Voters Approve $989,363 for South River Park Expansion and ADA Upgrades ####
Key Points
- $989,363 in CPA funds approved for park expansion
- Includes ADA compliance upgrades for existing park walkways
- Project includes environmental remediation of coal ash on the property
- Part of a larger plan to create a riverfront greenway trail
Article 8 authorized nearly $1 million in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for the expansion of South River Park. The project involves a site at 2160 Ocean Street, located next to the existing park and Veterans Honor Roll. CPC Chair Dennis Keller explained that this final funding request will cover the actual construction and development of the park extension, transforming what was described as a blighted site.
Susan Karen of the Open Space Committee detailed the scope of the work, which includes removing old concrete foundations and upgrading existing walkways to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The project also involves remediating coal ash found on the site by capping it with three feet of clean fill. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026, with a goal of creating a continuous greenway trail along the river.
Motion: The Open Space Committee and the Community Preservation Committee moved that the town vote to appropriate the sum of $989,363 for construction costs related to improvements at 2160 Ocean Street, allowing for the expansion of South River Park.
Vote: Passed by Majority