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Chicopee parks budget adds $50,000 for playground safety surfacing and doubles porta‑toilets for events
Summary
The parks department told councilors it plans to replace engineered safety surfacing at multiple playgrounds and increased the portable-toilet budget as events and rental needs rose; the parks budget was tentatively approved after discussion.
The parks department told the council June 23 it had increased line items to address playground safety surfacing and event sanitary services for FY26.
Why it matters: Playground surfacing provides fall protection at city parks; replacing degraded surfacing reduces injury risk and helps manage liability exposure.
Parks Director Ben said the increase is intended “to replace the safety servicing under a number of playgrounds throughout the city” and described the material as “special engineered wood fiber” used to provide fall cushioning. The department also increased its portable‑toilets line from $10,000 to $20,000 to meet growing event needs and higher supplier rates.
Councilors praised the move; one observed that several ward playgrounds needed work and welcomed the capital allocation. The parks budget was taken out of order and tentatively approved by roll call during the hearing.
