The city of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services department released their phase 1 plans for the design and renovation of Kern Park last week during a presentation at Ivy Drive School. 

“People have a lot of fond memories about this park,” said Dr. Josh Medeiros. “Everyone has a fun story about Kern Park, so we’re really excited.”

Medeiros, who is the superintendent of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS), presented the phase 1 plans to a lively crowd of 30 Bristol residents. 

_{^{Kern Park. | Laura Bailey Photos}}

The May 4 meeting was held six weeks after a public engagement workshop that encouraged feedback from residents. Medeiros and Project Architect Phil Barlow incorporated public comments regarding the current state of Kern Park and the desired future renovations into the phase 1 plans. 

“One of the strong messages I think that we heard was don’t mess it up, I kind of like it the way that it is. You can improve it, but don’t do too much,” said Barlow.

The city of Bristol received $300,000 in ARPA funding for the Kern Park revitalization project. Phase 1 construction could begin as early as Fall 2023.

Improvements to the trails, removal of invasive plants species and environment cleanup were among of the most requested improvements that will be incorporated into the revitalization project.

The plans also include enhancements to the Simms Road entrance, the removal of current fencing and the addition of a three-foot high stone wall.

The largest phase 1 improvements will be centered around the dilapidated tennis court located at the Ivy Drive entrance to the park. 

“We want to remove that pavement entirely and create a pollinator garden there,” said Barlow. “We would no longer have that impervious surface, and we would do something to attract wildlife; birds and butterflies.”

^{_{Left: The Kern Park tennis court. Right: Kern Park trail suffering from flooding. | Laura Bailey photos}}

^{Tall trees line the trails of Kern Park. Laura Bailey Photo}

Improvements to the Kern Park trails will be one of the biggest site improvements in the revitalization project. The current trails suffer from drainage problems that cause flooding and erosion. The phase 1 plans include the creation of a loop trail which will both rectify the drainage problem and offer residents an area for walking and exercise. 

To learn more about the Kern Park renovations, visit: https://bprycs-project-portal.constantcontactsites.com

Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org

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