Acton Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for NARA Park Sports Pavilion

ACTON, MA — Acton held a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the new Nathaniel Allen Recreation Area, NARA Park, Sports Pavilion North Building on Friday.

Thirty-five people attended the event held at the NARA Park Sports Pavilion site, next to the Miracle Field, on Oct. 16. All who attended were required to wear a face mask or covering, and to practice social distancing.

NARA Park is a town-owned recreational area located at 25 Ledge Rock Way. The 40 acre park consists of walking trails, sports fields, an amphitheater, picnic areas and NARA Pond and beach.

The Sports Pavilion North Building consists of three fully accessible bathrooms, including one designed for family use, as well as storage space for Recreation and an office for NARA Park staff.

“Miracle Field is a very special place for our community and the people who use it,” Town Manager John Mangiaratti said. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide them these much needed facilities for visitors when they are in the park. Thank you to all who supported and helped with the completion this project.”

The total construction cost for the building was $489,000, which did not include parking lot construction, utilities and site work. State Sen. James Eldridge, State Rep. Tami Gouveia and former State Rep. Jennifer Benson helped secure $150,000 in state funding to help with the construction of the project. The town was also awarded two Community Preservation Act grants for the project: one for $350,000 in 2016 and one for $200,000 in 2019. In addition to the CPA grants, a significant contribution was made to the project by the Miracle League of Massachusetts.

"Without the State’s contribution to this much needed project, we would have fallen short and construction would have been delayed yet again. Creating a family bathroom for the many athletes participating at the Miracle Field has been a goal of ours for many years," Project Manager Tom Tidman said.

Work on the project began over the summer and the majority of the construction was completed this month. CBI Consulting Architects oversaw building construction, with the construction contract being awarded to Stutman Contracting.