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Bethel adopts Smith Street Park master plan, commits funds to begin phase 1
Summary
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a multi‑phase master plan for Smith Street Park and agreed to commit town funds to leverage state grants for phase 1 work, which includes accessible parking, a new playground and paved paths with a targeted phase‑1 completion this summer.
The Bethel Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a master plan for Smith Street Park and approved initial funding steps to begin phase 1 construction.
Consultants with Rivers and Associates presented a multi‑phase design that centers a large event lawn and amphitheater, adds two playgrounds for different age ranges, creates a paved, accessible path and includes parking and exercise stations. "Phase 1A is something we're trying to accomplish by the end of June," Paul Beater of Rivers and Associates said, describing the plan to spend existing Real Transformation Grant (RTG) money on playground and accessibility improvements.
The plan calls for using $200,000 in RTG funds already held by the town and asks the board to commit $200,000 in town fund balance to reach a project total the consultants said would make the town competitive for the state Park and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) matching grant. Sam Floyd, the project presenter, said larger items such as a splash pad and amphitheater would come in later phases once additional grant funding is secured.
Commissioners raised maintenance, security and access concerns. Commissioner Whitehurst asked for clarity on long‑term upkeep; the interim manager said the town hopes to hire or designate a recreation manager and work with county partners for ongoing maintenance. Consultants also addressed safety and emergency access, saying a fire access drive and on‑street parking changes would be included in site drawings to meet state fire‑code requirements.
The board voted to adopt the plan and to move forward with the immediate phase‑1 work and the recommended grant application process. Motion to approve the plan was made by Commissioner Lilly and carried unanimously.
The next steps are to finalize construction drawings for phase 1A, submit the PARTF grant application in the spring, and begin the bid process if the required local match and grant timing align.
