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Community Corner

It's a Wonderful Day in the Block Party Neighborhood

Fun, food, splashing in a pool or just hanging with your doggies on your street is what summertime can provide with a permit from the Melrose Department of Public Works.

Gooch Street in Melrose had their sixth annual block party on Saturday, with neighbors, kids, dogs and friends from nine houses on Gooch Street coming together for summer-time fun.

It's not that difficult to organize a block party in Melrose or to obtain a permit from the Melrose Department of Public Works (DPW), said Martha Grover of Gooch Street. 

"You just go down to City Hall and get the paperwork, fill it out, have your neighbors sign it," Grover said. "Then, the day of the block party, the barricades magically appear."

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According to a secretary at DPW, who declined to give her name, all that's needed to obtain a block party permit is the name of the street where it will take place; where the residents would like it blocked off; neighbors who are involved; what hours the residents wish to hold their block party, and a contact person with a telephone number.

Block party permits are almost always approved, said the DPW secretary. The DPW must take into account major intersections and approve permits through the Melrose Police and Fire Departments.

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Grover grew up in Michigan on a small street, where her family had annual block parties as well.

"I grew up on a street only one block long and my parents used to organize their block parties, complete with bike-decorating, pie-baking  contests, and tons of fun activities for families," Grover said. Her dad was "always the pie judge" and now, with the Gooch Street block parties, Grover hopes to create more fond memories here in Melrose.

On Saturday, everyone on Gooch Street appeared to be relaxing and enjoying the summer time fun and they all pitched-in for the party.

"On Gooch Street, everyone contributes something like water-balloons, crafts, face-painting, a slush stand, pony rides, or other fun things to do," Grover said.

Seeing the new 'SplashDown' water slide, which this year replaced the traditional inflatable 'MoonBounce,' it was apparent festivities were at full-throttle on Gooch Street.

Grover said, "Both newer and old-time residents on our street enjoy the opportunity to get out and  socialize with the neighbors."

Anyone can hold a block party at any time of the year. To get more information go to: www.cityofmelrose.org., or call the City Clerk's Office at (781) 979-4170.

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