City officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last night for the completely renovated Washington Park located in the heart of Prattville, though the timing fell just outside the Record’s publication window.
As the Record went to press, City Manager Jay Ash joined State Reps. Gene O’Flaherty and Kathi-Anne Reinstein, Sen. Sal DiDomenico, and numerous city councillors, with District City Councillor Paul Murphy leading the group, in celebrating the official opening of Washington Park following its comprehensive renovation.
Full details of the event will appear in next week’s edition. In the meantime, Ash has begun reaching out to community members about forming “Friends of Washington Park” committee.
“We have a spectacular park, and the City will do everything we can to keep it clean and fun. However, for it to really be the community resource it can be, we need local stewards to step up and take an interest in supporting the park,” Ash stated.
According to Ash, an ideal group of residents could undertake weekly maintenance efforts or tend to plantings, coordinate quarterly programming, or serve as additional monitors to help ensure the park remains secure and properly maintained.
“I’ve seen how a working group of friends can turn a good space into a great place in a neighborhood. I’m hoping people and businesses will do the same here,” Ash added.
Residents interested in participating in discussions regarding the creation of a friends group are encouraged to reach out to Ash at [email protected].
Ash observed that young people and families have already been making frequent use of the park. He noted that current usage appears to significantly exceed the level of activity the park experienced before its renovation.
Ginger Brisson (7) and Desmond Brisson (5) got to be the very first kids to play in the renovated Washington Park.