NORWICH – The Chenango County Board of Supervisors has approved a local volunteer organization’s plans to make East and West Parks a safer and more viable venue for outdoor events.

Friends of the Parks, a group made up in part by representatives from the Norwich Pumpkin Festival, Colorscape Chenango and the Chenango Blues Festival, hopes to raise approximately $400,000 for electrical upgrades and a myriad of improvements to the county-owned parks, including a permanent performance stage.

Friends of the Parks Committee Chairman Eric Larsen said he appreciated the supervisors’ support.

“We can now move onto the next big hurdle, which is coming up with the money,” he said. The funds will be raised privately from local individuals, businesses and foundations. An undisclosed amount has already been secured.