In 2021, a $3,000 grant was awarded to the Harper's Haven Community Field fencing project for the creation of fencing at the newly-developed Harper's Haven toddler playground at Community Field, developed in honor of Harper Violet Brewer. The award supplements private funds collected by Laura Ferriter and Project 13 Inc. to build a high quality fence around the Community Field memorial toddler playground. The playground was originally built in the fall of 2020 in honor of Laura Ferriter's granddaughter, Harper Violet, who loved Community Field and passed away in March of 2020.
The playground is approximately 450 square feet, with a rubber surface and several low-to-the-ground climbing structures appropriate for young children just learning to crawl or walk. The installation of the fence complements this safe and age-appropriate play space by allowing little ones to crawl, explore, and share family time with caregivers in a confined area. Holyoke's CPA Plan calls for funds to be used to "improve connectivity, access, safety, and function" in our local parks, and we believe this project does just that for our Holyoke youth and their families. The fence in total cost $8,600, with $3,000 furnished by CPA and $5,600 raised through private donations.
Congressman Richard Neal, State Senator John Velis, and Holyoke City Councilor Todd McGee were present at the ribbon-cutting event and informed of the CPA funds being approved for this community project. The project was highlighted in the media as well, including in a Mass Live article which noted the portion of the fencing funded by the CPC.
