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.