Park and Recreation Commission to seek CPC funds for pavilion and site design

SUDBURY — August 7, 2024 — Sudbury Park and Recreation Commission moves toward combined CPC article for pavilion and Fairbank-Haskell design study. At an Aug. 7 working session, the commission reached consensus to submit a September Community Preservation Committee request bundling landscape-architect design fees with construction funding for a permanent outdoor pavilion to serve Sudbury Summer camp. Director Dennis, citing the departures of DPW staffers Dan Mason and Bill O'Rourke, said he opposes any new project until the Smile Playground, Feely Field Phase 2, field needs assessment and open space plan are completed, but acknowledged the town spends roughly $2,000 to install and $2,000 to remove each of two seasonal tents at Haskell. Vice-Chair Laurie Eliason pushed hardest for the pavilion; Member Bobby warned that returning to CPC with prior articles unfinished "doesn't set a good precedent." Chair Mara Huston, who sits on CPC, said the Planning Department moved the deadline up against her objection. Ben and Eliason will draft the article before the Aug. 26 follow-up meeting.