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City updates investigation of Mackie Park, says ADA compliance will be met; railing installation delayed
Summary
City staff reported progress and finances for Mackie Park while acknowledging accessibility concerns. Staff said the site meets required ADA elements or will be adjusted if the building commissioner requires changes; remaining railing installation and final payments are delayed by weather and contractor scheduling.
Gardner City officials presented a report on Mackie Park at the Economic and Community Development Committee meeting on Dec. 12, saying construction is substantially complete but some work — notably railing installation — remains delayed.
Director Stevens read from the project response materials and letters from the building department and the project designer, describing two accessibility options recommended in an Oct. 16 memorandum. “Option 2 was recommended, to provide universal access to all recreational facilities in the park,” the director said while reviewing the consultant response. He told the committee the project includes a constructed ramp between terraces and that accessible features such as an ADA table have been installed and stored items salvaged during demolition.
Staff said a building permit (B25A9) was issued before construction began and that the bid documents and site plans were reviewed by the building department. The consultant and the building commissioner advised crushed stone dust as an accessible surface; the contractor supplied a price to treat that material with a soil stabilizer if the current building commissioner later determines the compacted stone dust is not adequate under 5 21 CMR accessibility provisions.
On funding, staff presented remaining balances: $6,840.70 in the Mackie Park expense account, $18,253.44 from a Park Street Park account (remaining ARPA funds), and $34,772.53 from the Downtown Phase 3 project account (also ARPA). Staff said the total encumbered amount for the contract is $59,866.67 and the contract amount is $58,863, with change order number 5 covering the latter. Committee members were told an amendment to the change order will be required to adjust final payment and substantial‑completion dates because weather and contractor scheduling prevented completion of the railing.
Several councilors and committee members criticized the project’s earlier planning and execution, calling the situation “unsatisfactory” and urging better communication with disability‑advocacy groups on future projects. The director acknowledged the criticisms and said the completed work will meet minimum ADA requirements and that staff will continue outreach to the disability commission. “Is it going to be inclusive and welcoming? That’s for the community to decide,” he said, adding that the department will attend disability commission meetings and present future project designs for review.
The committee agreed to keep the Mackie Park item on its agenda while staff finishes the remaining work and gathers any determinations from the building commissioner regarding the stone‑dust surface.
The city intends to present the full packet, including reclassification documents and signed approvals, to city council for further consideration and any necessary amendments.
