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Hudson leaders weigh alternatives after inclusive‑park funding shifts; manager eyes quicker sites
Summary
City staff told council funding originally expected for the Middleton inclusive playground is at risk; staff is exploring relocating the equipment to a site with existing parking and restrooms to keep the project on a June 2026 timeline.
Hudson City Council heard a workshop briefing on March 18 about the status of the Inclusive Park project and the city's options after parts of expected funding were reported as uncertain. Council President Foster said the city was still pursuing alternatives to avoid losing grant funds and urged patience while staff develops cost estimates.
City Manager Sheridan explained the city did not receive some funding and is seeking alternatives to use money already committed by two state senators and other sources. "We didn't get some funding. So we are looking at other options for the use of that money that we'd received from Senator Weinstein and Senator Rogner," Sheridan said, and added the city needs to use those senators' funds before June 2026. "One date we're chasing is June of 2026. We need to use the money from the two senators before then," he told council.
Staff outlined two core approaches: build the inclusive playground at Middleton Park (the originally planned site)—which would require substantial grading, new paved parking and restroom construction and could be more expensive—or relocate the already‑purchased playground equipment to an alternative city park with existing level ground, ADA‑compliant parking and restrooms to reduce cost and schedule risk. Sheridan said the city already owns the playground equipment and that moving it to a site with existing infrastructure would lower costs and speed installation.
Council members described intense public interest and disagreement about site choice and urged staff to present clear options and cost estimates for council review. "If people could just take a breath and just hang on, let the city manager come up with some realistic options and some pricing," Foster said during the workshop. Councilor Kowalski asked staff to provide a written memo explaining alternatives and constraints.
Staff also noted that some federal/state timelines and winter construction windows constrain when work can occur, and that the city could consider a multi‑year capital plan for Middleton if council wished to preserve that location long term. Sheridan said staff would return with options and cost estimates at the next meeting so council could make an informed decision without losing available grant funds.
