Park and Rec Commission backs ARPA funding for accessible passenger van

SUDBURY — October 3, 2022 — Sudbury Park and Recreation Commission votes 4-1 to seek more ARPA funding for an accessible van. Director Dennis Mannone presented quotes of $116,000 for gas, $165,000 for hybrid and $265,000 for electric versions of a 15-passenger wheelchair-accessible vehicle; the Select Board has allocated $100,000 in ARPA money and will revisit the gap Oct. 11. Chair Mara Huston called the hybrid the most economical option, while member Jen Stone dissented, questioning whether "15 spots" could address the town's afterschool waitlist crisis. The commission deferred action on an $899,668 CPC request for Feeley softball field drainage and ADA upgrades, with member Robert Beagan warning the big-ticket ask could crowd out smaller priorities. Mannone also reported the Atkinson Pool dive well is losing 1,000 gallons of water every 24 hours.