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Park and Recreation and Commission on Disability approve SMILE playground design for Haskell Field
Summary
In a joint meeting, the Park and Recreation Commission and the Commission on Disability approved a revised SMILE playground design for Haskell Field with modifications requested for a spinning seat near wood chips and the septic system; both bodies voted unanimously in favor.
The Park and Recreation Commission and the Sudbury Commission on Disability met jointly on March 23 to review and approve a revised SMILE playground design for Haskell Field.
The joint meeting was called to order by Liesje Quinto. Commissioners and COD members discussed accessibility elements in the plan, including a sensory tunnel, a merry‑go‑round and a farmer’s‑market area. COD members raised a specific safety and accessibility concern about a spinning seat shown in the wood chip area near the septic system; Victor Garofalo agreed to review that detail before plans are finalized.
Following discussion, Commissioner Bobby Beagan moved that the Park and Recreation Commission support the playground design as presented; Laurie Eliason seconded the motion and the PRC voted 5‑0 in favor. Separately, Cheryl Wallace moved that the Commission on Disability approve the design with the noted modification regarding the spinning seat; Annika Hardy seconded and the COD voted 4‑0 in favor.
The meeting also included discussion of accessible swim lessons and inclusive enrichment programming; Amy Hamilton noted the Atkinson Pool does not directly provide adaptive swim lessons but that vendors and the SMILE program use the pool several times a week for children with disabilities. The commissions scheduled a community forum in late April to gather additional input on the Haskell Field design.
