Commission forms event and playground subcommittees; Franklin Park design gets $500,000 allocation

The Preservation Commission voted to create two short‑term subcommittees: an ad hoc subcommittee to help plan and implement the city museum’s 133rd birthday celebration on April 26, 2025, and a Franklin Park playground design subcommittee to guide work on a city‑funded all‑abilities playground.

Staff said the historical museum’s birthday event has typically involved partnerships (the Morrell House traditionally provides birthday cake) and that the museum’s annual budget is approximately $20,000; the commission asked staff to propose a “not to exceed” amount for event spending and return with a suggested allocation. Commissioners offered to assist with planning and publicity. The commission named Commissioner Rowe and one other commissioner to serve on the ad hoc birthday subcommittee (the record shows Commissioner Rowe volunteered and at least one commissioner agreed to serve). Staff will coordinate event outreach and logistics and asked the subcommittee to assist with vendor coordination and promotion.

On Franklin Park, the commission was advised that City Council appropriated $500,000 in the current fiscal year to replace the existing playground with an all‑abilities play structure. The commission moved to create a stakeholder subcommittee (up to three commissioners) to participate in project planning; Commissioners Galassi and Caldwell agreed to serve on that Franklin Park subcommittee. Staff said the item is in early stages and will return with design options and stakeholder engagement plans.

Both measures passed by voice vote. Commissioners asked that staff return with proposed budgets and timelines for the museum event and a project schedule for Franklin Park so both subcommittees can begin outreach and design work.