Recreation commission seeks $90,000 to design accessible kayak launch and playground at Giroux Park

Phil Griffiths, chair of the Recreation Commission, presented a Phase 2 activation and cost‑estimation request for Giroux Park to the Community Preservation Committee on Oct. 29. He said the commission seeks design, engineering and a capital‑replacement plan to explore two primary features: an ADA‑accessible kayak/boat launch or fishing pier and an inclusive playground, with related landscaping and pathways.

"From the project scope, what we're looking for is to design and engineer and get a cost estimation to do 2 things for the park: water access through a boat dock launch and or a fishing pier structure, and an accessible and inclusive playground," Griffiths said. He estimated the study at $90,000, with a caveat that final costs depend on topographic and geotechnical work and the level of design detail.

Griffiths and committee members discussed Warner's Pond process and how the park study would coordinate with the Warner's Pond Task Force and possible future dam/removal scenarios. Griffiths said the study can be responsive to the task force outcome and that modular, ADA‑accessible water access solutions exist that would work under either dredging or dam‑removal scenarios.

Committee members pressed on maintenance and operational responsibility; Griffiths said Recreation Commission would lead activation and planning while contracting physical work back to Concord Public Works. He also described a revolving fund used for program operations and explained it is not intended for up‑front capital construction.

Several members raised timing questions about when detailed engineering should be done given the ongoing Warner's Pond deliberations; Griffiths said teams would remain flexible and that the commission intends public input for playground design. The committee did not vote on funding during this meeting; presenters were asked to provide any additional public‑works support letters and budget clarifications.