Press Release
From the Office of
State Representative
Gale D. Candaras

May 9, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE….
Contact: Candace Ouillette Gaumond: 413.599.4785


CANDARAS OBTAINS FOUNTAIN PARK FUNDING IN HOUSE BUDGET 2002

BOSTON–Representative Gale D. Candaras’ (D-Wilbraham) announced today that she secured $25,000 for the construction of public restrooms at Fountain Park. The appropriation was approved as part of the F.Y. 2002 House budget debates concluded yesterday in Boston. The Senate will take up the budget later this month. Representative Candaras said she is working closely with Wilbraham Senator, Brian Lees, who is enthusiastic about the project and hopeful that he will be able to maintain and possibly augment somewhat these funds in the Senate budget.

“Fountain Park is one of the finest facilities of its kind in Western Massachusetts. Our goal is to make it as comfortable and hospitable as possible. Public Restrooms will make the property more accessible to young and old alike. Budget money, grant money, private donations, and volunteers are all needed to ensure the maintenance and improvement of the property. Gifts of time or money are always appreciated!”

Fountain Park is 144-acre facility located on Tinkham Road in Wilbraham. The Park is the former home of the Massachusetts Game “Pheasant” Farm and the permanent home of the Wilbraham Peach Festival. In 1984 the Pheasant Farm closed and the reserve fell into disrepair. In 1997, following a Town meeting vote, Candaras secured passage of legislation that allowed the park to be purchased from the state for use as a public park. In June of 1999, with a gift from Mr. And Mrs. Lawrence A. Fountain, the land was purchased on behalf of the Wilbraham Nature and Cultural Center, Inc., the non-profit charged with stewardship of the Park.

After soliciting community input, The Nature and Cultural Center Board last year drafted a master plan for Fountain Park focusing on much needed improvements. The Plan identified an immediate need for public restrooms. Some of the other proposals include much needed building renovations, wildlife trails, implementation of educational programs for the public, expanding the usage of the buildings for concerts, gatherings, performing arts and an agricultural museum. Additionally, part of this master plan identified the need for public restrooms.

“The Board has agonized over this issue regarding the lack of public restrooms for sometime. We applaud Representative Candaras for her efforts and her continued support for the volunteers,” states Stoughton Smead, a member of the Wilbraham Nature and Cultural Center Board of Directors.

Fountain Park is the host site for community events including Wilbraham’s famous Peach Festival, PTA Picnic, Easter Egg Hunt, Strawberry Festival, Holiday events, and the popular summer concert series. The construction of public restrooms will make the park more accessible and enjoyable for the community. For more information related to the funding for Fountain Park in the House Budget, please contact Candace Ouillette Gaumond at (413) 599-4785, office of State Representative Gale Candaras.