The Town of Southborough’s Community Preservation Committee voted to find eligible a proposal to add a splash pad, a roughly one-third-acre dog park, picnic space and an accessible walking path at Fayetteville Park.

Travis, the applicant presenting the recreation-focused plan, said a public survey launched in early December had drawn 270 responses as of the meeting and that roughly 180 respondents were in favor of the project. "We have 270 responses…180 were in favor of the project," he said, calling that an "overwhelming yes." He told the committee the most common concerns raised were parking and the placement of the dog park adjacent to the spray pad.

Why it matters: The committee’s eligibility vote clears the application to advance in the CPA (Community Preservation Act) process; it does not appropriate funds. The project team intends to pursue state and federal grants, and committee members asked for more detail on construction costs and operational impacts before a final funding decision.

Grant-seeking and timeline: The presenter said he attended a Land and Water Conservation Fund (National Park Service) workshop and recommended applying; he said that program’s application deadline is Jan. 6 and that awards can be significant (the presenter described the program as offering up to $1,000,000 with awards that can be reimbursable at rates up to about 50%, meaning a competitive award could be up to roughly $500,000). He cautioned that the program requires a town-meeting vote and that federal review timelines could push a start later in the year. The applicant sketched a project timeline that assumed funding availability in early 2026, design and permitting through winter/early spring 2027, and a mobilization and four-to-five-month construction window leading to substantial completion the following late summer or early fall.

Costs and operations: The presenter said annual operating costs (utilities, maintenance) would be paid from the recreation revolving fund and that the recreation department had offered $67,000 toward design. He also described potential revenue streams — programming, birthday parties and classes — that could help offset utilities and upkeep. Committee members pressed for details about surfacing and impervious-area impacts; options discussed included concrete/asphalt (most accessible), poured rubber surfacing and stone-dust paths. One committee member noted concern about increased impervious surface near the reservoir and urged staff to check stormwater requirements.

Health and accessibility requirements: The presenter said the Board of Health requires bathrooms for spray pads and that ADA-accessible porta-potties are an acceptable interim option; the committee asked the applicant to confirm ADA-compliance of existing site amenities and to follow up with DPW on maintenance and winterization plans.

Next steps: The committee voted the application eligible to proceed; the presenter agreed to provide the full survey results and follow-up cost and material information at the committee’s next meeting. The vote was a roll-call eligibility vote of the Community Preservation Committee and the motion passed.