Templeton CPC endorses three recreation articles for town meeting: Gilman Waite, Houghton Park, Narragansett field
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Summary
The Templeton Community Preservation Committee voted to place three recreation-related articles on the town-meeting warrant: funding for Gilman Waite softball fields, a modified Houghton Park ball-field plan (excluding a skate park), and a Narragansett Regional girls' softball field appropriation.
The Templeton Community Preservation Committee voted on several Parks & Recreation items and approved placing three related articles on the town-meeting warrant.
Gilman Waite softball fields: The committee voted to forward the Gilman Waite softball-fields rehabilitation application to the town meeting with a recommended funding split of $70,000 from the open-space reserve and $50,000 from the unbudgeted reserve (total $120,000). The motion passed by roll-call: Dennis (yes), George (yes), Mike (yes), Gary (yes), Candace (yes), Joanne (yes). The funding covers dugouts, fencing and related field work; committee members noted remaining bookkeeping and grant-reimbursement details will be handled in project accounting.
Houghton Park (ball field) and skate-park discussion: Parks staff and administrators presented a packet that combined a playground, skate/bike area and ball-field work. The committee discussed community sentiment, neighborhood impact, noise and prior experience with an informal skate area. After debate the committee voted to move forward with a modified plan that excludes the skate park and concentrates on the ball-field work at Houghton Park. Members approved a motion for the ball-field component at $125,000 (includes contingency/signage) contingent on any required matching grant language; the vote passed unanimously. The committee instructed staff to craft article language that specifies the funding condition (for example, contingent on receiving a specified parkland grant) and to work with Parks & Rec on the detailed budget line items.
Narragansett Regional High School softball: Separately, the committee approved a $131,000 appropriation from the undesignated reserve to fund construction of a girls' softball field at Narragansett Regional High School. The motion passed by roll-call: Dennis (yes), George (yes), Mike (yes), Candace (yes), Joanne (yes). Members added language asking staff to coordinate with school officials and the superintendent (Mr. Casavant referenced in discussion) to ensure the field will be made available to the public when not scheduled for school use; the committee asked the article drafter to work with school legal counsel on appropriate access language.
Other information provided: Parks & Rec administrator Rachel Florian said the Houghton Park playground portion already received bids (eight bidders; lowest playground equipment bid approximately $88,000), and that playground award and related paperwork are being handled separately by Parks & Rec with an expected completion timeline tied to the fiscal year. Committee members stressed that some projects are grant contingent and will proceed only if matching funds are received.
Votes at a glance: Gilman Waite rehab — approved to forward; allocation $70,000 (open space) + $50,000 (undesignated). Houghton Park (ball-field only) — approved to forward; $125,000, contingent on grant language to be finalized. Narragansett Regional girls' softball field — approved; $131,000 from undesignated reserve with public-access condition.
The committee asked staff to draft clear warrant language and to consult with legal and school officials about the public-access provisions for the Narragansett field before submitting the article to the select board.
