Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Cip topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Avon outlines $530,000 request for Sperry Park softball field; staff touts robotic paint machine to cut labor and paint costs
Summary
As part of the FY25/26 CIP, Recreation Director Jennifer Filer requested up to $530,000 for a Sperry Park softball field (original estimate $880,000; $200,000 grant and $150,000 Avon Little League commitment), and proposed a $50,000 robotic line painter that she said "could assist in a cost savings of 75% less manpower and using 50% less paint."
At the Dec. 5 meeting the Recreation & Parks director presented FY25/26 capital requests that included a Sperry Park softball field, trail maintenance equipment and a robotic line-painting machine.
Director Jennifer Filer said the Sperry Park Softball Field project has an estimated total cost of $880,000; the town has secured a $200,000 state grant and Avon Little League has committed $150,000, leaving a current request of up to $530,000 in the CIP. She described work already completed on the site: parking lot, outfield, infield and irrigation.
Regarding field maintenance efficiency, Ms. Filer said of a proposed robotic line painter: "this equipment could assist in a cost savings of 75% less manpower and using 50% less paint." Council asked for the detailed ROI memo and the Town Manager said a prior memo exists and will be distributed to councilors.
Other Recreation CIP requests included a Switch Stand On Mower ($25,000) to reduce outsourced trail mowing (about $27,000 spent over three fiscal years), an Ovis Brush Mower ($32,000) for steep slopes, and a playscape proposal ($120,000, FY2027). Ms. Filer also highlighted that the Upper Unionville Dam will need recurring inspections and potential emergency action planning in future fiscal years.
Why it matters: The Sperry Park field and equipment requests are capital investments with both one-time construction costs and ongoing maintenance implications. The town’s decisions on funding will affect use by youth sports groups and the town’s ability to perform preventive maintenance rather than outsource work.
