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A new entrance sign greets visitors to French River ParkThe bounce house is up and ready for funEd and Linda Bazinet, representing the Black Tavern Historical Society, promenade through the parkUnless you're the lead dog, the view never changesLandowners Fred and Nancy Healy chat with Peter Sanborn of Communitiy Opportunities GroupTown Administrator John McAuliffe, emcee of the event, gets the show on the roadMassachusetts State Senator Richard T. Moore explains the greenway strategyState Representative Kevin Kuros delivers greetingsJohn Monroe of the National Park Service designates the French River Connection as "Conservation Heroes"Ken Thanks landscape architect Paula Stahl of the Green Valley Institute for planning the parkLois Bruinooge of the Last Green Valley offers congratulations as Selectman Don Borque looks on.The ribbon is cut at lastBella the Clown made great balloon animals all afternoonThe Turtle Rescue League explained to visitors why the turtle crossed the roadThe Last Green Valley used their "enviroscape" to demonstrate the action of stormwater runoff and how to control itThe Webster-Dudley Boys and Girls clubs entertained youngsters throughout the dayThe US Army Corps of Engineers displayed fascinating mounted animalsThe Pulaski Brass Band getting ready to performUnion soldiers representing the Slater Guards who left for the war 150 years ago, pay the park a visitIt was a great day to enjoy the sunVisitors relax down by the riverLocal conservationists discuss their projectsThe Webster skyline overlooking the parkA crowd gathers for the duck raceDown the strech they come!The finish lineThe winning duck, from the Peterson stablesA crowd gathers as winners are picked in the prize drawingA toast to a job well doneOur wonderful volunteers
All photos are by Tom Ryzewski
French River Park Opening 2011