Preston secures foundation award to help match STEAP grant for bandstand, pickleball courts and drainage

The Preston Parks & Recreation Commission announced on June 23 that it will apply $30,000 of an $80,000 award from a local Charitable Foundation toward the match required for a STEAP grant intended to fund a new bandstand, pickleball courts, lighting and drainage improvements in the town park. Mark Simmons, Parks & Recreation staff, said the town attorney will draft the bid package next week so work can proceed once bids are accepted.

The Commission discussed related park maintenance needs: Simmons said both park signs have been replaced and installed, he can purchase 13 fence toppers immediately, and the department is exploring repair versus replacement for a Little League flagpole. Simmons also reported an instance of a nonresident installing two 4x4 posts and a drooping volleyball net at the park; the vehicle license plate was captured on camera and department staff attempted to contact the person but have not received a return call.

The commission did not take a separate formal vote on the park improvement design or specific contractor selection at the meeting; it recorded direction that the attorney prepare bidding documents and that staff pursue vendors for flagpole repair or replacement. The next procedural step reported was issuance of the bid package and subsequent contractor selection through the town procurement process.