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Council raises contingencies for community center and Haines Park projects, seeks contractor adjustments
Summary
After uncovering termite damage and structural concerns at the Bayspring Community Center renovation, the council increased the construction contingency; it also approved an additional contingency for Haines Park field improvements and directed staff to ask the contractor to accommodate a full‑size softball field where possible.
The Barrington Town Council approved two contingency increases on renovation and park projects and directed administration to pursue contractor options to meet athletic field needs.
At the Bayspring (community) Center renovation, demolition exposed unexpected termite damage and structural issues in a building that dates to 1912. Staff said a structural engineer has been engaged and requested increasing the construction contingency from $100,000 to $150,000 to cover anticipated but as‑yet unpriced repairs; the council approved the request 5–0.
Separately, Haines Park field improvements had already used contingency funds to add fencing and other items. Councilors raised concerns that new fencing and layout work might not meet high‑school softball sizing and could encroach on an adjacent dog park. After discussion the council increased the Haines Park project construction contingency by $200,000 and directed the administration to contact the contractor to explore adjusting fencing and grading to accommodate a full‑size softball field where feasible; that motion also passed unanimously.
Why this matters: Both votes reflect the practical realities of renovating older structures and coordinating multiphase park projects. Councilors stressed a need to balance grant requirements, field sizing for league play, and minimizing negative impacts on recreational amenities such as dog‑park space.
Next steps: Staff will report back with the structural engineer’s plan and cost estimates for the community center within weeks and will obtain contractor feedback and cost estimates for Haines Park fencing/grading modifications prior to any additional appropriations.
