Gathering in Support of the Cold Brook Public Access and Firehouse Restoration Projects
Members of the Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) and the Harwich Fire Association (HFA) gathered at 203 Bank Street on Saturday, June 22nd to support two exciting projects: the restoration of the Town’s First Firehouse and enhancing public access for HCT’s ecologically restored 66-acre Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve.
Folks enjoyed touring the renovation progress of Harwich’s First Firehouse. The restoration of the exterior is complete and has brought new life to this historic building. The interior transformation underway will become the home for a 1929 Maxim antique fire engine. Three affordable apartment rentals are being built upstairs.
Energizing remarks were shared by HCT and HFA, highlighting this inspiring partnership and the historical and ecological significance of our joint effort in the heart of Harwich Port. Re-establishing public access to the Cold Brook Preserve includes creating a new wheelchair accessible trailhead that will link to a half-mile All Persons Trail, a parking area with handicap accessible spaces, and a scenic overlook to round out what will become a welcoming educational experience. Trails will reopen to the public in the fall once this final phase of construction is complete.
To finish the Firehouse restoration and public access improvements, the combined HCT-HFA fundraising goal is $400,000. After the June 22nd event, there is less than $342,000 left to go. Meanwhile, after a public bidding process for construction contractors, HCT selected local firm T.W. Nickerson to start the parking area work this summer. Your donations to this HCT-HFA partnership project will ultimately create visible, positive change for all ages who will be able to experience a century old Firehouse as well as access to an All Persons Trail for people of all physical abilities to learn about the nature around us.
Special thanks to Wayne Naus and the Art Ensemble of Cape Cod for performing live jazz music, thank you to Mainsail Events for coordinating the details of this special gathering, and thanks to Cape Roots for providing a delightful selection of hors d’oeuvres.
To donate to the Town’s First Firehouse Restoration Project, please click here, and select “The Old Bank St Firehouse” from the “Donate Towards” dropdown menu.
To donate to the Cold Brook All Persons Trail, Scenic Overlook & Parking Project, please click here.
Please enjoy the photos of the event below, courtesy of HCT volunteer photographer Gerry Beetham.
Collage photos courtesy of HFA (1929 Maxim fire engine), Gerry Beetham (tree swallow & firehouse), and Steve and Eileen Furlong (aerial Cold Brook Preserve photo).
