A Revitalizing Conservation Project in the Heart of South Royalston

What was once home to a popular eatery called Pete & Henry’s Restaurant is now a vacant lot. 

In 2018, the restaurant – located in the heart of South Royalston – tragically burned down in a fire. Two concrete pads atop a now vacant lot are all that remain of this beloved community gathering spot. But that’s about to change.

Thanks to the tireless work of the Royalston South Village Revitalization Committee (RSVR) and the Town of Royalston, the site is now being transformed into a beautiful pocket park, one that is permanently protected by a Mount Grace conservation restriction.

Creating a new community space

Soon after the fire, the town rallied to purchase the now vacant land to create a new park using Community Preservation Act funding, which requires a conservation restriction (CR) to be placed on the land. After the purchase, the Town reached out to Mount Grace and we began working together to develop the CR.

“We hope to build a community park for the families and children of the area, which showcases the natural beauty of the region and particularly the Millers River,” says Lynne Kellner of the Park committee – a subcommittee of the RSVR. The triangular plot of land lies just across the street from the flowing Millers River. With that vision in mind, Mount Grace staff have worked closely with the Town and the South Royalston Park Subcommittee on the language for the CR, ensuring that it reflects the site and includes the flexibility needed to build the park and allow it to evolve over time. As the CR was finalized, the Subcommittee worked to secure funding for the park, receiving a $20,000 grant from the Bjurling Charitable Foundation.

What’s the plan for the park?

Now, with the CR complete and funding in place, construction is set to get underway this summer. The park will be packed with features, including a “clatter bridge” children’s play structure, flowering trees, a pavilion with benches and tables, and panels with artistic, hand-painted scenes of Royalston. Thanks to the Town and many persistent volunteers, this site will continue to be a community gathering place for the village for generations to come.