Vandalism forces Blackstone parks to shut

BLACKSTONE — With its picturesque stream and stone ruins, the Attilio Valati Nature Park on Elm Street has long been a haven for residents looking to commune with nature or just enjoy a quick outdoor lunch.

Given to the town in 1989 as a gift from Attilio Valati, the park has also suffered at the hands of vandals in recent weeks, which has forced town officials to make the decision to close that park – as well as Goulet Field in Lincoln Street – for the next six weeks.

The vandalism was discovered by d DPW crews who said the parking lots at both parks were heavily damaged by persons cutting “donuts” in their cars, r which has left deep ruts in the lot.

DPW Director Jimmy Sullivan and Town Administrator Daniel M. Keyes f notified the Parks and Recreation Commission, which decided to block off the entrances to both parks until the spring

season begins.

Goulet Field is located at 200 Lincoln St., behind the JFK/AFM Elementary School Complex.

“This is not a good thing, especially for Valati Park, because a lot of people like to go there and eat their lunch,” said Parks and Recreation Commission Chairwoman Celeste Langlois. “Unfortunately, we have a couple of yahoos who think its cool to damage public property with their vehicles, which means we have to lock the parks off.”

Langlois said considerable time and

money were spent by the DPW to put down shavings and grade the parking lots, only to have them destroyed in a matter of minutes.

Both parks will be closed for at least six weeks, although Valati Park could open earlier for the annual Tags and Trout youth fishing derby.

Anyone with any information about the vandalism incidents should call the Blackstone Police Department at (508) 883-1212.

Follow Joseph Fitzgerald on Twitter @jofitz7