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Commission hears cost drivers for Action Sports Park and Elliott playground; CPC hearing set
Summary
Parks staff told the commission high design costs for an Action Sports Park and pickleball courts reflect specialized skatepark designers and possible environmental permitting; the Community Preservation Committee public hearing is scheduled and staff has collated public comments.
Commissioners received an update on two capital projects — an Action Sports Park and Elliott School renovations including fields and playgrounds — and heard why design costs are higher than initially expected.
Staff said the feasibility estimate allocates about two‑thirds of design costs to the skate park and about one‑third to the pickleball courts, in part because there are relatively few skatepark designers in New England and those who specialize in skatepark or pump‑track design often come from farther afield. Department staff asked CHA, which produced the feasibility study, to price projects assuming that certain environmental permits (including potential reopenings with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection) might be required. That approach raised the estimate to account for worst‑case permitting costs, staff said.
The department noted the Action Sports Park site is surrounded by conservation land, and that reopening permits would add time and expense; staff said the feasibility work aimed to be conservative so the town would be prepared if permitting were necessary.
Commissioners were reminded the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) will hold a public hearing where residents can comment on the Claxton and Elliott project proposals; staff said letters and emails from nearby residents and stakeholders have been compiled and staff will attend the CPC hearing to answer questions. The CPC hearing was scheduled for the coming Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Public Works building and will be available by Zoom.
No vote or funding decision was taken at the March 10 meeting; CPC action will follow the public hearing and CPC’s internal process.
