City officials celebrated the re-opening of a new-and-improved park in Southbridge this weekend.
Officials announced last year that Eden Park on the southern edge of the city would get a major renovation.
The playground equipment was covered with peeling paint and the swingset had no swings.
But the park now sports a synthetic turf field, a repainted basketball court, new sidewalks and benches, a pavillion and brand new age-specific playground equipment.
“The park looks absolutely fantastic,” said Marie Reed, president of the Southbridge Civic Association. “We’re really, really pleased about that.”
Reed says locals are already enjoying the park’s revamped pool — which has been recoated and decked with a new filtration system and umbrella spray feature.
“Of course the children are utilizing the swimming pool, because I talk to them every day, you know, the children and their mothers, coming and going from the swimming pool and they absolutely love it.”
City council approved a deal to lease Baynard Stadium to Salesianum school last year. City officials said that move allowed the city to fund the $2.4 million Eden Park renovations.
The city’s new OpenGov web portal shows the project also received $400,000 in grants.
