Barre celebrates new playground at town park

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – Barre town officials and community members this evening celebrated a new playground at the town park on Route 98.

Willow Duell in red and Liberty Klein in yellow cut the ribbon during the celebration. At left is Barre Town Councilman Dave Waters with Town Supervisor Sean Pogue, second from right. Dale Brooks, the town highway superintendent, is in back at right.

Pogue said many in the town contributed to the effort that has been years in the making.

He thanked the Barre Betterment Committee for raising money for the project, including securing a $35,000 grant from the AES Corporation, which is developing a 200-megawatt solar facility in Barre and Shelby. AES is also doing a smaller solar project and is nearly done with construction on Route 98, not far from the town park.

Pogue said the Betterment Committee has been “the driving force” behind the project. The Betterment Committee purchased six new playground pieces at a deep discount for $31,500. That came from the AES money, with the remaining $3,500 to go towards topsoil and seeding near the playground.

The town also was able to keep three pieces of playground equipment – swings, a caterpillar climbing apparatus and a slide – and move them to the new spot in the park.

Town Supervisor Sean Pogue, center in back, thanks many contributors who have helped make the new playground a reality.

Pogue also commended AES for its contribution, and Barre Stone Products and Keeler Construction for supplying some materials and also donating towards new electric at the park.

Jason Foote, the town park director, also secured grants from Apex Clean Energy to move the project along and buy some of the materials.

Titan Development in Gasport assembled and installed the new playground and three older units, as well as providing expertise in the layout.

Dale Brooks, the highway superintendent, and the other highway workers did the site work, collaborated with Titan Development, and are putting the finishing touches on the site, Pogue said.

The town supervisor also commended RTO/Ambient for providing free WiFi at the park. Look for Barre Park and “guest” on the WiFi signal.

Pogue said the Town Board wants to do more at the site in the future, with a goal for restrooms.

The project thus far has cost in the $60,000 to $70,000 range with grants and donations covering most of the expense. The town spent $16,000 from its budget to hire Titan and that came from the federal ARPA funds, Pogue said.