To the Editor:

I am writing in response to last week’s letter from Maria Evans regarding the estimates for improvements to the dog park at Community Park South [“Prince Tag Seems Too High for Proposed Community Park South Concept Design,” Mailbox, December 6].

The estimates included in the Concept A plan that was recommended by the Recreation Commission to Council at our November 27 meeting were estimates that included a list of amenities that residents asked for in the various community and stakeholder meetings that were held over the past year. These amenities are a wish list, and not by any means a final or authorized spending of taxpayer funds.

To summarize, the plan includes improved accessibility, building dedicated pickleball courts, rebuilding the tennis courts, reconstructing the multi-use walking path, improving landscaping, adding new plantings, regrading and irrigating the fields, new fencing, adding restroom facilities and updated picnic pavilions, and including a new inclusive playground. For the dog park, doing the basics there would mean installing permanent fencing and adding shade trees. “Extras” would include seating and shade fixtures.

Approving the Concept Plan is only the first step in a long and thorough process, but one which is especially important to our town. There will be more opportunities for feedback, and I encourage the community to join us in the planning process. Community Park South is one of our most treasured, communal spaces, where, for generations, we have gathered to enjoy recreational activities in the heart of our town.

Let us continue to work together to make this dream a reality and to ensure that our park remains a cherished place for generations to come.

Michelle Pirone Lambros
Council Liaison to the Recreation Commission
Witherspoon Street