look amazing.”
According to the early design, the town will establish a new park area on the western bank of the pond along East Avenue, with pavers in several areas around a large, grassy field, surrounded by timber guard rails. Granite blocks pulled from the pond during the dam repair project will be used for seating, and a new flag pole will be erected by the adjacent bridge.
Estimates put costs to build the initial design at $265,000, but councilors noted adjustments can be made, such as a decrease to the amount of shrubbery, initially set to cost more than $30,000.
Town Council President Donald Fox noted that if the town features entertainment in the new park, guests may prefer an unobstructed view.
“That’s why I worry about trees and shrubs,” Fox said, noting the new park will compliment amenities across the street surrounding Jesse Smith Library. “You can have music events on both sides of the river … both sides of the bridge.”
Councilor Stephen Rawson noted that the proposed seating area by the water is some seven feet higher than the paved area to be installed by the roadway.
“Based on the elevation here, you almost have a natural amphitheater,” Rawson. “This is perfect for that.”
Traverse Principal Ashley Cullion said adjustments can be made to the design.
“This is very conceptual,” she said of the plans.
Of the three potential options, the most costly – estimated at $283,000 – would have seen a pathway cutting through the open grass area. Councilor David Houle questioned if it would help mitigate damage from those cutting through the park.
“A lot of kids hang around there and you’re going to see a footpath back and forth,” Houle said. “It’s beautiful and I’d hate to see the grass get worn away. It’s a very popular spot during high school prom season. They all go there for their pictures.”
Councilors ultimately opted not to divide the grassy area with the walkway.
“All three options, I think will have great benefits to the public,” said Cullion.
Councilors unanimously choose the design labeled “option #2” and approved allocation not to exceed $250,000 for the project, with funding to be taken from an uncommitted account that currently holds $817,000.
“It would obviously deplete the fund to some degree, but that’s what it’s for, to avoid debt,” said Town Manager Michael Wood.
Wood noted the town has also applied for a grant to fund repair and improvements to nearby Freedom Park, which has been closed and torn up to accommodate dam repair.
“We’re sort of prioritizing these projects based on logistics and other considerations,” said Wood. “Eventually, we’re going to do Freedom Park whether we get a grant or not.”
Councilors noted that the town can pay for some of the improvements by Mill Pond Dam with sponsorships, such as adding names to the benches.
“I really think we can sell some of these pavers to offset some of the costs,” said Councilor Dennis Anderson. “I would think you could get people to buy them for $40 apiece.”
McCormick said the project will now go out to bid with hopes to begin work this spring.
“This is going to be a real focal point for the village of Harrisville,” said Houle. “We should really keep it as nice as we can. This is almost a lifetime opportunity.”
Or ARPA funds for senior center.
Multi – sports field fine. Too bad it had to be turf. Pro football teams prefer grass.
ARPA funds in this town were used on a wide array of projects, not one single project. And, I disagree with you. Many residents in our community are in favor of the new multi-sport field. It is set up for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey.
Imagine if the town had used the ARPA funds to fix the dam, build this park and repair Freedom Park …instead of building a football field no one wanted or needed.