Needham staff recommend phased upgrades for water access, bathrooms and AEDs at parks

Park and Recreation staff briefed the commission on several facility and safety items that staff recommended be handled in phases.

Water bubblers and bathroom access: Staff said many outdoor water bubblers were shut during COVID and some pipes broke during the long shutdown. A town plumber has inspected sites but staff are still awaiting a full report on which bubblers can be returned to service, which require pipe replacements, and which will need upgrades. The director said cost estimates are not complete and that if total repair costs are high the work could be brought forward as a warrant article because capital classification typically applies when a project exceeds $50,000 and meets other useful-life criteria.

Staff noted some park bubblers and water-filling stations already work in places such as Memorial and Filler Pavilion; other sites are “off the beaten path” and need review. The commission asked staff to continue interdepartmental coordination with DPW and consider staged repairs rather than a single large capital ask.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs): Commissioners reviewed a staff proposal to procure locked exterior AED cabinets with 911-activated access codes. Staff said such cabinets reduce vandalism and provide immediate access after a 911 call; the supplier offered models with warranties and remote notification features. Staff cited a per-unit example in the low thousands of dollars and suggested phasing purchases across high-use fields over several fiscal years. Commissioners favored phasing and exploring grant or budget-article options to spread cost.

No formal funding decisions were made. Staff will return with firm cost estimates and a proposed multi-year procurement plan that would prioritize high-use venues.