$240,000 Surplus Eyes South River Resurfacing While Martinson Playground Faces Full Reconstruction
Key Points
- South River School prioritized for summer resurfacing using approximately $240,000 in remaining CPC funds
- Martinson Playground flagged for a total reconstruction project to address significant ADA compliance issues
- Seven donated communication boards to be installed townwide to improve playground accessibility
- Committee establishing a centralized database to track equipment warranties and maintenance logs
- DPW addressing playground trash bin overflows caused by residents dumping household waste
- New $75,000 maintenance fund confirmed to address ongoing repairs and equipment upgrades
- Committee to coordinate with school principals on basketball hoop replacements and AAC board training
The Playground Committee convened to address urgent maintenance needs and long-term capital planning for the town’s recreational spaces. Matt from the DPW opened the meeting by confirming that several equipment failures at the Library Plaza and South River School, including a tire swing and a "spider web" climber, were successfully repaired under warranty. However, the committee expressed frustration over a lack of organized documentation for these assets. Jimmy highlighted the need for a better tracking system, asking, Is there anywhere a running spreadsheet of, you know, Danny Webster has four swings, here's who installed them, here's the date of warranty?
In response, Julian offered to centralize this data, stating, I'm happy to make like a spreadsheet and database if you want.
Motion Made by Julian to approve those meetings Vote Passed 4-0
The committee shifted focus to the resurfacing schedule, identifying South River School as the priority for Summer 2026. Matt reported that approximately $240,000 remains in the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding pool, which should be sufficient to cover the expansive site. Colleen sought confirmation on the financial feasibility, asking, Is the remaining balance that you have from the last round of CPC funding enough to tackle the South River School?
While South River requires only a surface upgrade, Matt noted that Martinson Playground will require a far more aggressive approach. I think that Martinson is going to be a complete rehab... I think that that’s going to need a whole overhaul
because the current layout is not ADA compliant, Matt explained.
In addition to major construction, the committee finalized plans for the installation of seven donated communication boards designed to assist non-verbal children. Locations have been identified at the Library Plaza and Tower Avenue, with school-based installations pending meetings with local principals. Maintenance issues also surfaced regarding playground signage and trash management. Jimmy emphasized the importance of clear regulations to protect new surfaces, stating, At a minimum we should have like no bikes, skateboards, or pets because those are the things that are going to destroy the service.
Colleen provided a concluding update on landscaping progress at Tower Avenue, noting, The grass is growing at Ty finally... that is good news.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 PM