Marblehead to renovate Gerry Playground

MARBLEHEAD – The town may be losing Headers Haven, but they’re gaining a new $50,000 playground.The 1980s wooden structure at Gerry Playground, a recreational area adjacent to the Stramski Park and proposed pier, has fallen into disrepair and is now scheduled for removal.The Recreation and Parks Commission voted 3-0 Tuesday to approve tearing down Headers Haven once the Marblehead Family Fund’s proposed playground rehab project is designed. The 12-year-old fund has raised more than $100,000 so far to rehab six town parks and playgrounds, working with Rec and Park.The fund and Rec and Park will use $30,000 in funding from the Harold B. and Elizabeth L. Shattuck Memorial Fund for the playground costs. The fund plans to redesign Gerry Playground with a sailing theme and members are seeking donations at their Web site, www.marbleheadfamilyfund.org, or their e-mail address, [email protected] Gerry Playground work was scheduled to be coordinated with the Harbors and Waters pier construction, but that project is currently delayed by an appeal neighbors filed last year with the Department of Environmental Protection. The fund also requested assistance from the Disabilities Commission.Harbors and Waters (pier funding includes money for land improvements) Designers will consider using parts of the present Headers Haven structure and making the playground disability-accessible. Final plans were scheduled to be presented to the commission in September.