The Fall River Park Board met virtually on February 3, 2021, to review ongoing park improvement plans and Oak Grove Cemetery business. During citizen input, a written statement from resident Colin Dyas was read into the record criticizing the board’s ban on political activity in public parks as illegal under the First Amendment. The board unanimously voted to accept and place the correspondence on file.
The board unanimously approved conceptual plans presented by Rodney Bouchard for the Kathy Assad Playground, which include a new basketball court, updated playground equipment, a new splash pad similar to those at Chew and Pulaski parks, walkways, fencing, and trash receptacles. The board also granted permission to Crazy Legs Productions to film a production for a major television network at Lizzie Borden’s grave site at Oak Grove Cemetery, subject to corporation counsel approval.
Dave Crispin of the BSC Group delivered a detailed presentation on an expansion proposal for Oak Grove Cemetery. The 1.4-acre project, estimated to cost roughly $750,000, aims to add about 1,190 grave sites providing approximately 2,380 internment spaces over the next 20 to 30 years to alleviate severe space shortages. Following discussion regarding historical preservation deed restrictions with Fall River Historical Commission members, the board voted to approve the expansion plan to move forward, contingent on review and feedback from the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
Topics discussed
- 2:26 · Citizen Input regarding political rally ban — approved
Colin Dyas submitted a statement challenging the board’s ban on political activity in public parks, arguing it violates First Amendment protections. - 5:04 · Kathy Assad Playground conceptual plan — approved
Discussion of new basketball courts, playground equipment, splash pad, accessible walkways, and perimeter fencing at Kathy Assad Playground. - 9:40 · Oak Grove Cemetery filming permit — approved
Discussion and approval of a permit for Crazy Legs Productions with a 17-person crew to film at Lizzie Borden’s grave. - 11:51 · Oak Grove Cemetery expansion design and preservation — approved
Detailed presentation by BSC Group regarding adding 1,190 graves and lawn crypts across 1.4 acres, with debate on historic preservation deed restrictions and local commission oversight. - 58:25 · Baseball field improvement estimates — approved
Board members discussed outstanding cost estimates and project phasing for requested baseball field improvements. - 1:01:00 · Adjourn the meeting — approved