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Commission debates accessibility of Smile/Lyons playground design; Council on Disability to be involved
Summary
Sudbury commissioners reviewed five playground design options for the Smile/Lyons site and heard that proposed climbing structures may not meet universal-access goals. The Commission asked staff to produce 3–4 revised universal-design options and will convene the Council on Disability for input before Town Meeting.
The Sudbury Park and Recreation Commission discussed inclusive design options Dec. 8 for the Smile/Lyons playground and agreed to involve the Council on Disability in final design choices. Assistant Town Manager Victor Garofalo presented five options that included playground structures, musical elements and shade; he told the commission the proposals fit the budget submitted to the Community Preservation Committee.
Commission Chair Mara Huston raised concerns about whether the proposed merry-go-round could accommodate children who use wheelchairs and suggested alternatives such as a four-seat seesaw to increase inclusivity. Liesje Quinto, who identified herself as Chair of the Council on Disability and lives at 15 Pendleton Road, described challenges her child faces with current equipment and said the proposed climbing features “lack universal accessibility.”
Garofalo said space and existing septic constraints limit the selection of equipment and that adding more accessible climbing options would require additional budget. He committed to work with the vendor to develop 3–4 universal-design options that fit within available space and budget constraints and confirmed there is still time before the May Town Meeting to finalize plans.
Commissioners discussed ways to solicit broader community feedback: Ben Carmel suggested holding listening sessions similar to those used for the pool project and Mara Huston said she would share options through One Sudbury and local groups including Sudbury Working Moms. The commission agreed to schedule a joint meeting with the Council on Disability in January to review revised designs.
No final design vote was taken; the commission framed next steps as staff-led design revisions and community engagement ahead of the CPC/Town Meeting process.
