Trustees discussed a proposed Alonzo Park shelter and kitchen design from the architectural firm Thrive on Sept. 4 and decided to table the contract after lengthy discussion about costs, site constraints and donor expectations.

Staff members said they met with Thrive to develop a concept for a pavilion with a warming kitchen that could be expanded later. The contract includes architecture fees and optional three-dimensional renderings. A staff speaker described the fee breakdown in the meeting: “architectural services would be that 3,000. So it's the 4,500,” and added that the “3 d renderings would be about thousand 500,” indicating the total package would be roughly $4,500 with the 3-D work optional.

Trustees and staff discussed several constraints and priorities: donor interest that could cover a substantial share of construction costs, sequencing with Main Street and other higher-priority projects (including a signed state contract for an Alonzo Park parking-lot/intersection update), and wetlands that limit where larger amenities like an amphitheater could be placed. Trustees also discussed reusing or gutting existing bathroom/storage space for public-works needs as part of a phased approach.

Trustee speakers emphasized the value of having donors involved but cautioned against moving forward without clearer funding numbers and a broader park master-plan review. One trustee asked whether the village could defer design work until Main Street funding figures are firm; staff said waiting risks losing donor interest but agreed the park master plan should be reviewed by the public facilities committee.

After discussion, a trustee moved to table the Alonzo Park Shelter Design contract pending a public facilities committee meeting; the motion carried on voice/roll call.

Why it matters: donor interest could accelerate park improvements, but trustees said they want a coordinated master plan so piecemeal work does not make future phases impractical. Tabling the item routes further design approval through the public facilities committee and gives staff an opportunity to assemble clearer funding information for donors and grant programs.