WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington is building something special.
On Tuesday, March 29, the town held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Yentile Farm Recreational Facility at 9 Cross Street.
The $4.8 million project, which is expected to complete or near-completion by November, will feature a multi-purpose artificial turf field and combined basketball/street hockey courts, plus walking paths, an event green for open recreation and large community activities, a playground for multiple ages, game tables for passive recreational use. The 9-acre park will also feature restrooms, concessions, a picnic pavilion, and 109 parking spaces.
“In less than 12 months, this space will be transformed into a community space unlike any other in town,” said Town Manager Jeff Hull. “Creating an attractive space – that draws people of all ages outdoors on the banks of the Maple Meadow Brook – will only enhance what it means to live here in Wilmington.”
Hull heaped praise on former Town Manager Mike Caira, the Wilmington Board of Selectmen, the Yentile Farm Development Committee, and Town Department Heads. Hull also thanked the residents of Wilmington, who voted to purchase the land at the May 2012 Town Meeting for $1,182,500.
Hull singled out Selectwoman Judy O’Connell, chair of the Yentile Farm Development, for her effective leadership.
“The approach she took, to engage the residents through surveys, forums and various public outreach, has really created the positive momentum that’s lead us to the point we’re at today,” said Hull of O’Connell.
“Who would have thought 27 meetings, 3 public workshops, and multiple presentations to the Board of Selectmen and at Town Meetings would all bring us to today’s special events?”, asked Selectwoman Judy O’Connell. “This park will be a signature destination for the town and will be a land for all ages and interest.”
“This project has required leadership, foresight, comprehensive public process, careful planning, significant time and so much more,” said O’Connell, who thanked numerous town and state officials, including Town Manager Jeff Hull, Assistant Town Manager Kendra Amaral, State Senator Bruce Tarr and State Rep. Jim Miceli.
O’Connell recognized Green International, who – in collaboration with Stantec – designed the park, and Green Acres Landscape and Construction Company, who will build the park.
“I also want to thank the residents of Wilmington for endorsing this recreational facility overwhelming at the last few town meetings,” stressed O’Connell. “This project would not be possible without the residents of Wilmington and their willingness to fund this process.”
Selectman Chair Mike Champoux echoed those sentiments, complimenting residents for “recognizing the need for this park for today and for preserving the open space for future generations to enjoy.”
“This park will, most assuredly, be a flagship recreational area in Wilmington,” said Champoux, who looks forward to enjoying the facility with his family and watching other Wilmington families do the same.
“This is a new era for Yentile Farm,” said State Senator Bruce Tarr. “One that will be as bright as it’s past and holds the limitless potential of the things that can happen when we gather as a community… Congratulations to everyone a job well done,” concluded Tarr.
And, to date, much of that job has been done by the Yentile Farm Development Committee, which includes Town Manager Jeff Hull; Selectwoman Judy O’Connell (Chair); volunteers Kevin Caira (Vice Chair), Daniel Bamberg, Michael Gracia, Edward Loud, Edward Riekstins, Joseph Kealos; and Town Staff, including Board of Heath Director Shelly Newhouse, Recreation Director Debbie Cipriani, DPW Operations Manager Jamie Magaldi, and Planning & Conservation Director Valerie Gingrich. Assistant Town Manager Kendra Amaral and Town Engineer Paul Alunni has assisted the Committee.
Watch a 15-minute video of the groundbreaking ceremony, courtesy of Wilmington Community Television, below:
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