Gulf River Association Pledges $15K for Horseshoe Fields Parking Lot

Donation to jumpstart design and construction of new parking area on recently acquired parcel

SCITUATE, MA - May 7 - The Gulf River Association has pledged $15,000 towards the design and construction of a new parking area at Horseshoe Fields, a recently acquired parcel of land in Scituate. The announcement was made by George Goldrick, president of the Gulf River Association, during the Scituate Select Board meeting on May 7.

The Gulf River Association, a Scituate and Cohasset-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the health of the Gulf River, played a significant role in the town's acquisition of the Horseshoe Fields property in 2021. The association raised over $350,000 from more than 350 individuals to support the purchase, which aimed to protect the land from development.

"We are hoping that this starts the conversation," Goldrick said, presenting a check to the Select Board. "The only stipulation that our board has asked is that there's a timeframe."

The Select Board expressed gratitude for the generous donation but raised concerns about setting a specific deadline for the project. "I want to make sure that we don't say a year and we missed a year," said Select Board member Susan Harrison. "Because this stuff takes time."

Town Administrator Jim Boudreau suggested that the Conservation Commission, which has jurisdiction over the property, should recommend the location of the parking area to the Select Board. The board agreed that the project's timeline would depend on various factors, including the completion of the design and engineering phase.

Goldrick assured the board that the Gulf River Association would continue to support the project, stating, "You have my word that the Gulf River Association has $15,000 to the town to go to the parking lot. Whether it's at the appropriate time, we will come back to you."

The Select Board also discussed the town's preparations for the upcoming Memorial Day observances. The program, coordinated by Veterans Services Officer Sarah Potts in collaboration with the American Legion and other local organizations, will include ceremonies at the Lawson Green Memorial and a parade featuring veterans, scouts, and community groups.

Select Board member Andrew Goodrich will serve as the speaker on behalf of the board, while member Susan Harrison will participate in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the harbor. The board emphasized the importance of extending invitations to local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, as well as other youth organizations, to march in the parade.

"It's always fabulous because we don't have veteran agents coordinating it," said Select Board Chair Karen Connolly. "We need those invitations to be extended."

The Select Board also received an update on the ongoing restoration of the iconic Scituate Lighthouse. The grouting work is expected to be completed by the end of the week, allowing the general contractor to resume work on the site. The painting of the lighthouse is scheduled to be finished by Memorial Day, weather permitting.

The Scituate Historical Society has tentatively set Aug. 7, National Lighthouse Day, as the date to celebrate the completion of the lighthouse renovation project. More details will be provided closer to the event.

As the town prepares for a summer filled with community events and projects, the Scituate Select Board remains committed to working with local organizations and residents to enhance the town's unique character and preserve its natural resources for future generations.