The Commission on Disability on Monday welcomed Parks & Recreation director Jon Lewitus to speak about planned accessibility improvements at the Town Common and other recreational areas.

Chair Nancy “Punky” Drawe spoke about the need for additional seating at the Town Common to allow people with disabilities to enjoy concerts and other events.

“When there’s something going on, a lot of people have mobility issues and can’t sit on the ground,” she explained. “Most people bring blankets and can do that, but a lot of us can’t.”

Only a couple of benches are there now, she added.

Lewitus shared that he applied on behalf of the department for funding from the Community Preservation Committee for the upcoming fiscal year. If approved, the $25,000 would be used for benches at the Town Common, Sandy Beach and the Hank Fredette Skate Park.

“We’re trying to loop that into one project,” he said, noting that two or three benches are planned for the Town Common. “Rumor is that hopefully that money will be allocated for us.”

If approved by the CPC and Annual Town Meeting on May 2, the benches would align with the walking path and be installed in the late spring or early summer. Their design would be in keeping with the current ones. Lewitus said he would consult the Historical Commission for input.

He added that the Hopkinton Garden Club is looking into donating a bench on the Town Common. It would most likely be located at the fountain near the flower garden. This bench could be installed “as soon as the ground thaws.”

Member Amy Ritterbusch, who also serves on the Select Board, said she believed the Select Board also might have to approve the bench donation.

Ritterbusch suggested to Lewitus that signs be placed on some benches to prioritize them for people with accessibility issues. She also asked about a designated drop-off area at the Town Common, noting that there are only one or two accessible spaces. Lewitus said he would look into these ideas and welcomed future suggestions from commissioners.

The director also mentioned the lack of curb cuts there. He has been working with Dave Daltorio, the town’s town engineer/facilities director, to figure out a solution. Lewitus hoped it would be part of the Main Street Corridor Project work that should conclude in the spring.

Lewitus said the need for benches at the skate park arose because skateboarders currently must sit on gravel there. The sole bench there is “decrepit.”

He also spoke about his plans to “revamp” the Sandy Beach area with new picnic tables and benches. Lewitus also put in a capital request for perimeter fencing for the resident-only beach.

Other CODs sought for discussion

Drawe asked for commission input regarding inviting members of other area commissions or committees on disabilities to the February meeting. She suggested the Framingham Disability Commission and will research area towns about their groups before the January meeting.

The goal is to gain different perspectives about addressing the needs of people with disabilities and learning what has worked for other communities, she explained. A round-table discussion will allow for sharing of different perspectives, challenges and accomplishments.

This plan and potential questions would be firmed up at the Jan. 12 meeting. Invitations will be issued in the near future, according to Drawe.

“They might bring up issues that we don’t even think of,” said member Michael DiMascio.

DiMascio also suggested inviting members of the Massachusetts Office on Disability to a future meeting.

Because the commission will be meeting remotely through the winter and perhaps beyond, Drawe said she hoped people from other areas would be more receptive to participating.