Southborough recreation commission advances Fayetteville Park splash-pad plan while CPC reviews funding

Town of Southborough recreation staff told commissioners at their meeting that the Community Preservation Committee gave generally favorable technical feedback on a proposed splash pad and adjacent dog‑park at Fayetteville Park, but significant funding and permitting steps remain before construction can begin.

The project’s lead staff, Travis (recreation department staff), said the most substantial funding opportunity under consideration is a federal grant administered through the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. “It's a it's a it's a federal grant, through the through the state,” Travis said, adding that the application must be submitted to the state in early January and that applicants typically wait about 90 days for a state response. He said towns that recently received similar awards included Woburn (about $480,000) and Leominster (about $200,000), though he cautioned not every applicant is successful.

Commissioners said that timeline and the possibility of later federal approval mean the town cannot assume immediate funding. Kristen (Commissioner) summarized a CPC recommendation for the warrant article wording: the town would request the total project amount with contingency, and if a grant is later awarded the corresponding CPC…