8.5.2026 Park Board

Meeting summary The Fall River Park Board held a meeting primarily focused on a lengthy and detailed discussion regarding the removal of hazardous trees. The board debated whether to remove a specific tree on Mount Hope Avenue that was severely lifting a sidewalk, located near a driveway, and entangled in power lines. The discussion also covered two other trees on Conant Street. Board members weighed public safety against the aesthetic and environmental value of mature trees, referencing Mass General Law 87 and a city tree ordinance that requires a public hearing for such removals, a procedure the city has not been following. The board also noted the city lacks an officially paid tree warden, though a person named Chris acts in that capacity. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to table the decision on the trees to allow for further investigation and consultation with the Law Department. Following the tree debate, the board quickly approved two park use requests. The first was from Abigail Law to host an "accessible for all" yoga series at Bicentennial Park on several dates in September and October 2026. The second was a request from the City of Fall River to use Maplewood Park for its annual Public Safety Palooza event on Tuesday, August 11th. Both requests were approved unanimously. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which passed without opposition. Topics discussed Hazardous Tree Removal DebateA detailed discussion was held regarding the removal of trees on Mount Hope Ave and Conant St that are lifting sidewalks and creating hazards. The board debated safety concerns versus aesthetics, and discussed the city's tree ordinance and Mass General Law 87, which requires a public hearing. A motion to table the decision on tree removal to allow for further investigation and consultation with the Law Department. — tabledA motion to table the decision on tree removal to allow for further investigation and consultation with the Law Department. Park Use Request: Yoga SeriesThe board approved a request from Abigail Law to use Bicentennial Park for an accessible yoga series on multiple dates in September and October. A motion to approve the request from Abigail Law to host a fall accessible yoga series at Bicentennial Park. — approvedA motion to approve the request from Abigail Law to host a fall accessible yoga series at Bicentennial Park. Park Use Request: Public Safety PaloozaThe board approved a request from the City of Fall River to use Maplewood Park for the annual Public Safety Palooza event on August 11th from 3 to 7 PM. A motion to approve the City of Fall River's request to use Maplewood Park for the annual Public Safety Palooza event. — approvedA motion to approve the City of Fall River's request to use Maplewood Park for the annual Public Safety Palooza event. A motion to adjourn the meeting. — passedA motion to adjourn the meeting. Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting