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Planning board approves town recreation building at Johnny Kelly Park
Summary
The Dennis Planning Board approved a special review for a new 1‑story, 2,640 sq ft Recreation Department building at Johnny Kelly Park, adding year‑round restrooms, a 100‑person multipurpose room and several conditions including a preconstruction meeting and minor engineering edits.
The Dennis Planning Board voted unanimously July 7 to approve a special review for a one‑story, 2,640‑square‑foot town recreation building at Johnny Kelly Park, 180 Old Bass River Road in South Dennis.
Dustin Pino, the town's Beach and Recreation Director, told the board the building will provide year‑round restrooms, an all‑purpose “great room” with capacity for about 100 people, offices and bathrooms, and additional space to reduce pressure on the department's summer camp operations. Pino said the project originated with a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) grant and will expand year‑round access and meeting space for commissions and community groups.
A consultant from BSC Group told the board the town review produced a short list of mainly minor edits, the most substantial involving handicap parking dimensions and driveway width; he said those changes will be made on the plans. Pino reported that the Board of Health and Old King's Highway commission have reviewed the proposal and that the existing septic system passed inspection; he said any outstanding paperwork is being finalized.
Board members praised the project for preserving and improving a long‑used community resource while urging attention to engineering comments and site details. One member asked about trash handling; Pino said the town will continue to use seasonal receptacles and DPW will continue daily pickups during the summer—no new dumpsters are planned.
Liz Patterson moved to approve the plans dated 05/07/2025 by BSC Group subject to four conditions (including a preconstruction meeting that will include DPW); the motion passed with recorded votes in favor from Jeff Aldridge, Liz Patterson, Rick Hamlin, Sally Pickford and Kyle Bettasini.
The approval includes the conditions discussed at the meeting; staff and the applicant will complete the minor plan edits and required preconstruction coordination before construction begins. Dustin Pino thanked the board for its support and said the department will proceed with the next steps.
The board subsequently moved on to other business, including a continued public hearing for 209 Main Street.
