Committee OKs $250,000 CPC transfer for Ross Park playground upgrades, mayor says new equipment will be accessible

The Peabody City Council Finance Committee voted 5-0 to transfer $250,000 from Community Preservation Act open space funds for playground upgrades at Ross Park, the city’s principal park.

A city staff member described the transfer as partial funding for new equipment and said the request is being combined with a bond order to complete the project. Mayor (unnamed in the transcript) said he supported the project, called Ross Park the city’s main park and said the ordered equipment was chosen to meet accessibility needs. “I want to commend Jen Davis, her team, the park and recreation commission because that was very much a part of… making sure… the new equipment… is going to meet the needs of everybody,” the mayor said, referring to the park and recreation commission’s accessibility work. The mayor said delivery is set for late June and the city’s goal is installation before July 4 or shortly thereafter.

Councilor Wellman asked specifically about accessibility for children with mobility issues; the mayor and staff confirmed accessibility was a key consideration in selecting the new equipment. Councilor Gould moved the transfer from the Community Preservation Act open space account (account number referenced in the motion) and the committee approved the motion on a roll call vote with Councilors Turco, Gould, Gamache, Manning Martin and Chair Councilor McGinn voting yes. No amendments or conditions were recorded.

The staff member noted that additional funds for the project will be part of a separate request for small capital items to be considered at a future hearing.

Committee members did not discuss details of the bond order during this session.