Dennis Port Revitalization
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While weather and slow fundraising have postponed until next spring the painting of a mural on a downtown Dennisport building, a plan to upgrade the Dennisport Village Green and Mike Stacey Playground moves ahead.
“We’ve been working for eight or nine months with the Cape Cod Commission and are in the process of finalizing a plan that had its genesis in the design charrette [in 2009],” said Hank Bowen of Dennis village, who has spent a decade on the revitalization effort. The plan, which would see a major renovation of the area, is expected to cost about $100,000, which the committee hopes to raise through aggressive fundraising.
Included in the upgrade are an entry plaza and walkway with fitness stations and historic markers detailing the village’s rich seafaring history. “The walkway would be used for art exhibits and farmers’ markets and could provide a venue for car shows and the like,” Bowen said.
Decorative and practical lighting, improved landscaping, bocce and basketball courts and additional parking are included in the plan. A sidewalk along the east side of the playground and fencing around the entire area would improve public safety.
“Johnny Kelley Park was a town-sponsored upgrade,” Bowen said. “But even though the town owns these Dennisport properties, our committee plans to raise the funds like they did in Yarmouth for the Flax Pond Recreation Area upgrades. These are difficult financial times. We’re looking at grants and foundations to pay for this project.”
The six-member park sub-committee, comprised of Bowen, DRC Chairwoman Carlyn Carey and residents Ray Hebert, Jane Otis, Matt Ernst and Juanita Donlin, will seek recreation commission and selectmen’s support of the project by year’s end. “We’re a small committee with a lot of ideas,” Bowen said. “We’re always looking for more people to help.”
The DRC meets at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Dennis Public Library, Hall Street, Dennisport.
Nicole Muller can be reached at nmuller@wickedlocal.com.
Dateline: 7/27/11, A pleasant addition was added to the Village Green in time for last nights' concert with the Bart Weisman Jazz Group. The Baroni family, owners of the Mill Stores, donated 6 five foot long picnic tables to the South Side Civic Association. The SSCA has placed them around the Village Green. Click on the above underlined Title for more information and pictures.
Photo and story by The Dennis Register