Spring sunshine and dozens of vehicles bring a crowd to West Cummings Park

The beautiful weather and dozens of unusual vehicles brought a steady flow of people to Cummings Properties’ ninth Touch-a-Truck event on Sunday, May 17 at West Cummings Park. The popular family event offered visitors the opportunity to climb aboard backhoes, loaders, a vintage snow machine, a seven-ton United States Marines Corps (USMC) troop carrier, and other large trucks.

USMC Corporal Stephen Dwinells drove the troop carrier, which can carry 25 soldiers, to the event.

“We are so excited to be here,” Dwinells said. “We are reservists, so we are busy training, working, or at our regular jobs—we don’t get the opportunity to get out in the community that often. To be able to come out for the kids like this is a very special thing.”

Woburn Fire Department’s “Jaws of Life” demonstration drew a large crowd, and the Lowell Spinners Canaligator mascot and Bob the Builder were favorites of the littlest attendees.

Cummings Properties staffed the event with volunteers from throughout the company. Although he retired after 30 years with Cummings, Stoneham resident Jack Merlino returned to be Bob the Builder once again. The Woburn-based commercial real estate firm provided complimentary “hard hats” and balloons for the kids.

“I couldn’t keep the balloons coming fast enough!” said Cory Lahue, digital communications associate at Cummings Properties, who volunteered for the first time this year. “The kids really enjoy this event. It was a great way to spend a sunny Sunday.”

A true community collaboration, Woburn Cub Scout Pack 502 served food, Woburn Police gave kids the opportunity to explore a cruiser, and Middlesex Sheriff’s Office brought its SWAT truck to the Park. In addition to its Jaws of Life demonstration, Woburn Fire Department’s “SAFE House” and its polished red fire engines were popular attractions for families.

“We appreciate all the organizations that take the time to come and participate in this family event,” said Woburn resident Eric Sanderson, Cummings Properties associate division manager, who supervised Touch-a-Truck. “It has become a local tradition that generations of families look forward to attending.”

This is the ninth time Cummings Properties has teamed up with government agencies and local businesses and organizations to offer this free family event. It is typically held every other spring, and draws as many as 3,000 children and adults from the Greater Boston area.

Cummings Properties’ 10 million square feet of prime space accommodates offices, healthcare facilities, laboratories, retail storefronts, warehouses, co-working spaces, executive suites, and more. With a portfolio of this size and variety, the firm can meet almost any commercial real estate need from 150 square feet to 300,000 square feet. Its in-house experts in design, construction, and property management offer “one-stop shopping” for leasing clients.