Some memebers of the Centennial Communit Committee at
the recent press conference.

Assumption College Donates $40,000 for City Playground

May 8, 2003

Worcester, MA—Assumption College President Thomas R. Plough, area residents, and the City gathered yesterday at a press conference at Fairmount Square Park, located on Hemans Street, for the announcement of a “centennial” partnership forged to revitalize this neighborhood park facility. Dr. Plough announced that the College will contribute $40,000 toward the project, going to the construction of a playground facility.

Assumption College is celebrating its centennial (1904-2004) anniversary beginning this June. Our desire to assist in this renaissance is another clear example of our time-tested positive commitment to our community…past, present, and future.

This park’s revitalization will be a showcase of safety, sound design, proper planning, and sound investment. It will be a legacy of positive recreation opportunities for the residents and citizens of Worcester for the decades ahead.

These improvements are guided by the community endorsed Master Plan for the facility, as completed with the assistance and the outreach of the College’s faculty and students, the Poet Hill Neighborhood Association and the Forest Grove Middle School Pre-engineering class.
Fairmount Square Park will undergo a comprehensive, phased renovation exhibiting active and passive recreation areas, with a generous playground for the children of the Poet Hill neighborhood as well as areas for the parents and adults.

There will be a perimeter and interior paved walkway around the entire site with a wooden guardrail along Hemans Street. Other site amenities include benches located throughout the Walkway system, complete with bicycle racks, litter containers, and a water bubbler. The City’s first round basketball court will be installed complete with an offset backboard/net system and fencing partially enclosing the court. With design assistance from Forest Grove Middle School, a new fenced playground will be installed that reflects a modern design that meets current ADA standards.

Also included in the renovation will be an accessible picnic grove and a water spray area that will double as a performance area for local artisans.
Site preparation will take place during the summer of 2003 with playground construction and dedication set for October, 2003.

-30-