LAKE PLEASANT — The new playground at Rutter’s Park, between Montague Avenue and Broadway, is open for public use.
Construction began in April and is now substantially complete, said Montague Parks Director John Dobosz.
“If you want to go swing, you can go swing,” he said.
The only rule is to stay off the grass, which is new and still growing, Dobosz said.
Relatively small parts are still being added, like picnic tables and benches, Dobosz said. A formal ribbon-cutting will be held at some time in the spring, when work on the park will be totally done.
Previously, there had been an older playground at Rutter’s Park, but it was not up to modern safety codes, and residents had expressed a desire for the town to invest in Lake Pleasant’s common areas, according to Town Planner Walter Ramsey. Montague’s community development strategy for 2018 through 2023 identified the rehabilitation of the playground as a high priority.
The new playground was funded totally with state grant money, Ramsey said. It was part of a $737,395 Community Development Block Grant package last summer, which also supported local social service programs. Ramsey said the playground itself was worth about $300,000.
Reach Max Marcus at mmarcus@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 261.