Park and Recreation Commission advances SMILE playground CPC bid up to $322,000

SUDBURY -- September 8, 2025, Sudbury Park and Recreation Commission advances up to $322,000 CPC request to enhance SMILE playground at Haskell Field. Assistant Town Manager Victor Garofalo presented five vendor options ranging from roughly $220,000 to $322,000, including a 5 percent escalator and 15 percent contingency, ahead of the Sept. 20 Community Preservation Committee deadline, with Vice-Chair Laurie Eliason and member Granger Atkeson favoring continuous toddler structures over standalone activity stations. Garofalo also disclosed the original 2021 town-meeting appropriation of $285,000 ran roughly $88,000 over, driven by about $30,000 in unbudgeted ADA design work. Chair Mara Huston pressed for justification, saying she "can't imagine that's $30,000." A motion to formally endorse enforcement of the town's dog-leash bylaw failed 0-4 after member Ben Carmel argued the commission has "no mechanism to enforce," but a narrower 4-0 vote authorized signage subject to commission review. Combined Facilities Director Sandra Duran said the Atkinson Pool renovation is now targeting Dec. 1 substantial completion.