New Park 'Rekindled Pride' in South Grafton

 A lot that once harbored discarded couches and parked tractor-trailers has been transformed into a field of dreams.

The Mill Villages Park, which was dedicated last night, represents a major step in what supporters hope will be a full-scale restoration of South Grafton.

The event had a decidedly American flair, with a Flag Day salute to the colors, families picnicking in the grass, children doing somersaults and hot dogs being served.

The ceremony concluded with a concert by The United States Air Force Band of Liberty Colonial Brass Quintet.

“This park has rekindled the pride in South Grafton,’’ said Theresa Michniewicz, clerk of Fisherville & Farnumsville Streetscape Committee, who served as master of ceremonies. “We’re here because we care and we want to make a difference.’’

Last night’s event was the culmination of years of effort to transform a former parking lot across from the old Fisherville Mill site in South Grafton.

Since the mill burned down in 1999, the parking lot across the street has stood vacant and neglected.

Then a group of volunteers formed the Fisherville & Farnumsville Streetscape Committee and, working in conjunction with local, state and federal officials, secured and raised funds to create a park on the site.

More than 100 people visited that park last night, sinking their feet into the green grass, checking out the pavilion and visiting the historic bank building that was transported from its previous location on Upton Street to the park.

Gene Bernat, the mill’s former owner, was praised by Michniewicz for his “vision and commitment’’ that “made all of this possible.’’

She said the park rose from a simple sketch drawn during a meeting years earlier.

From that simple drawing, and with the support of local, state and federal agencies, the park rose from the ashes of a fire that changed a community.

“I never thought this would be a destination,’’ Bernat said. “This is the most positive work I have ever done.’’