Commission discusses pool repairs, rink chiller options and long-term project list including splash pad

The commission spent substantial time on capital and site projects, including pool repairs, rink operations and potential multi-use fixes for athletic fields.

Staff reported the pool resurfacing project had been approved through the town budget process, and said crews were identifying the source of a leak and expected to reconcrete a problem section before the summer season. Commissioners discussed the pool’s concrete deck condition and said the work will continue to be examined into the fall when staffing and project oversight are less encumbered.

Members discussed the rink and options to make ice more reliably. Commissioners said natural winters have not been consistent enough to sustain the rink in recent seasons and described how a removable chiller could maintain ice once frozen but would introduce up-front capital costs and ongoing electrical costs. Staff noted installing a chiller likely would require three-phase power at the site and involve an electrician and additional infrastructure; running and installation costs would need funding. The meeting record shows commissioners also discussed alternate pad locations and resurfacing options (for example, resurfacing that could serve baseball and other uses) but cautioned that any change would require a full site grade survey and engineering review to confirm elevations and drainage.

The project list also included shade structures, a bus garage item, and longer-term consideration of a splash pad. Staff said that the new director (John) had expressed interest in revisiting the splash pad idea now that the department has operational control of the pool, but that funding sources would need to be identified before advancing that project. Commissioners agreed many of these items would remain on a multi-year project list and that more detailed cost estimates and outside funding opportunities would be needed before construction.