By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
A plan to bring a major upgrade to a park in Decatur has sparked a major surprise – two of them, in fact!
It has been accepted for years that the City of Decatur owns South Ward Park off Winchester St. and North Ward Park, across Fifth St. from the swimming pool.
It seemed, that is, until going through paperwork to develop the South Ward Park it was discovered that the North Adams Schools still owned both areas!
Years and years ago Decatur’s school system had elementary schools on each site.
Somehow, a change to city ownership after the schools were long-gone was never done or never completed.
The ownership surprise came up at Decatur City Council’s latest meeting.
“They were surprised as we were,” City Attorney Anne Razo said, referring to North Adams leadership.
“The city has maintained those as parks for years.”
In quick order, the North Adams School Board at its recent meeting voted to turn the titles for the two land areas to the city.
And the city voted to accept!
OLD PARK TO NEW: The Decatur Parks and Recreation Department announced recently that is seeking grants which will be used to convert the South Ward Park into an all-inclusive playground.
A total of four grants are being sought.
The park is designed to have a play structure for kids 2-5 years old and another for those 5-12.
Four different types of swings are planned.
Most items will be at wheelchair transfer height and sensory items will be included.
Plans call for the park to have turf, be fenced in, have rest rooms, a pavilion and a parking lot.
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