[Editor's note: The information below was issued in a press statement by NGP Management, LLC and Dunkin’ Donuts.]

A Dunkin’ Donuts franchise group based out of North Reading, has donated $30,000 to the Town of Reading to reconstruct the entranceway into Washington Park along Washington Street in Reading, a donation that will cover the majority of the project costs. This franchisee group is owned by Constantine “Gus” Scrivanos and operates three Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in Reading, including one on the corner of Washington Park on Main Street.  

The donation from Dunkin’ Donuts and The Scrivanos Family will provide community members with a more welcoming entranceway into Washington Park and encourage additional use of the park grounds. The Board of Selectmen for the Town of Reading determined that having a master plan for each of the town’s public parks would help prioritize town-funded capital improvements, determine where to apply for capital grants, and evaluate proposed donations. 

The board adopted the Master Plan for Washington Park in April 2009 after several park users and townspeople expressed concerns about the overall atmosphere and safety of the park. The Board of Selectmen looked at the Washington Park path proposal as an important step toward renovating the area and changing the negative perception surrounding the park.  

“We believe that Washington Park is an important resource for the Town of Reading and a critical component of a stable neighborhood,” stated John Feudo, Recreation Administrator and member of the Washington Park Planning Committee. “The overall goal of the plan is to improve the amenities of the park in order to increase the number of children and adults who use it and to ensure its viability for generations to come. The donation from Dunkin’ Donuts and The Scrivanos Family is sure to help us achieve this goal.”  

In 2009, the committee identified three phases to renovating Washington Park including additional parking spaces and sidewalks along Washington Street, relocating and rebuilding the park’s tennis courts and playgrounds, and renovating the baseball field, entrances, and other amenities. Two years ago a new playground was built, leaving room for the tennis and basketball courts on the Town Capital Improvements Program for FY2014.

The donation from The Scrivanos Group of Dunkin’ Donuts will finish the entrance of the park, tying all aspects of the master plan together. 

The renovations to the entranceway are scheduled to begin this spring and will include a stamped concrete walkway, new benches, a handicap accessible water fountain, monument area, and bollards. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the site of the entrance with members of the Scrivanos Franchisee Network, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, and Board of Selectmen once all renovations are complete. 

“As members of the community, we understand just how hard the Town of Reading works as it continually strives to provide residents with essential services and maintain high community standards,” remarked Patricia Lincoln, Vice President, The Scrivanos Franchisee Network. “The new park entrance will have a more aesthetic appeal to park goers and neighbors, and will provide children with the right type of environment for constructive behavior. We hope that this donation will impact everyone in the community, and will result in an increase in overall positive activity at Washington Park.”