Mill Villages Park Opens to Public

The Fisherville & Farnumsville Streetscape Committee announces that the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mill Villages Park will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 14. The ceremony is open to the public.

The new park construction is the first phase of the Fisherville & Farnumsville Streetscape Project. The Mill Villages Park is located at 61 Main St., South Grafton. The event will be held rain or shine. 

A large turnout is expected and parking is limited. Guests are encouraged to car pool to the event. Light refreshments will be served. 

A performance by the Hanscom Air Force Brass Quintet will immediately follow the ceremony. In the event of rain, the concert will be performed in the Municipal Center gymnasium.

The park originally consisted of a gravel area that was once used for parking by the Fisherville Mill prior to its destruction by fire in 1999. The park has been under construction since the groundbreaking ceremony on April 9, 2011. 

Located between the Blackstone River and the Blackstone Canal, the two-acre park consists of open space for events such as farmer’s markets, exhibits, and live performances; a pavilion, river access; memorial benches, walkways and parking. 

The historic “little bank” building, originally located on Main Street in South Grafton and currently owned by the Grafton Historical Society, has been moved onto the site. 

Funding sources are from federal, state and local funds including a State Smart Growth (40R) incentive grant, Community Preservation Act funds, and private donations.

 Submitted by the Grafton Planning Department