Parks and Recreation Commission backs memo supporting new parks facility and year‑round restrooms

At a meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, members agreed to send a memo to the Town Council expressing support for a new Parks & Recreation facility and associated year‑round, heated restrooms and storage at the park site discussed (the gatehouse area was mentioned repeatedly as a possible location). The commission voted in favor of preparing and forwarding the memo at the end of the discussion.

Commissioners said the concept under discussion is a metal “shell” building with multiple bays: a heated summer office with a restroom and shower, an open bay for sheltered activity and a storage/maintenance bay with garage doors for tractors and equipment. The commission discussed making utilities, showers and storage accessible while keeping construction costs down by concentrating mechanical systems on one end of the building.

Members discussed likely funding sources and size. One speaker said the commission had heard that some open‑space funding might be available if the building is tied to park/open‑space use. Commissioners gave a rough cost range for an unfinished shell building and interior work and said the total could come in “under a million dollars.” The transcript also referenced a septic estimate of about $50,000 for restroom systems if required.

Commissioners emphasized basic public‑facing features: year‑round sanitary restrooms that are heated, accessible and lockable for major events; storage for maintenance equipment to avoid towing broken mowers back to town hall; and a shower for on‑site staff such as lifeguards. The commission discussed design details (exterior colors, insulation, slab and utilities) and said the facility could later serve as an annex if the town builds a larger community center.

Because final design and funding were not resolved at the meeting, the commission directed staff to prepare a memo expressing its support and to bring preliminary materials back for further review and for submission to the Town Council. The motion to prepare and forward the memo passed by voice vote (recorded as unanimous “ayes” in the meeting minutes), and commissioners said they would follow up with a written memo for Council consideration.

The commission did not adopt a final design, specific budget appropriation or binding commitment; the vote was to prepare and send the memo of support only. Commissioners noted additional steps — design‑bid documents, site plans and coordination with town staff — would be needed before any construction contract or appropriation.

Ending: Commission members said they will draft the memo and circulate it to the group, then forward it to the Town Council for consideration as the town continues planning for park facilities and year‑round restrooms.