Jamie Perkins, Neighborhood Services and Community Redevelopment Agency manager, updated the Lincolnville CRA on Jan. 13 on progress toward the Hayling Park master plan and Hayling Plaza, including the planned sculpture of Doctor Robert B. Haley.

Perkins said staff and the landscape architect are reviewing the marsh-overlook element after the Audubon raised concerns about nesting and feeding birds in that area. Perkins said the city has asked the landscape architect to “minimize the impacts” and is considering reducing the overlook to a smaller pedestrian feature or removing the concrete overlook entirely in favor of a swing, walkway or smaller observation element.

The longer oval walking path shown in the concept has also been discussed for potential change: staff had proposed slight realignment to keep visitors away from a natural “meditation” area to let vegetation overgrow for nesting habitat, but Perkins said the city is considering keeping the walking path in its current alignment pending further review.

Perkins said Hayling Plaza—identified as the first implementable element of the Hayling Park plan—should complete final design in the “early part of this year,” and staff is coordinating with sculptor Paul Balick and the Haley family on the statue design and foundry progress. Perkins said she remains in “constant communication” with the Haley family, which is “extremely excited” about the project.

Staff also discussed planting trees on parts of Hayling Park that currently sit on a capped landfill: Perkins said the plan calls for bringing in additional soil and raising grades to allow tree planting and other landscaping where the existing cap and subsoil would not otherwise support plantings.

No ordinance, resolution or contract was adopted at the meeting on Hayling Park elements; staff described the planning and design stage and said environmental and design adjustments remain possible until construction begins.