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Council approves Southdale Park renovation concept with larger splash pad and shelter
Summary
The Common Council approved the Park Commission’s preferred concept for Southdale Park: a larger splash pad, an expanded shelter and a single‑stall restroom. Funding will come from park impact fees and capital funds; construction could begin late 2026 with expected completion in early 2027.
The Fitchburg Common Council on May 12 approved Concept 2 for Southdale Park renovations, endorsing a larger splash pad, a bigger shelter and a plumbed restroom as recommended by the Park Commission and consultants.
Parks staff presented two concepts developed by consulting engineers. Both concepts include a splash pad, additional shelters and restroom facilities; Concept 2 enlarges the splash pad and shelter while providing a smaller restroom. The Park Commission recommended Concept 2 citing recreational value and neighborhood needs.
Councilors discussed technical and budgetary details including the choice of a flow‑through splash pad (discharging to storm sewer) rather than a recirculating system, potential lead times for shelter and restroom components, and the current project budget. Staff said the park project previously budgeted $400,000, with $115,000 spent on a playground installed in 2025 and $285,000 remaining; Concept 2 exceeds that remaining balance but staff said additional funds can be absorbed through capital amendments and receipt of funds from the Town of Madison.
Council members also asked about alternatives and sustainability features such as a retention basin for stormwater and the feasibility of solar power on park structures; staff said retention and recirculation would be cost‑prohibitive or spatially infeasible for this small park and that solar could be considered as a bid alternate but roof area on the restroom is too small to generate meaningful energy.
The council approved the concept by voice vote; staff estimated bidding could begin this fall with construction and substantial completion in early 2027.
Why it matters: The project adds public amenities—restroom, shelter and a larger splash pad—to a neighborhood park, with implications for local recreation and park maintenance budgets.
What’s next: Staff will take the preferred concept to engineering and bidding phases and return to council with contract and construction schedules.
