Skatepark committee seeks $800,000 warrant article; council asks for pricing options and defers recommendation

Members of the Rebuild Bedford Skatepark Committee asked the Bedford Town Council on Oct. 22 to support placing an $800,000 warrant article on the 2026 ballot to replace the town's aging skatepark. Committee members said they have spent about $12,800 on repairs, have $88,000 in committed donations, and are requesting that voters consider a warrant article that could be reduced by the existing recreation capital reserve balance and donations.

Presenters emphasized a poured-in-place concrete design for durability and flow, describing site work and demolition costs of about $200,000 to lift and properly drain the pad and roughly $600,000 for the poured concrete structure. Committee members said public works and Park & Rec staff have been engaged and that poured-in-place concrete will likely last longer than prefabricated ramps.

Councilors pressed for additional pricing options, asking the committee to present prefab alternatives that would cost less up front. Concerns were raised about warranties, frost heave, and long-term maintenance; presenters said warranty requirements and bidding would be part of procurement if voters approve funding.

The council did not take a vote on recommending the warrant article that night. Councilors instead asked the committee to return with alternative cost options, and the council planned to consider the skatepark as part of upcoming budget workshops and the December warrant-linguage schedule (deadline for public hearing language Jan. 14). Councilor Strand recused from the skatepark discussion.