City of Pawtucket Releases Design and Site Plans for Payne Park Renovations
Pawtucket – The City of Pawtucket is moving forward with the next phase of the planning for renovations to Payne Park. The site plans for the park and the renderings of the spray park and the playground area were completed by Gardner + Gerrish Landscape Architects, LLC. The plans were recently shared with the community at the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association meeting.
A 2,500 square foot spray park will be installed to provide a fun place for children on hot summer days. To avoid wasting water, the spray park will be activated by foot and hand sensors when it is not in heavy use. The water generated from the spray park will be filtered before flowing into rain gardens to water vegetation throughout the park. The spray park will run along West Avenue to allow easier access to the Blackstone Valley Community Action Program Community Center.
The existing basketball courts will be expanded. Upgrades to the courts include: new fencing, lighting, backboards and re-surfacing. Bleachers will also be installed between the two courts. The playground area for younger children will see new panels and pieces that have been faded by the sun, and new swings will be installed. A shade canopy is being added, as well as new climbing features. The ground below the play structure will be covered by Fibar, a wood-fiber material, creating a softer surface.
The park will also see new picnic tables, benches, a seating wall, gaming tables and water bottle filling stations. The pergola will be updated and new trees in the interior of the park will provide additional shade. Visitors will also have access to a walking path that meanders throughout the park. The Randall Street side of the park will feature a small outdoor, raised stage and the current graffiti wall will be replaced with a mural.
“Needed upgrades and renovations to Payne Park will be an asset for the neighborhood. With the addition of a spray park and new basketball courts, the park will be a hub of activity,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “The community center across the street will only maximize the value to the community providing programs for children and families, as well as summer meals.”
This project is being made possible by a $400,000 Department of Environmental Management grant. The City will now be going out to bid for the construction and installation. Construction is tentatively planned to begin in Spring 2018.