BRATTLEBORO — The West River Park Committee recently selected Corwin “Corky” Elwell and Charles “Chuck” Cummings as the honorary chairmen of West River Park.
On Oct. 27, 2010, the town of Brattleboro purchased 10.7 acres on Route 30 from Cersosimo Industries. That land parcel is now known as West River Park.
For many years, there has been a search for an area where additional field space could be developed to complement the fields at Living Memorial Park. In the summer of 2007, a committee was formed to look for field space. The committee looked seriously at eight parcels in the Brattleboro area and concluded that the Route 30 location, behind the Professional Building, would be the most suitable spot.
The committee then presented their findings to the Selectboard, who put the issue to a vote at the 2008 Brattleboro Town Meeting. The proposed purchase was approved by Town Meeting representatives, and after completing the permit process, the field was purchased by the town.
The plan is for the Park to be developed in phases, with the first phase beginning in earnest this year. The final facility will have three playing fields.
One will be a full sized all purpose field that will be able to host sports such as lacrosse, soccer and Ultimate Frisbee.
The second will be a 300-foot lighted softball field and the third will be a practice area that will be used by various youth and adult programs.
There will be a walking trail that will run around the perimeter of the Park as well as access to the West River, including a beach and an area for canoe and kayak launches. When the project is completed there will be a concession stand, picnic and play areas.
The overall project cost is just over $1 million. The committee has raised almost $300,000 in donations and pledges and will now be embarking on a major grant writing effort as well as seeking local support from individuals and businesses in the region. To assist with the fundraising effort or for more information, contact Carol Lolatte at 802-254-5808 or [email protected].