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Resident asks Charlemont to fund $68,000 Hawlemont playground replacement
Summary
Resident Amber Tulloch asked the Select Board to use recreation earmark funds to replace the dilapidated Hawlemont play structure; the vendor quote was $68,000, and the town staff reported roughly $70,000 remains in the recreation account pending confirmation of earmarks.
Resident Amber Tulloch asked the Charlemont Select Board on July 21 to use recreation earmark funds to replace the dilapidated play structure at Hawlemont.
"It's currently the only public park/ playground in Charlemont and gets a good amount of use by residents as well," Tulloch said, and presented a vendor estimate of $68,000 for a replacement structure that would fit within the existing footprint. Tulloch said she believed the PTO could raise roughly $10,000 to help offset the cost.
Town staff told the board that prior recreation expenditures include about $30,000 paid to Conway School for fairground design work and other smaller items; staff reported about $70,000 remains in the recreation account but the board asked staff to confirm whether any funds are formally earmarked for other projects before committing to the playground purchase. Board members noted previous discussion of larger projects — including saving toward an exhibit hall and bathrooms — and asked staff to follow up on priorities.
Tulloch also asked the town to consider practical site improvements to reduce litter, suggesting a "Pack out trash" sign, a trash receptacle, and a dog‑waste bag station near the field; staff said they would search for grants to cover those smaller items.
The Select Board did not vote to commit dollars at the meeting and asked staff for additional information and confirmation of the recreation fund balance before making a decision.
