Mayor Will Flanagan invited residents to attend a public hearing regarding the updating of Fall River's Open Space and Recreation Plan 2010-2014 on June 24, 2010. in the City Council hearing room at Government Center. The goals and objectives of the new plan were reviewed for public comment through presentation of a slide show by resident Al Lima. The public was also  invited to comment on an application for a Parks Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant that will be submitted by July 15. The city is proposing the replacement of five playgrounds in parks throughout Fall River. Click here for photos of a conference held on April 21st that helped to envision what could be done in the City regarding parks and bicycle routes. For more information, call or e-mail Julianne Kelly, chairwoman of the Open Space and Recreation Plan Task Force, at 508-324-2405.

(Top row, left and right) Fall River Mass In Motion coordinator Julie Kelly opens the meeting and introduces Al Lima who reviewed the proposed Open Space Plan through a slide show that he and Sefani Koorey prepared with the members of the Open Space and Recreation task Force. (Top row, center) In addition to preserving open space and parks for pubic enjoyment, Al Lima pointed out the importance of protecting views of the Taunton River by imposing zoning restrictions on buildings that would block the view. (Middle row, right) Cindy Rodman expresses her concern that the Wilson Road extension remains unpaved. (Bottom row, left) City Department of Public Works Director Ken Pacheco listens as Glen Hathaway talks about preserving land owned by the Diocese. (Bottom row, center) Julie Kelly listens to concerns expressed by Highland Neighborhood Association President Santi DiRuzza at the end of the meeting concerning the disposition of the former Highland School at Robeson and President Avenue. (Bottom row, right) Eileen Raposa expresses concerns about placing fencing around Davis Park off of Meridian Street.