Council members consider temporarily closing under-construction park amid liability concerns

Council member (S2) raised concerns about insurance and liability if residents use an under-construction park and playground, saying, “if the town residents start using that and trip and fall or hurt yourself in the playground or something like that, is there any additional things we need put in place to be able to ensure ourselves?”

The issue, discussed during the reopened session, centered on whether the town should post the area as closed and install temporary physical barriers. Council members and staff suggested short-term measures: cones, signs, and a soft barrier near areas with exposed subgrade or holes. Chair (S4) said the site is still an active construction area and reiterated that posting the area closed could reduce liabilities: “This area is closed.”

Members debated whether allowing pedestrian detours around the site would preserve residents’ access while limiting legal exposure. Council member (S1) asked directly, “how can we shut it down?” and others proposed simple steps such as 2-foot tapered strips of dirt or temporary signage until contractors finish work and can restore the surface.

No formal directive was recorded in the transcript to adopt new insurance or to enact a long-term policy; the council agreed to short-term safety steps and to follow up with the town’s trust/insurance contact to confirm liability coverage. The council then moved on to other maintenance topics.

Speakers are identified by role because the transcript did not supply personal names for each speaker.