Lehi officials evaluate splash pad usage and utility costs for new parks project

Framingham's Community Preservation Committee meeting on March 3, 2025, highlighted critical discussions surrounding the development of local park facilities, particularly the installation of splash pads and restroom facilities.

Committee members focused on the potential costs and logistics of extending utilities to new park areas, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning to minimize expenses. One member noted, “depending on what system we end up going with, what utilities and where we need to connect them, the expense for extending any of the utilities may influence what it is.” This indicates a careful consideration of budget constraints as the committee moves forward with park enhancements.

A significant point of discussion was the existing restroom facilities at the park, which currently include two accessible bathrooms. The committee explored the possibility of adding changing rooms to better accommodate visitors. One member remarked, “it can be used for changing rooms, but it's big enough,” suggesting that the current design could effectively serve multiple purposes.

The conversation also touched on the operational aspects of the splash pads, with members sharing insights from previous seasons. The splash pad, which operated for about 100 days, averaged 6,000 gallons of water usage per day. This figure was compared to industry standards, which range from 5,000 to 26,000 gallons per day, depending on the complexity of the system. One member pointed out, “the first year that you use it is not really a good baseline,” highlighting the need for ongoing assessment of water usage and costs.

As the committee continues to refine its plans, the discussions reflect a commitment to enhancing community facilities while being mindful of budgetary implications and operational efficiency. The next steps will likely involve further analysis of utility costs and the potential for additional amenities to improve the park experience for residents.