Town Park Development

Context

Maintenance and expansion of the Town Park at Town Hall, 426 Gumtree Road, including the park survey, the new parking lot, playground upkeep, and plans for 20 acres behind the park (an 18-hole or 9-hole disc golf course and pickleball courts, possibly with a second access). Mike McAlpine leads the park committee. Council's budget for FYE 2027 includes $400,000 for enhancements and upgrades (see FYE 2027 Budget); the buildings and shelters are tracked in Public Works Facility Project.

Status

Survey by Jones Coe Land Surveying completed (invoice $9,200 approved July 13, quote had been $6,500). Parking lot by Thomas General Contractors finished ($200,000 contract, final $15,000 paid July 13). Playground urethane topcoat ($15,465) and swing replacement were scheduled around Labor Day, and a track extension around the lower playground was under way in September. Disc golf and pickleball are for a later phase, with an expert to be consulted.

Log

• 2026-09-22 - Town Council Vision Session - Master plan to be updated after shelter siting; disc golf and pickleball as future phases.
• 2026-09-08 - Town Council - Swing chains replaced for less than expected; track extension under way; fall decorations being ordered.
• 2026-08-03 - Town Council - Council approved the $15,465 Creative Playscapes topcoat (Edwards/Alcorn) for the week after Labor Day.
• 2026-07-13 - Town Council - Approved the $9,200 survey invoice and $15,000 final parking lot payment; track extension estimate $3,650.
• 2026-06-01 - Town Council - Approved $8,500 swing replacement (Moon/McAlpine); park committee asked for a connecting trail and plumber for pavilion faucets.
• 2026-05-04 - Town Council - Park in its busy season (19 reservations in April, 38 in May including a record 11 in one weekend); swing chain and surface projects scheduled.
• 2026-04-06 - Town Council - Survey work begun; park at its busiest.
• 2026-03-02 - Town Council - Survey confirmed at $6,500; two part-time as-needed staff added at no added cost.
• 2026-02-19 - Town Council Vision Session - Discussion of disc golf versus pickleball on the 20 acres, parking and access; survey authorized without objection.