LYNN — If any dogs were barking in Pine Hill on Thursday, it was likely of happiness, as the endeavor to improve the Parkland Ave. Barkland dog park was completed.
Officials, residents, and of course, dogs came out to celebrate the $30,000 investment and cut the ribbon after the park was freshly graveled by Obtek LLC, which donated labor to the project. Also added to the park were some obstacles such as two-sided stairs for dogs to climb.
According to Lisa Nerich, associate commissioner for the Department of Public Works and director of Parks and Recreation, the funding was provided through an American Rescue Plan Act grant.
Mayor Jared Nicholson said the upgrade to the park was a project many residents had thought for a while would never be completed, or was just a false promise from Lynn city officials.
“We said no,” he said. “If we’re going to be a real city, we’re going to run with the big dogs and we need a real park.”
“It’s so exciting to be able to make sure that folks have this space,” Nicholson added.
Nerich said the project could not have been done without support from Nicholson or Councilor-at-Large Brian Field.
Donald Castle, a Lynn resident and retired city hall employee who lives in Pine Hill, said he is happy to see the park receive the improvements, because they are long overdue.
He added that it is great to see the city invest in a space for residents and their dogs.
“I’m happy to see it and Lisa (Nerich) does a great job,” he said.
