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Ross council weighs drainage-first approach for Ross Common playfield restoration
Summary
Public Works outlined restoration options for the Ross Common playfield, with full restoration estimated at $800,000'$1 million and a targeted drainage fix for the worst corner estimated under $100,000. RPOA offered up to $50,000 toward repairs; council directed staff to pursue drainage remedies and return with budget options.
Town staff and community members urged the council to address long-standing drainage and turf problems at the Ross Common playfield, where compaction from earlier school construction and poor drainage have left sections chronically damaged.
Public Works Director Rich Simmonich reviewed the field's history, noting that portables placed on the field during a past school renovation compacted subgrade and left areas that have not recovered. Simmonich said targeted restoration of one-third of the field was estimated at $250,000'$300,000 while a complete restoration would likely range from $800,000 to $1 million. He identified a southwest corner adjacent to the school as an urgent drainage area that could be addressed as a drainage project for below $100,000.
Jeff Koblick of the Ross Property Owners Association told the council RPOA could contribute up to $50,000 and that the school PTO had considered fundraising for the project but the superintendent had previously pushed back. Multiple council members and public commenters emphasized the field's daily use by children and recreation programs, debating whether to undertake the entire restoration at once or begin with drainage fixes so that some playing area remains available.
Staff and council reached a consensus to prioritize solving the immediate drainage problem and to return with budget options and fundraising plans. Krista Johnson emphasized staff capacity constraints and competing capital projects (notably the civic facilities project and public safety building needs) and recommended the council consider the drainage fix during upcoming budget deliberations and coordinate with RPOA and school fundraisers before committing to a multi-hundred-thousand-dollar restoration.
