Linsky, House Approve Funding for Veterans Oral History Project and Natick Parks

BOSTON- State Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick) announced today that the House of Representatives voted to adopt amendments in its FY17 budget to fund $30,000 for the Veterans Oral History Project at the Morse Institute Library in Natick, and $50,000 for improvements to Natick parks. The amendments were sponsored by Linsky, and adopted on Tuesday, April 26th.

The Veterans Oral History project is a collection of taped interviews of men and women who served in the military from World War II through the Gulf War. Working with a core group of local veterans, library staff and volunteers, the Morse Institute Library of Natick formed a steering committee and began videotaping interviews with veterans in the spring of 1998. As of 2015, the Project included nearly 300 interviews, done not only to preserve the veterans' histories as an important archive in Natick’s local history room, but also to make the videotapes available to the public as part of a circulating collection.

“The Natick Veterans Oral History Project provides a priceless service to our veterans and to our country by archiving the stories of so many of our nation’s heroes,” said Representative Linsky. “The Legislature honors our veterans by continuing to invest in this important project.”

Natick is home to nineteen town parks and fields. The playgrounds and fields at Natick’s eight public schools are also available for public use when school is not in session. A recent study of the town’s parks and fields indicated the need for additional playing space, renovations and enhancements to existing parks. The Navy Yard Field, and the playgrounds at the Lilja and Johnson Schools have been identified by the Town as the most in need of upgrades.

“I expect these state funds will be used to supplement town funds in order to complete long overdue improvements to those three parks,” said State Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick). “I am pleased my colleagues in the House recognized the importance of investing in our public spaces, which are vital to preserving and enhancing the character of Natick and communities across the Commonwealth.”

Debate on the FY17 budget began in the House on Monday and is expected to finish by the end of the week. The budget will then move to the State Senate for consideration.

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For More Information: Jessie Brunelle (617) 722-2575