SUTTON -- New clotheslines. a new grill.

Nice, but a bit ordinary.

A new water sculpture, handicapped-accessible picnic tables, gardens, colorful benches and a multi-painted cow?

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Thanks to a state grant, the Sutton Housing Authority got to spruce up the grounds around the Orchard Apartments on Church Street.

On the morning of July 21, days after the cow was installed, Mark Bailey, chairman of the Sutton Housing Authority, and John Slocum, the SHA's executive director, showed what had been done.

Along a walking path that encircles the 40-unit area, there are birdbaths, a couple of raised garden beds and large benches that can sit up to eight.

At the benches, and at the picnic tables, there's space for wheelchairs.

At one end of Orchard Apartments, there's a shuffle board court, along with something not allowed at the apartments (because of fire regulations) -- an outdoor grill.

Farther along the path, there's a new water sculpture; from the space cleared of brush came a flower garden.

"A lot of tenants do the walk; it's there for everyone," said Slocum of the walking path.

In 2018, Slocum heard about a creative placemaking grant being offered the the state.

"The concept was to add some artistic influences; a design project to bring tenants together and try to eliminate isolation," said Slocum.

Slocum brought in the town's planning director, Jen Hager, to begin work on the application.

The Central Mass. Regional Planning Commission contributed designs and sketches for free, while artist Joyce Creiger helped with artistic advice.

Orchard Apartments tenants also helped with a "wish list" of items. That included the cow that now stands in front.

In 2020, Slocum sent a 100-page application to the state; in winter 2021, Slocum got word that the application was approved for a grant of $165,000.

The project went out to bid that spring, with most of the work done by November.

"It was great to partner on a project that recognizes the importance of restful spaces for regeneration and playful spaces that encourage socialization within our senior/disabled living community," said Hager. "These spaces, that intentionally incorporated the beauty of art, are so important to emotional well-being."

While most of the work was done on site, the fiberglass cow went to the high school, where members of the painting class did their thing.

"The students were in charge of that," said Slocum. "It was a learning experience for them. The kids had free rein to do their thing. It came out wonderful."

The class, led by teacher Cheryl Craig, included Alex Anne Sumner, Erin Sullivan, Laura Sullivan, Emma Jonasch, Giuliana Gamble and Samantha Fadden. Abby Coulter provided the design.

With the project now in the "tweak and touchup" phase, Slocum and the SHA have begun to focus on the next projects for Orchard Apartments.

That includes more automatic door openers, a new heating system for the hallways and re-opening the Community Room to tenants.

Currently, the room is being used as transitional space for new appliances, including refrigerators; as tenants move out, the SHA swaps out old appliances for new.

"We're constantly doing projects," said Slocum.

For information on the Sutton Housing Authority and Orchard Apartments, call 508-865-3821, or visit https://www.suttonma.org/housing-authority