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Thompson's Station parks advisory board recommends $2.15M state grant for Sarah Benson Park
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to recommend that the Board of Mayor and Aldermen pursue a 2026 Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant to fund restrooms, accessible features and multi‑sport courts at Sarah Benson Park; the estimated project cost is about $2.15 million with a state 50/50 match.
The Thompson's Station Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to recommend that the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) submit a 2026 Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant application to fund improvements at Sarah Benson Park, including an accessible restroom pavilion and multi‑sport courts.
Staff described the project as part of the Sarah Benson Park master plan and said the grant would fund restrooms, playground elements and sports courts designed for a broad age range. The town estimates a total project cost of roughly $2,150,000, with the LPRF program requiring a 50‑50 match; staff said the town's share would be 'just over $1,000,000.'
"We're looking at 2,150,000.00 total cost, and then it would be split down to the 50/50 from there," said the presenting parks staff member, who walked the board through the proposed site layout, a phased schedule and accessibility features. Staff emphasized that restrooms would be ADA compliant, include lockable stalls for security and include at least one adult changing table funded in part by a separate state program.
Staff said the Planning Commission approved the site plan in December and the state has the required minutes and documents; once the state signs off the project will go to bid and, if playground equipment is included in bids, the board could later select final colors and equipment. Staff identified a roughly three‑year timeline to full opening, noting contracting, design approval, bidding and construction steps. The presentation listed 2028 as the target open year but staff said that schedule may shift during contracting and final inspections.
Board members asked for clearer timeline labeling on the slide deck and for the application schedule to show the application phase distinctly; staff agreed to update the presentation before it is shared with other audiences. After questions, the advisory board moved, seconded and voted to make a favorable recommendation to BOMA on resolution 2026‑006, the town's LPRF grant submission.
The advisory board's recommendation moves the grant request to the municipal-level agenda; BOMA will consider the resolution at its meeting next week and the parks staff plans two public engagement sessions (one evening, one midday) plus a social‑media comment period to collect community input for the application.
