Members of the Berlin Parks Commission recently appointed a new chair, discussed upcoming events and reviewed plans to improve the entrance to Stephen Decatur Park.
Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin is pictured.
File photo
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
The Berlin Parks Commission met last week, appointing a new chair, discussed upcoming events and reviewing plans to improve the entrance to Stephen Decatur Park.
The July 2 meeting was the last to be attended by chair Mike Wiley and member Sarah Hooper, as their terms expire in August, before the next formal gathering. Wiley recommended Laura Stearns to fill his position, and the commission approved the appointment.
The parks advisory panel reviewed plans for National Night Out, which will take place at Henry Park Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and locally supported by the Berlin Police Department.
The night is meant to “heighten drug awareness and crime prevention to strengthen neighborhood spirit and the partnership between law enforcement and the community.” Admission is free, and the event will offer food, music, medical screenings, and educational booths and displays.
Berlin Director of Public Works Jimmy Charles attended the July 2 meeting to propose enhancement plans at Stephen Decatur Park.
“One of the initiatives at public works is to keep beautification going all throughout town,” he said.
Charles said the American Legion Post #123 donated $7,500 for updated flag poles at the War Memorial at the corner of Main and West Streets. Another private donation has been made for new poles at Stephen Decatur Park.
The public works director said that at the park, the town intends to place the poles eight feet apart. The posts will be capable of hanging 6×8 foot flags, which Charles maintained will be perfect for military holidays and the Fourth of July. The department hopes to place an updated sign at the entrance and clean up the trees to enrich the space.
A plaque detailing Commodore Stephen Decatur’s connection to the area is also planned for the park. Decatur was born in Sinepuxent, now known as the Town of Berlin. The Worcester County native was a United States Naval Officer and lived from 1779 to 1820. He served in the War of 1812, the Barbary Wars in North Africa, and the Quasi-War.
The next Parks Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 4:30 p.m. and can be streamed on Facebook Live.