Friends group outlines $400,000 fundraising push for Gavenly playground upgrade

Friends of Gavenly Playground representatives updated the Parks and Recreation Commission on a public–private fundraising campaign to replace and upgrade the playground at Gavenly Park, seeking up to $400,000 in private donations to pay for equipment and an accessible pour-in-place rubber surface.

Monica, speaking for Friends of Gavenly Playground, said the group has begun sales of commemorative bricks and received early commitments for a welcome sign, and that the rubber safety surface is roughly as expensive as the equipment. “Not only is it essential for kids and adults who are using mobility devices, but it's also really important for families with strollers,” Monica said.

The group presented a draft master plan and sample fundraising materials. Organizers said they aimed to keep color and materials natural to the park and to use inclusive equipment chosen after consultations with local special-needs families.

Organizers set a fundraising goal of $400,000, with a suggested 15 percent capital reserve. Monica said the campaign would remain open until equipment could be ordered or financing ran out; she identified June 1 as an aspirational target for reaching the $400,000 goal and said equipment lead times would affect the schedule. A vendor lead time of 10 to 12 weeks for manufactured equipment was described; site preparation, installation and the pour-in-place surface would follow and could mean a three- to four-month delivery window after the order and site work are started.

Commission members asked about scope if only partial funding is available. Monica said the funding level would drive the design: “The funding will drive the design,” she said, adding that a smaller “launch” playground could be built if full funding were not available. She also said a fence along the park perimeter is desired for safety and could be funded after initial equipment purchases or added to a continuing brick campaign if needed.

Commissioners and staff praised the volunteer effort and asked organizers to coordinate closely with Parks staff on phasing, permitting and a capital-reserve plan. No formal vote or town expenditure was requested during the presentation.

The commission asked staff to keep the project on future agendas for permitting and partnership steps and that organizers continue to coordinate design and timeline details with parks staff.