Middlesex County Fairgrounds seeks $150,000 for arena retaining wall to improve accessibility

Tom, representing the Middlesex County Fairgrounds and associated 4‑H clubs, described a project to stabilize a hillside that is encroaching on the horse arena by replacing old telephone poles with four tiers of precast retaining blocks, a central stair and accessible stone‑dust surfacing for viewers.

‘‘The hillside that overlooks our arena is slowly working its way into our arena, and we need to stabilize it,’’ Tom said, outlining a plan with four tiers, a stairway in the middle and seating areas that would allow wheelchair access. He said the fair board, local saddle clubs and Middlesex County 4‑H participants would perform much of the maintenance and some of the preparation work on volunteer ‘‘work nights.’’

Tom told the committee the estimated cost is $150,000 and that William Lamar Concrete Products would donate some blocks to reduce cost but that he did not have a dollar value for that donation at the meeting; he said a local contractor, Frank Massarelli, had assisted with design and estimates. He estimated the build would take roughly a month after block delivery following the Middlesex County Fair and said most other site work would be completed by volunteer labor and small equipment.

Why it matters: The project aims to improve safety and accessibility at a widely used public venue, including access for people with mobility limitations.

Next steps: Tom said he will provide a more detailed schematic and a donor dollar estimate for the donated blocks before the town application proceeds to town meeting.

Speakers quoted: direct quotes are from the fairgrounds presenter and committee questioning as recorded in the transcript.