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Advisory board reviews Main Park fitness-trail proposal and bond-linked field upgrades
Summary
Staff presented a modular fitness-trail concept for Main Park with an estimated project footprint (~$303,000) and discussed Gateway-recommended field improvements (Bridal/Seymour/Cedarfield) tied to a bond issue, including turf, lighting and parking expansion.
The Parks Advisory Board reviewed two connected park-capital items: a proposed accessible fitness trail at Main Park and larger field improvements described in a Gateway Engineering presentation that are tied to a potential bond issue.
Staff described the fitness-trail concept as a modular loop using existing sidewalks with about five surface-mounted stations offering adjustable resistance and multiple exercises. The project packet lists a rough total of about $303,000, including site work; a gateway estimate for site work of roughly $155,000 was discussed. Staff said the design was deliberately modular and could be scaled or moved if the main-park site plan changes.
Board members debated placement trade-offs: a back-40, wooded location would be quieter and less visible to small children on 2–5 age equipment, while a more visible sidewalk location near the tennis center and Cedar could attract more walkers and make the trail feel safer and more used. Concerns included proximity to playground equipment, visibility from streets, and accessibility for users of different abilities. Staff noted the equipment is surface-mounted and removable, allowing for future reconfiguration.
Separately, the commission liaison recapped Gateway Engineering’s presentation recommending connectivity improvements between Bridal and Seymour fields and Valley View Road, turf replacement and new lighting for Cedarfield and stadium seating upgrades. Those items would be presented as part of a bond package; if the bond is funded, the trail connector and field work could be included and the town would aim to sequence turf work to minimize out-of-service time for sports seasons.
Members asked that the fitness-trail project be presented in the CIP as a scalable option (for example, break out budget lines for site work, stations, planting and contingency) so commissioners could consider partial funding if needed. Staff said the municipal planner supported further engineering and that the item can be refined before final CIP decisions.
