Parks commission approves up to $10,000 contract for Kiwanis Park master plan

The New Canaan Parks and Recreation Commission authorized up to $10,000 to hire Keith Simpson & Associates to produce a master plan for Kiwanis Park, voting to approve the expenditure after discussion of scope and next steps.

Commissioners said the work will start with a subcommittee that will supply a list of desired elements — including community gardens, expanded pathways and a proposed pickleball area — for the landscape architect to consider. “Not more than $10,000” was the cap discussed for the contract, and commissioners noted the public works budget already includes funding for some consultant work.

Commission members described the subcommittee’s role as gathering local preferences and reviewing a draft plan from the consultant before the commission receives a final recommendation. Tim Klimpo, a subcommittee participant, said the group had regular meetings and prepared minutes and a list of “key elements” for the consultant to consider.

Commissioners identified some specific directions the architect should consider, including removing two storage sheds near the pavilion and extending park pathways closer to the river so the water becomes a clearer feature of the park. Commissioners also discussed using the consultant’s time to design a new pickleball court area.

The motion to authorize Keith Simpson & Associates to provide services for Kawartha/Kiwanis Park not to exceed $10,000 was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Commissioners said the subcommittee will review the consultant’s draft before the commission votes on a final plan; no further formal timeline was set at the meeting.