Whether or not the application for the state grant is successful, the Parks & Recreation Department will be making $1 million in improvements to the area.
Fishermen are reflected on the still water at Spec Pond in Wilbraham.WILBRAHAM – The Board of Selectmen at its Monday night meeting will be asked to give its endorsement to an application for a $500,000 state grant to help fund improvements to the Spec Pond recreation area.
The Park & Recreation Department is seeking the same grant it sought last summer, but was denied, Parks & Recreation Director Bryan J. Litz said.
The improvements for which the state grant is being sought range from a new softball field and walking trails to playground renovations.
The Friends of Recreation also has done a $700,000 fund-raising drive for the improvements to the recreation area.
Litz said an additional $300,000 in Community Preservation Funds over two years will help pay for the improvements.
Whether or not the application for the state grant is successful, the Parks & Recreation Department will be making $1 million in improvements to the area, Litz said. A new softball field, walking trails and a dog park are the primary goals of the improvements, he said. Also included are pavilion and beach improvements, playground renovations and creation of a spray park, he said.
Grant funds will help make the facilities, including the beach and pavilion, accessible to the handicapped and create a playground for children of all abilities, Litz said. Creation of a trail system through the park would allow people with disabilities to reach all playing fields, he said.
Litz said a there were a larger number of applicants than usual for the grant application last summer. The town also applied unsuccessfully for the grant in 2008, he said.
“Hopefully, the third time is the charm,” Litz said.
The grant application is due by July 14. The town will hear in 60 to 90 days whether it receives the grant, Litz said.