Recreation Commission advances CPC application strategy for dog park and splash pad

At its Nov. 6 meeting the Recreation Commission reviewed a draft Community Preservation Committee application for a combined dog park and splash pad and agreed to present an "all-in" cost while noting grants could change the final scope. Commission members said the CPC reviewers recommended including the full project cost in the initial application; commissioners also discussed building the project in phases if CPA or other grant funds fall short.

Travis, Recreation staff, said the department will include a rendering and a clear key for amenities in the CPC packet and will circulate two surveys (an abutter-specific form and a general public QR-code survey to be used at the Gobble Wobble) to gather input. He said the town's general liability insurance typically extends to municipal recreational amenities and suggested signage with "use at your own risk" language as standard practice.

Commissioners pressed for details on long-term maintenance and budget. Travis proposed programming fees, pavilion rentals, sponsorships and DPW support for minor upkeep (for example, wood-chip replacement) to avoid new ongoing town appropriations. Commissioners also discussed possible revenue tools such as sponsor signage, private rentals and minimal membership fees to cover recurring costs.

The commission scheduled timing for outreach and agreed to provide CPC with a timeline for surveys and neighborhood notices, aiming to collect useful feedback before the CPC's application deadline.