Town Park playground designs delayed; staff seeks special meeting and reports on repairs, mural and events

Staff told the commission the Town Park playground design work is nearly complete but delayed because the designer is managing multiple grants; staff proposed a special meeting (target Nov. 19) to review three final design options and survey responses so the commission can make a recommendation to town council in December and keep construction on a winter schedule.

Staff also provided several operational and program updates: the Town Park ball-wall and pickleball courts are back online after a repair; staff posted new signs ("no cleats") after damage was found on the ball-wall surface. Tim said the wheelchair lift to the community center failed and a bid is out for a replacement; the rec center's fire-alarm support system is aging and needs replacement to meet code. Staff asked commissioners to note those accessibility repairs when prioritizing projects.

Rebecca reported the town's new mural at the Wornam Undercrossing was completed and anti-graffiti coating applied; staff plans to invite the artist, Rachel Hebert, to a town council meeting for recognition. Staff also announced community events and volunteer needs: a volunteer-recognition dinner Nov. 14, Turkey Trot on Nov. 27 and a youth Korman Art Invitational in December. Tim asked for volunteers for course marshals and event support.

Commissioners agreed to the plan to convene a short special meeting in November to finalize playground recommendations and to have staff return in December with prioritized master-plan projects and costs.