Council weighs options for Swenson field upgrades and alternative sites after failed warrant

Councilors used the retreat to revisit a plan to upgrade Swenson fields and to discuss alternative locations after a recent warrant article failed. Members acknowledged the plan combined playing surfaces, lights and restroom/concession facilities into one large package that many voters found too costly.

Several councilors urged the town to commission targeted engineering and site‑planning work to determine realistic costs and constructability: soil and drainage evaluations, parking capacity and grading constraints for the current Swenson site (the town landfill field), plus an explicit “plan B” in case the field requires substantial remediation. One councilor said the town could spend roughly $100,000 to produce engineering drawings and firm cost estimates to replace estimate‑level numbers presented in the conceptual plan.

Councilors debated tradeoffs: some favored keeping fields at Swenson because it already has infrastructure and is centrally located; others raised long‑term concerns about subsurface conditions because the Swenson site sits on reclaimed fill and may restrict deep excavation or utility work. The group discussed whether to prioritize the playing surfaces first and defer lights, bathrooms, and other amenities to later phases. Several councilors suggested pursuing private‑public partnerships and naming or sponsorship opportunities to reduce the town’s share of capital costs.

The council agreed to request a scope of work and a cost estimate for an engineering study that would clarify constructability, drainage, parking and an itemized construction budget for a field‑only first phase. Councilors also discussed possible state and private grants or fundraising to reduce cost burdens on taxpayers.