The Community Preservation Commission at its meeting Thursday night discussed the two most expensive requests for fiscal year 2026 funding, including an adaptive playground and the renovation of the former Center School building.

Under the Community Preservation Act that was signed in 2000, Massachusetts communities may add a surcharge on top of their local property taxes to fund open space, historic preservation, outdoor recreation and affordable housing projects. The current rate for Hopkinton is 2%. At least 10% of CPA funding must be spent on each of these four categories, with the rest available for any category. The CPC administers the allocation of these funds based on submitted proposals.

The adaptive playground proposal received mixed reviews from members who questioned the need for it given the amount of playground space in town. Also, members pointed out that its proposed location next to the Elmwood School made it appear to be more of a School Department ask than a recreational one.

Before the presentation, Susan Rothermich, the school’s assistant superintendent for finance and operations, pointed out that the projected cost is less than previously thought. It originally was estimated to cost between $1.6 million and $2.1 million. The current proposed project is slated to cost about $1.2 million.

Nathan Socha, the designer of the adaptive playground selected by the Adaptive Playground Committee, gave a presentation showing the equipment and layout of the proposed project. While 32 buildable sites were initially considered, the site next to the Marathon School was chosen unanimously over the Fruit Street soccer fields.

The final design concept, he explained, evolved after a series of meetings. Its goal was to develop a playground in town that is accessible to people of all abilities that  would provide opportunities for physical, sensory and social activity via inclusive play elements. Socha stressed that the playground was designed so that children of all abilities would be able to play together.

After tabulating the more than 250 survey responses received, the committee determined that the most requested elements included adaptive swings, slides, climbing structures and sensory play elements. While the playground is targeted to serve children ages 2-12 “as an inclusive playground, there really is no age limit,” according to Socha.

Concerns arose about the playground primarily used by the schools. Member Jim Ciriello said the proposal needs a “larger, widespread discussion at Town Meeting.” Chair Ken Weismantel said this would occur if the CPC recommends it to Town Meeting in May.

Added Ciriello: “I don’t really think that CPA money should be used for a School Department large project.”

Rothermich clarified that the adaptive playground could not be part of the Charleswood School project when asked about it due to stipulations by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The playground would be open during non-school hours, as other school facilities are.

Member Eric Sonnett said he has “a problem” with the location, noting that it would not be accessible to all children “on a consistent basis.” He also mentioned that it appeared to be more of a School Department project than a town one.

Countered Rothermich: “It is a playground at the school.”

Member Steve Levandosky agreed, noting that he would be “more comfortable” if the CPC funded a portion of the project if the rest were included in the School Department budget. He also suggested that adaptive features could be added to town playgrounds over time.

Amy Porter Wareham, a member of the Adaptive Playground Committee, said that Hopkinton is somewhat unique in that it keeps a higher percentage of its students requiring special education in town. They would be able to utilize this playground.

Center School study gets good feedback

The Center School proposal received a warmer reception, as members noted it would provide needed space for town departments as well as downtown parking. It also would be a public/private partnership with the Hopkinton Center for the Arts that would attract people to the area. It would renovate the historic 1928 section while tearing down the two rear sections.

Permanent Building Committee chair Dan McIntyre noted that the Center School would be a good location for the Parks & Recreation and Youth & Family Services departments. It would also provide a community meeting room and other shared activity areas. There would be space for HCA classes and the potential to eventually add on a dance studio that would be funded by the HCA.

The current CPC request is for $600,000 for a planning study. Weismantel said he needed Select Board input as to whether it would be receptive to supporting this concept for Center School reuse. The demolition work and renovations and upgrades to the 1928 building are expected to cost between $8 million and $10 million.

HCA executive director Kelly Grill added that there is potential state and federal grant and earmark funding for the renovation project. But the plans are necessary to initiate the process. Grill also has started fundraising for the HCA office space in the 1928 building.

She added that the three entities already are working together and would benefit from the shared space at the Center School.

Future meetings scheduled

Members will discuss their recommendations at the next meeting on Dec. 12. The CPC’s quarterly meeting was moved to Dec. 19.