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Middleborough CPC approves $750,000 for Wareham Street park infrastructure; skate park funding separate
Summary
The committee unanimously approved a $750,000 Community Preservation appropriation to build green space, paving, parking and site infrastructure at 48 Wareham Street; the skate park itself is funded by a state park grant and other sources and must meet grant spending deadlines.
The Community Preservation Committee of the Town of Middleborough voted unanimously on Feb. 5 to approve a $750,000 appropriation for infrastructure at the 48 Wareham Street park project, which includes green space, paving, a canoe put-in, and circulation and parking improvements.
Committee members and the project’s supporters emphasized the CPC funds would pay for the surrounding infrastructure rather than the skate park equipment. "The money that we're being asked to give has absolutely nothing to do with the skate park," said a committee member, explaining the CPC appropriation covers green space and paving; the skate park has separate grant and donation funding.
Town Manager Jay McGrail (speaking for the town) told the committee that design work is underway and that the project must meet external grant deadlines. He said the state park grant award of $495,000 must be spent by June 30, 2026; the Pierce Trustees contribution of $167,000 is treated as the grant match and also must be spent by that date to qualify. The town also expects to spend $30,000 in free cash on design this fiscal year, has $150,000 in ARPA funds (a funding restriction noted by staff), and plans to apply for a $850,000 CDBG grant for a garage conversion. If the CDBG application fails, McGrail said the town would proceed with the rest of the park and develop a plan B for the garage element.
Several committee members said the project aligns with CPA goals for larger town amenities and acknowledged community support from volunteers and a local "Friends of the Skate Park" group. Other members warned the appropriation would significantly reduce the committee’s reserves and limit the committee’s ability to fund future open-space purchases in the near term. After discussion a motion to approve the $750,000 application carried unanimously; the appropriation will be placed on the town meeting warrant for final approval by town meeting voters.
