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Waterford approves $96,380 pavilion for Civic Triangle playground
Summary
The town approved a $96,380 contract with Emmy O'Brien and Sons, Inc. to build a donor‑funded 24x20 pavilion at the Civic Triangle playground; funding is a $31,380 donor contribution and $65,000 from town capital lines. Officials said procurement used a New England contract to lower the price.
The board approved a $96,380 contract on voice vote to install a 24‑by‑20 pavilion at the Civic Triangle children’s playground, awarding the work to Emmy O'Brien and Sons, Inc.
Ryan McNamera, director of recreation parks, told the board the pavilion was a donor priority and described the design as a two‑tiered, steeple‑style shade structure intended to match the playground’s aesthetic and provide a gathering place. "We've had a donor wanting to put a pavilion in ... donating funds for the last 5 to 10 years," McNamera said, summarizing the donor's interest in a shelter for congregating and engagement.
The project budget totals $96,380, financed from three capital lines and the donor contribution: $40,000 (line 33723‑55838), $25,000 (line 20537‑57798) and $31,380 (line 21237‑57700), which together match the $96,380 contract. McNamera confirmed the split to a board question: donor funds of $31,380 and town funds of $65,000.
Board members asked about vendor selection after McNamera said several manufacturers and vendors referred the town to Emmy O'Brien, the original playground installer for the site. McNamera said the contractor’s participation on a regional purchasing contract helped reduce pricing: "Using that contract they got us down to ... 96 and change. Originally we were looking at 115 with the quote that we had before the contract." A board member asked whether the town had legal authority to use the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHC) contract; McNamera said the town is a member and that the town's CHA and finance offices had reviewed the approach and indicated it was permissible to proceed.
Board members also discussed how the pavilion would be used. McNamera said the town currently intends to keep the pavilion open on a first‑come, first‑serve basis and is considering rental or reservation options in the future as a potential revenue stream.
After brief discussion and confirmation that the contractor would validate pricing if the original quote had expired, a motion to award the contract was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board’s next steps include finalizing procurement paperwork and coordinating scheduling with the contractor; McNamera said the installation could occur later this year or be pushed to spring depending on approvals and weather.
