Rochester’s Park Commission Tuesday approved placing an article to build a new children’s playground at Gifford Park, using over $40,000 of town funds on the October 21 Special Town Meeting warrant.
The 3,649 square-foot playground’s full cost will be $81,881.70. Half of that cost will be borne by the local nonprofit Tri-Town for Protecting Children. The Park Commission will ask voters in October that the town’s half ($40,940.85) come from its own available funds.
Commission Chairman David Hughes started the discussion Tuesday by noting the cost of the playground alone will be approximately $73,000. The remainder of the total cost will be for the 4-foot-high, 250-foot-long chain-link fence with two gates that will surround the park. One gate will be for pedestrians to enter and the other for playground equipment.
Hughes said proposing such an article so early before the deadline to submit articles for the warrant is a good thing.
“We’ll be way ahead of the deadline,” he said. Hughes told Tri-Town for Protecting Children member Jackie Eckert that a plaque noting her group’s contribution to creating the playground will be placed at one of the gates, then asked her what details and color scheme she wants to see within the playground. “You tell us what you want,” he said.
Hughes then elaborated that once Town Meeting approves the funding in October, Highway Surveyor Jeff Eldridge will be ready to begin the construction right away. Construction might be complete by December, he said. Commission member Kenneth Ross explained this park will be replacing the old equipment that is now found at Gifford Park.
“Thank you for coming forward with this plan,” Hughes said to Jackie Eckert. “This playground is better for us and better for the children.”
The playground, suitable for ages 2 to 12, will include a slide and swing sets, a Cyclo Cone Climber, a curved balance beam, a balance-and-bounce house and two benches for children and parents resting between play.
The Rochester Park Commission adjourned without scheduling its next meeting.
Rochester Park Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco