The Park Commission decided to pursue a Community Preservation Committee (CPC / Community Preservation Act) application for ADA beach mats at ClearPond Park if an on‑site measurement shows fewer than about 500 linear feet of mats would be required.

Staff presented product prices from the engineering packet: a five‑foot‑wide ADA mat listed at about $2,500 each and a narrower mat priced around $1,600. Staff said the five‑foot width meets ADA guidance for accessible walkways; commissioners asked staff to measure the beach and compute how many 50‑foot mats would be required before formally filing. Commissioners suggested applying if the total need would result in an estimated request of about $20,000 (roughly 8–10 mats), and agreed that if measurements show the need is smaller they should proceed with the application.

Members also discussed the CPC account and the tradeoffs of applying now versus allowing the CPC fund to grow for larger projects. One commissioner cautioned that other committees also apply for CPC funds and that regular small withdrawals can deplete the pool. Another commissioner argued that a relatively small accessibility purchase is a reasonable use of CPC funds and recommended applying.

Staff noted that the CPC application process has two steps and that applicants can withdraw or amend later in the process. The commission asked staff to measure the beach, calculate a proposed quantity and cost, and return with a draft application ahead of the October 9 deadline.