ATHOL – Joe Superchi calls the Millers River Environmental Center at 100 Main St. his “sandbox.” On Thursday, his “play” area expanded after a newly installed lift passed inspection, allowing wheelchair access throughout the building and to an outside ramp. It’s also the first time Superchi, a volunteer there since 1999, was able to go to the geology section in the basement. “It’s about time!” he said with a grin.
According to David Small, executive director of the Athol Bird and Nature Club which operates the MREC, located at 100 Main St., the Town of Athol provided most of the funding and $15,000 came from public donations for the $85,000 project. He said in a couple of weeks a contractor will install a handicapped-accessible door near the ramp.
Construction to make the building ready for the lift was done by Cornerstone Building Services in Holyoke and it was installed by New England Lift. Small said the entire process took 1 ½ years to get done and involved going to town meetings and putting the project out to bid. Paul S. Lieneck, AIA from Haynes, Lieneck & Smith of Ashby was the architect.
Throughout the month of August the MREC will host an open house every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. On Aug. 11 at 2 p.m., Dave Small will talk about dragonflies and damselflies of which 140 species are found in Massachusetts. On Aug. 18 at 2 p.m., Joan McPhee will give a rock tumbling demonstration, and on Aug. 25 at 2 p.m., Bill Stubblefield will discuss the lives of wasps.
For more information, visit https://atholbirdclub.org/, or call 978-248-9491. The MREC is also open to visitors by appointment by calling Dave Small at 978-413-1772 or emailing Dave@atholbirdclub.org.