FITCHBURG — The North Central MA Association of Realtors (NCMAR) received a $2,400 Placemaking Grant from the National Association of Realtors to help enrich the city. The grant assists Realtor Associations to partner with others, to plan, organize, implement and maintain a placemaking project in their communities.
NCMAR used the funds to plant mature shade trees around the new dog park located at Coolidge Park. The NCMAR partnered with Nate LaRose, Fitchburg Recreation Director, to enhance the dog park and create an inviting gathering place for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Volunteers that helped to bring this placemaking project to fruition include: Kathy Lore, Justin Lore, Dylan MacLean, Rick Vallee, Steve Kelley, Brian Cormier, Karin Anderson and Linda Lee.
“Realtors live, work and volunteer in their communities and take immense pride in working to improve them,” said Kathy Lore, NCMAR Executive Officer. “Placemaking can help foster healthier, more social and economically viable communities. It creates places where people feel a strong stake in their neighborhoods and are committed to making things better. This grant allow us to enhance the dog park project in our community and help create a place where friends and neighbors can come together with their dogs.”
“As the Fitchburg area becomes more attractive and welcoming, nearby properties may also increase in value. We are excited about this opportunity for dog owners and residents to enjoy a piece of Coolidge Park”, stated Yasmin Loft, MCMAR President. Realtors associations and their Realtor members are actively engaged in the community and know the neighborhoods and the properties that would benefit most from these placemaking projects.
For more information on the Fitchburg Dog Park, https://www.facebook.com/fitchburgdogpark or http://fitchburgdogpark.org. To find out more about National Association of Realtors placemaking programing visit, realtoractioncenter.org/placemaking.