Commission discusses pavilion/stage options and funding; commissioners want final design before larger spending

The Park Commission reviewed proposals, contractor estimates and design options for a new pavilion or covered stage at the town park and discussed next steps for final design and funding.

Commissioners and staff reviewed vendor sketches and an estimate for a delivered structure presented during the meeting. A contractor’s example shown at the meeting described a 12-by-16 delivered structure priced at $10,999; meeting participants said their preferred finished stage would likely be larger, in the 12-by-20 to 12-by-24 range, and that contractors had cautioned the commission that eliminating a center support post would require structural reinforcement.

Commissioners discussed the desired “amphitheater” appearance — a longer gabled roof and a back wall to provide sound buffer and signage — and talked about the costs of on-site installation and labor. One presenter said materials-only pricing would likely be substantially lower than a delivered, installed unit and that a completed on-site structure could roughly double material-only figures; commissioners used a rough target of about $16,000 for a finished pavilion as a planning figure, while noting that the commission’s available funds were smaller and that additional fundraising or phased construction might be necessary.

Members discussed phasing the work — building a foundation in a first phase and finishing the structure later — and asked staff and contractors to refine estimates, provide options that remove or reinforce the center post without weakening the shelter, and circulate those details by email so the commission could review them before a future decision. Commissioners agreed to measure and mark potential footprints on site so the commission can better visualize the size and orientation of the pavilion before committing to a final design.

No final appropriation or vote to contract was taken at the meeting.