Plans move forward for Round Hill park

SAUGUS – Although it has been a sluggish process, the Historical Commission has continued its plans to create a park at the base of Round Hill to honor the town’s rich history.Stephen Carlson, chairman of the Historical Commission, said that the area behind the Public Safety Building had become overgrown and neglected before the commission intervened in 2011 with plans to put in a park.”It’s been in the works for several years,” said Carlson. “It took us a while to get our ideas together.”Ideally, he would like the park to be completed in time for the town’s 200th anniversary celebration on Feb. 17.”Round Hill is important because it is featured on the town seal,” said Carlson. “It’s a good place to commemorate our heritage.”In the seal’s forefront is Montowampate, sachem (supreme chief) of the Saugus subset of the Pawtucket tribe.However, he explained that the commission is currently waiting for the site’s final writing plan and for the park’s gravel surface to be graded off. Carlson added that paving “may not happen until the spring.”Although the cost of the project is estimated between $20,000 and $25,000, Carlson does not expect to receive additional funding from the town other than the $10,000 that was appropriated at Town Meeting.The Essex National Historical Commission donated $1,500 to the project with another $5,000 coming from Wheelabrator Technologies. The remaining balance will be covered by fundraisers held by the Saugus Historical Commission.One of its current fundraisers is selling table coasters stamped with the town seal. A set of four sells for $30. Anyone interested can send a donation to The Saugus Historical Commission: Round Hill Project at 298 Central St.Carlson said that the park will be completely handicap-accessible, with benches and granite bollards to keep vehicles out. The park will also have a sign to denote the site’s Native American history as numerous artifacts have been discovered there.In the long term, Carlson added that he would like to improve the trails to the 150-foot summit by making them handicap-accessible.