The Parks & Recreation Commission spent its meeting Tuesday night prioritizing projects for Community Preservation Committee funding.

Chair Dan Terry previously presented Parks & Rec’s projects to the CPC at its meeting on Oct. 18. During that meeting, CPC chair Ken Weismantel directed applicants requesting funds to prioritize which projects they wish to receive funding for.

“The CPC asked that we rank our projects based on what we think is important,” said Terry. 

Parks & Rec is looking for support on four projects: separate feasibility studies for a Sandy Beach splash pad and Reed Park, the installation of water fountain/refill stations at three Parks & Rec properties, and construction of a driveway at the Pyne Field cricket and baseball athletic fields.

The commission’s discussion centered on which projects merit being prioritized — a difficult ask “because they’re all different dollar amounts,” said Terry.

The feasibility study for the splash pad would cost $10,000. The study for Reed Park was estimated around $18,000.

Installing three water fountains at Sandy Beach, the Town Common and the Fruit Street dog park would cost more than $24,000. 

The big ticket item on Parks & Rec’s wish list is the Pyne Field driveway, which exceeds $400,000 for planning and construction.

Commission members agreed that of all the projects listed, Reed Park should be ranked the lowest.

“I think we need a vision for Reed Park before we ever invest in a feasibility study,” said member Laura Hanson.

She went on to describe the park as “a challenging location,” a sentiment that was echoed by other commission members.

Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus agreed, stating that the park was “not in good condition.” Part of the feasibility study he is recommending will evaluate how the property could be better utilized.

The commission cited access to Reed Park as a primary reason for lowering its priority ranking. According to vice chair Amy O’Donnell, the park is only accessible by a one-lane road and has little parking.

“You can’t get emergency vehicles in there,” added Hanson. “If we built an entrance off [Route] 135, it would change everything.”

Commission members agreed their top priority should be water fountains and refilling stations, but they debated whether to move forward at all three proposed locations.

“I’m not convinced all three water fountains are a good idea,” said Terry. 

He further stated he was unsure “we’re going to save so many water bottles, particularly on the [Town] Common.”

Terry cited the carbon footprint required to install, maintain and winterize each fountain as a concern in weighing their benefit.

Lewitus reminded the board that the Sustainable Green Committee brought the fountain idea to him and had cited the Town Common as an area of priority.

“They would love to see the existing fountain replaced with a refillable bottle station,” said Lewitus.

The commission agreed to present the fountains to the CPC as its funding priority, keeping the Town Common fountain ranked below those for Sandy Beach and the dog park.