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Board weighs banning park parking after insurer flags 50-year-old pipe under Centennial Park
Summary
Town Manager Jessica Cyr told the Select Board the town's insurer will not cover damage to a 50-year-old pipe under Centennial Park, prompting debate with event organizers about banning vehicle parking and a planned committee to find a compromise for 2026.
Town Manager Jessica Cyr told the Select Board that the town’s insurance company will not cover any damage to a 50-year-old pipe located under Centennial Park, and she recommended steps to mitigate the town’s exposure by limiting parking in park areas. Representatives of community groups that use the park — including the Farmers’ Market, Town Band and Rockin’ the Park — warned that banning parking would harm vendors and events and urged the board to seek a compromise.
Selectman Leon Rideout said people routinely pull vehicles into the park for shade or lunch even when no event is scheduled, and he favors a strict no-parking rule to avoid confusion. Selectman Shane Beattie said he is sympathetic to the timing of the notice and supported allowing events to proceed as in past seasons while the groups work with the board on a solution. Selectman Kathy-Jean Lavoie volunteered to lead a committee to develop a plan for the 2026 season. The board did not take a formal vote on a parking ban during the meeting; next steps are committee formation and follow-up discussions.
