PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Durant Park splash pad project has been boosted by more than $200,000 in state funds.
A 700-square-foot outdoor water attraction is planned for the 2.1-acre park at 30 John St. City officials hope to have it operational by summertime.
On Tuesday, the City Council accepted $215,980 from Berkshire Regional Planning Commission to install a stormwater treatment system on Francis Avenue and a splash pad at the park. BRPC has agreed with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program to administer the funds.
“This is a really easy thing, I think, for most of us to support, at least for me. It’s a good investment for the neighborhood. The West Side has been asking for this for a long time,” Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said.
“But it also makes a neighborhood climate change resilient in terms of finding a place to cool down for families and kids, and it’s constructive.”
Durant Park currently hosts a 4,750-square-foot playground, basketball court, softball field, picnic area, and sitting areas. Visitors would be able to cool off on the splash pad located between existing playground structures with asphalt sidewalks connecting them.
The park is located in the heart of the West Side neighborhood and is within walking distance of many households. Over the summer, a mural honoring Black city residents who fought in the Civil War was installed on site.