At the Jan. 22 meeting of the Community Preservation Committee, Park & Recreation Director Stacey Mulroy outlined a proposal for the next set of improvements at Claxton Field: a skate park and perhaps eight pickleball courts. Park & Rec. requested $300,000 from the CPC for the design phase of the project. The cost for construction of the two new features is expected to be approximately $3 million.
The Community Preservation Committee’s role is to evaluate proposals and make recommendations to the town for the appropriation of community preservation funds. The committee helps in funding four categories of projects: open space, historic resources, recreational land and community housing. The action park project’s funding would fit under the category of recreational land, reserved for the creation of trails, parks, playgrounds and so forth.
Last fall, Claxton Field was deemed the most suitable location for the action park project, to include pickleball courts and a skate park.
Mulroy motioned toward a map of the general area, pointing at land that had once been a quarry and another stretch along Central Avenue. The skate park would be built at the site of the former quarry, she said while circling it on the map. The pickleball courts would be placed along Central Avenue.
“We did some site walks, we worked with neighbors and we talked with different groups,” Mulroy said about the process of choosing the location.
A push for recreational support within the town hasn’t been manifested only in an effort to keep up with trendy activities such as skating and pickleball. Earlier in the same meeting, outlines of the Bay Colony Rail Trail and Eliot Elementary School field and playground renovation projects were presented.
Edward Olsen, superintendent of parks and forestry, described a renewed townwide desire for improved recreational spaces, especially coming out of COVID. “Myself, Stacey, Parks and Rec., we’re always trying to enhance developing space,” he said.
“Let’s invest in these assets, and let’s protect these assets, because these are for everybody,” said Olsen. “It creates a civic pride, a community identity, I think.”
When it comes to funding for these projects, the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act, which in part helps communities develop outdoor recreational facilities, has been crucial. Through the CPA, the state funds a percentage of local investment in its four target areas.
With any project there are concerns, and the action park and pickleball courts are no different. The CPC agenda packet included questions about noise levels, especially regarding the pickleball courts. Fence-mounted barriers and quiet paddles were discussed as possible remedies.
Additional concerns discussed for the project included surface and subsurface conditions, utilities, a need for additional parking and the potential for additional needed infrastructure.
In order for community members to get clarity on the project, a public hearing will be held by the CPC March 12, according to Lauren Spinney, the committee’s administrative coordinator.
“Parks and Rec. will present again that evening, and community members are welcome to ask questions and provide feedback,” Spinney said. “The CPC will vote on whether or not to recommend the project to Town Meeting for funding at the end of March.”
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