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Council approves resolution to seek state grant for Mandel Park splash pad and LED field lighting
Summary
The council voted to adopt Resolution 2025‑23 supporting a Rhode Island DEM grant application for a splash pad and LED lighting at Mandel Park, with a projected total cost of about $732,000 and an expected local match of up to 25% ($125,000) if awarded.
The Town Council voted to adopt Resolution 2025‑23 at its work session, authorizing the town to apply to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for a grant to build a splash pad and install LED lighting at Mandel Park.
Councilor Pachette moved immediate consideration of the resolution and Councilor Azoff seconded. The council then opened a public hearing on the resolution and, after discussion of site, cost and operations, voted in favor by voice vote.
A presenter with the town and Leslie Scott described the proposed site as a lower area between the playground and an older pavilion to allow ADA access, noting that a retaining wall will be needed because of ledge. The presenter gave a project estimate: "I have an estimate of $732,000 that includes a 15% contingency," and said, "so the grant would be for $500,000 ... the 25% max would be for a $125,000." The project scope discussed included the splash pad, LED lighting for the soccer fields and enclosed "Big Belly" trash receptacles.
Officials said water for the splash pad would not be recycled on site and would discharge to the town's regular drainage system; based on comparable installations, the presenter estimated a summer water bill of about $3,000 per month. Parks and Recreation staff were described as the likely maintenance lead.
The motion to adopt the resolution carried on a voice vote; the record shows the chair calling "Aye" and saying "Ayes have it." No roll‑call tally with individual council votes was recorded in the transcript.
