During the March 9 meeting of the Marion Council on Aging Board of Directors, a community pavilion was discussed. Chairman Harry Norweb opened the discussion by first sharing the importance of coordinating proposed improvements to the former VFW Hall grounds with the town’s plans to replace old sewer pipes located near a proposed pavilion.
The board discussed design features for the pavilion, such as exterior hardware and support column facades. But before that project can be mounted, the cost will need to come primarily from donations, the board concluded. Estimates for the pavilion building range from $150,000 to $160,000.
Norweb said bidding for the pavilion will have to proceed through government channels, but if initial bids hold, “We’ll be in a good spot.” The pavilion is part of a more expansive proposal to turn the property into a community park, with a pavilion that may include such amenities as a fire pit and outdoor furnishings. But costs will be one of several hurdles yet to be scaled.
Another aspect of the parkland concept is a walking trail. That project saw movement when the COA directors submitted a grant request to the Community Preservation Act Committee for $30,000 and received a thumbs-up in Friday’s vote. Norweb said the next step for the project is to bring the request to the Board of Selectmen to gain its support in advance of the Annual Town Meeting, where voters will have the final word on whether or not the walking trail advances to construction. Norweb said the overall estimate of the trail was $39,000, of which $9,000 is being funded jointly by the Friends of the COA and the Friends of the Recreation Department.
A third part of the overall parkland project is landscaping. The board discussed securing expert advice from a local resident whose knowledge base will help in the selecting and pricing of landscape plantings. Norweb said that paying y for the landscaping and the construction of a community pavilion will require a “coalition of support.”
Member Merry Conway asked, “Are there other budgets that might pick up some of these enhancements?”
Norweb said that funds were gifted from the Marion Social Club by a former member for improvements such as those discussed. COA Director Karen Gregory said that no funds could be anticipated from that operation given the tight budget she is working with.
Norweb took time to acknowledge Dianne Cosman’s efforts in writing the grant submitted to the CPC, saying her work proved “victorious!”
The next meeting of the Marion COA Board of Directors was not set at adjournment.
Marion Council on Aging Board of Directors
By Marilou Newell