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Residents press for more public input on Jerome Park design as Recreation readies consultant phase; Rideout courts planning to begin in June
Summary
Residents voiced frustration at the meeting about perceived lack of public involvement and unfinished amenities at Jerome (Jarell) Park; Recreation staff said final ownership transfer and an RFP for consultants to support community planning would follow town meeting action, and Rideout courts work will proceed with a June subcommittee schedule.
Several residents used public comment at the Recreation Commission meeting to urge faster action and greater public involvement on Jerome Park (also referred to as Jarell/Juro in public remarks). Speakers asked that benches and picnic tables promised in earlier phases be placed for summer use and asked that the next design phase be the subject of open, facilitated public sessions.
A longtime resident and frequent meeting attendee raised concerns about past design and project management decisions, questioned the pace of installing permanent benches and picnic tables, and urged the commission to ensure the public is engaged before consultants finalize plans. The resident said earlier community input and a 2018 survey of thousands of respondents should be central to forthcoming planning.
Recreation staff responded that temporary tables had been used and that the department planned public meetings as part of the consultant-led planning once funding and the Select Board's town-meeting actions are complete. Staff said the park transfer to Recreation oversight is pending Select Board steps; once funding becomes available (post-town meeting), the department plans to issue an RFP for consultant services and to schedule community engagement in the fall.
Separately, the commission said the Rideout courts project has returned to active planning. The town's consultant (Activitas) submitted a concept report on existing conditions at Rideout and Emerson; a Rideout-focused subcommittee (including two commissioners) will begin work in June and is expected to meet over several months before returning recommendations to the full commission and to town decision-makers. Commissioners said ARPA funds are available for courts reconfiguration, and that construction would likely occur in the spring following final design.
