Parks director apologizes as Gardner City Council hears Mackie Park update; council places item on file
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Summary
Director Stevens apologized for departmental failings and said finishing work at Mackie Park remains weather-dependent; the mayor and engineers say the park is ADA compliant. Councilors cited undisclosed cost increases and placed the investigation on file by voice vote.
Director of Parks and Recreation Director Stevens apologized to the council and the public on Monday as he presented a status update on Mackie Park, outlining remaining construction work, permit and accessibility reviews, and the project’s expenditures.
Stevens told the Gardner City Council that the concrete ramp was completed Nov. 13, railings were installed the week of Dec. 15, and the only remaining physical work is welding the accessible tables, which has been delayed by cold weather. “I truly apologize,” Stevens said, taking responsibility for delays and shortcomings in the department’s earlier handling of the project.
Stevens said building permit BDash25Dash889 was issued before construction and supporting site plans, contractor licenses and insurance were reviewed. He cited a 10/16/2024 response from engineering firm Tyne Bond (Matt Worszek) that, in their view, properly installed stone dust can meet the requirements of 5 21 CMR section 29.1 and that the stone dust at Mackie Park had been sufficiently compacted. “In our opinion, the additional work corrects the 5 21 CMR concerns raised at the park,” Stevens said, referencing engineering confirmations.
On finance, Stevens provided account balances: $6,840.70 remaining in the Mackie Park expense account, $18,253.44 from Park Street Park (ARPA funds), and $34,772.53 from downtown phase 3 (ARPA), for a total encumbrance of $59,866.67. He said the total contract amount for the additional work was $58,863 and described four reclassifications and a change order dated Sept. 10 that he said have been documented in the city’s Munis financial system.
Council President — who led an earlier 2024 investigation into the project — summarized the inquiry’s findings and criticized lack of disclosure. He said the council had originally approved an appropriation of $180,000, but “the final price tag was close to 3 times that amount,” and that additional funds were pushed into the project without council approval or notification. The president said design changes and cost increases were not reported to the council and called for stronger oversight.
During questions, Councilor Tezentes asked whether Mackie Park is ADA compliant and whether the project is complete. The mayor replied, “Yes is the short answer for that,” saying the building commission’s review and engineering verification had confirmed ADA compliance; the mayor and staff said the project will be fully complete once remaining welding is finished.
A motion by Councilor Kacinskas, seconded by Councilor Cormier, to place the item on file was approved by voice vote. The council did not vote on additional appropriations; Stevens said none are anticipated.
The council’s action leaves the formal investigation on record and signals an internal emphasis on tightening oversight of future projects and clearer reporting of change orders and funding reallocations.
