Medford Parks to Receive Face Lift

Morrison Park. Courtesy photo.

– Allison Goldsberry

The city is making $1,750,000 in improvements to four parks, Morrison, Hickey, McNally, and Columbus. That amount includes $1.5 million in grants, Mayor Michael McGlynn announced at a press conference this week.

Work is currently underway to make Morrison and Hickey Parks more handicapped accessible. The improvements include replacing and/or adding sidewalks, handicapped parking, accessible routes and walkways, curb ramps, and crosswalks, among other things.

The city is spending $225,000 and has applied for a $400,000 state grant to refurbish McNally Park. Medford will know in October if the state grant is approved. If it is not, work will be delayed and the city will apply for the grant next year. The Mayor said he is confident about the city’s application for the grant.

A public meeting was held in July to receive feedback from neighbors about McNally Park. The plan for improvements includes renovating the ball field, dugouts with roofs, bleachers, walkways, a playground zone, an open space zone with a gazebo, handicapped accessible walkways, and space for a small community garden.

Columbus Park will be renovated to create a “showcase facility” for girls softball. Improvements include a new infield, an outfield fence, a warning track, two foul poles, sheltered dugouts, new bleachers, netting to contain foul balls, handicapped accessibility improvements, a batting cage, and a storage unit. A new electronic scoreboard with front and back scoring panels will be used by both softball and Little League teams.

Green Acres Construction Company has already begun the refurbishment at a cost of $300,000, which is being paid for via a federal grant, according to information released by Mayor McGlynn’s office.