Walpole, MA—The Trustees of Reservations announced today that it intends to accept the gift of Francis William Park, known locally as “Bird Park,” in Walpole from the Francis William Park Trust. The gift includes the 89-acre park, 7 acres of recreational fields known as Ellis Fields, and an accompanying endowment. The Trustees of Reservations will establish the park as a permanent reservation that will be open to the public free of charge. Funds from the endowment will be applied to the management of the park.
“We are very excited and honored to have the chance to help preserve this important public resource for the people of Walpole,” said Tom Foster, Director of Field Operations for The Trustees of Reservations.
“The prospect of working with The Trustees of Reservations is very exciting for us,” said Philip Conway, Chairman of the Friends of Francis William Park, a volunteer group that sponsors events to raise money for the park management and capital improvements. “At a time when open space is often developed, it is wonderful to have a commitment from The Trustees to preserve and protect this 89-acre jewel.”
Locally, The Trustees have helped preserve over 2,000 acres of open space at:
The Bradley Estate, Canton: 90 acres
Bridge Island Meadows, Millis: 80 acres
Chase Woodlands, Dover: 85 acres
Fork Factory Brook, Medfield: 135 acres
Noanet Woodlands, Dover: 695 acres
Rocky Narrows, Sherborn: 227 acres
Rocky Woods, Medfield: 491 acres
Shattuck Reservation, Medfield: 245 acres
Charles River Peninsula, Needham: 30 acre
Noon Hill, Medfield: 204 acres
Since 1929, the Francis William Park Trust has maintained the park for the public’s benefit. In recent years, the Trust has been greatly aided by the Friends of Francis William Park. As the new managers of the park, The Trustees will be obliged to follow all the terms of the original trust. The Trustees intends to work closely with the Friends and the Town of Walpole to manage the park and to develop a comprehensive management plan and explore enhanced opportunities for public enjoyment of the park.
Under The Trustees’ management, the park will be staffed with Trustees’ personnel.
“I would like to compliment and thank Roger and Libby Pero for their years of skilled service and dedication as the park’s caretakers,” said Foster, who noted that a “smooth staff transition will take place in December.”
“On behalf of the Friends of Francis William Park, I would like to offer our appreciation for Roger and Libby Pero’s 12 years of dedication,” said Philip Conway.