BLACKSTONE — The Town of Blackstone is excited to announce that the Parks and Recreation Department will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by light refreshments to celebrate the grand opening of the new playground at Turbesi Park.
WHEN:
Saturday, Sept. 7, at 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Turbesi Park, 667 Rathbun St.
WHAT:
The first renovation of the park since 1997, the playground at Turbesi Park has received a full remodeling geared toward children of all abilities and ages. The inclusive park features interactive equipment, rubber surfacing and new tree plantings. The park is named after Angelo Turbesi, a former Blackstone official.
“The park was a dream for Angelo Turbesi and he made it happen with the help of young people who lived within walking distance of the park,” Town Administrator Chad Lovett said. “It would not be uncommon for Mr. Turbesi to knock on doors on Saturday mornings with rakes and shovels to get the neighborhood children to help build the park. If you listen to any of those children today, you can still hear the respect they hold for Angelo.”
According to Lovett, Mr. Turbesi was not afraid to ask for donations and was often seen walking toward the park with pieces of playground equipment that he secured from donors.
The Town appropriated $293,000 in funding for the renovation of the park last year, and a grant of $100,000 was awarded from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the playground.
The new playground was constructed by UltiPlay Parks & Playgrounds Inc., which also completed the Roosevelt Park playground renovation last month.
“The opening of the playgrounds at both Roosevelt Park and Turbesi Park ensures that every child, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of play and the thrill of exploration,” Lovett said. “Mr. Turbesi was determined to make this playground happen and he did it. He would be quite pleased to see the new playground at his beloved park, accessible to all.”
In the event of rain, the ribbon-cutting will occur on Sunday, Sept. 8.
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