Lizzo Looks to Install Bike Racks at Tamaques

Local Eagle Scout candidate John Lizzo briefed the Town Council on Tuesday evening about his project to install bike racks at Tamaques Park.

Lizzo said he is looking to create a safe spot for residents to park their bikes at the park, without fear of the bike being stolen. Currently, there are no bike racks at the park and residents either need to chain the bike to a tree, which is discouraged or chain it to other bikes, which could result in the thefts taking a large group of bikes at once. Lizzo hopes to start installing the bike racks this summer.

"I came up with the idea when me and my friends would ride our bike to Tamaques Park and we would have no place to lock them up," Lizzo said.

Lizzo is looking to install bike racks at each of the park's baseball fields and by the park's pavilion. The proposal has been approved by the Recreation Commission.

"John made an excellent presentation to the Recreation Commission and the commission was very supportive," said Councilman Mark Ciarrocca, the council's representative to the commission.

Lizzo will be recruiting a three-person team to work with him to install the racks, which can hold 18 bikes each. He said because of the weather conditions needed to install the racks, if he stops work after September he would need to wait until April. He did indicate that the racks could be installed in several waves depending on funds.

"I plan to have them in the last week in August or the beginning of September," Lizzo said.

Lizzo has been raising funds through a letter writing campaign and through other sources. He has applied for a grant through the Rotary Club and Ritas on Quimby Street has indicated that they plan on hosting a fundraiser for Lizzo. He said residents interested in donating to the project can send checks to him at 115 Maron Ave. in Westfield. Checks can be made payable to Troop 77.

Mayor Andy Skibitsky endorsed the project and directed Town Administrator Jim Gildea to work with Lizzo during the installation process. Gildea said he would set up a meeting with Lizzo to discuss the timetable and a communication plan for the project. The proposal was endorsed by other council members as well.

"I think this is very good," Councilman Tom Bigosinski said.