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Palmer Park playground redesign will need roughly $130,000 more; construction expected after summer
Summary
Staff reported that City Council feedback added items—additional shade, swing benches and theme elements—that raise the project cost by about $130,000; Magical Bridge Foundation withdrew its full‑funding proposal and staff will seek to preserve existing train elements where feasible.
Town staff told the Park and Recreation Committee that the Palmer Park playground redesign will require roughly an additional $130,000 to accommodate council requests for extra shade, swing benches and a few themed elements. The project’s original design had used most of the available funds; staff said the baseline budget was "a little over a million" and the additional items will increase that total.
Robert, a parks staff member who briefed the committee, said the Magical Bridge Foundation initially proposed to cover the full improvement costs but subsequently withdrew that offer. Following City Council’s January 15 study session, staff were directed to explore several additions to the conventional playground layout; the committee packet included a summary of council feedback. "We're still investigating and working on it," Robert said, adding staff intend to return with a revised layout for committee review before finalizing the design.
Key points discussed: the committee agreed to retain the sandbox. Staff also reported direction to attempt to preserve and reuse parts of the site's existing train structure where possible; how much of the train can be incorporated is still under review because some pieces may affect fall zones and usable space. Robert said design revisions will be coordinated with the project manager so a new layout can be presented to the committee prior to final design.
Restrooms: staff said attention to the park restroom design will return soon. A subcommittee met to discuss potential restroom options and staff expect to bring a couple of restroom proposals back to the committee for review.
Schedule and next steps: staff indicated construction is planned after the summer (summer construction is not feasible due to school‑year coordination); exact start dates will depend on design finalization and procurement. Staff said additions requested by the council were made with the understanding the town would add the money to the budget as the project moves toward construction.
No formal votes were taken on the playground at this meeting; staff will return with updated plans that will reflect the council’s requested additions and any cost changes.
