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NORTH ATTLEBORO - Fundraising efforts to help pay for a plan to beautify Barrows Park are now getting under way.

Town officials from a number of boards are working together to come up with plans to help improve the park by changing the landscaping, adding an irrigation system and adding lighting for the war monuments.

The entire project is expected to cost about $10,000- the $5,000 cost of the irrigation system has already been supplied by a donor who prefers to remain anonymous.

"We'll be removing trees, planting new ones, moving the flag pole and podium to the property's far corner and giving the area the appearance of a rolling green," said Selectman Paul Belham, who is helping to raise money for the project.

"It all began with an anonymous donor who wanted to know why the lawn at the police department looked so much nicer than the park. That person agreed to donate a sprinkler system, and everyone agreed if we were going to do something, we should do it right." Work at the park will begin after Memorial Day so it won't interfere with the town's annual ceremony on that weekend. It is expected that a stone commemorating the efforts of veterans of the Gulf War will be added to the property and officially dedicated on Memorial Day.

The beautification project is a team effort with the park department, veteran's department, public works department and forestry department all pitching in. In addition, Police Chief Michael Gould Sr., Belham, General Maintenance owner Gary Berkley, Rick Hart, Briggs Nursery and Boro Sand and Stone have volunteered or donated materials to help out with the effort.