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Parks director apologizes as Gardner City Council hears Mackie Park update; council places item on file

Gardner City Council · January 6, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

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…

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