Enjoy it While it Lasts: New Park is a Loaner

City officials worked with business leaders, property owners and local company to get a new park built downtown. But if they have their way, it will be gone before long. 

"Hopefully next year they will be starting construction on a new building," said City Council President Patricia Pope. "But we will at least be able to enjoy it for the rest of this summer."

The small park, with picnic tables, planting beds and mulch, fills in what had been a "problem site" on Main Street, said Mayor Arthur Vigeant. The building that housed a restaurant at one time was destroyed by fire in 2010. 

Vigeant said the park came together thanks to a wide partnership that included property owner Paul Varhese and local businesses that donated time, cash, plants and materials to the project. The city did not spend any money on the park, he said, adding that the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation and Marlborough Savings Banks helped bring the deal together quickly enough that the residents would have a chance to use the park. 

After cutting the ribbon, Vigeant said the park was perfect for enjoying lunch from downtown restaurants. 

The mayor's message to residents: "Please come down and enjoy it--that's what it's here for." 

At least for now.