11/12/2013 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT COMMITTEE Minutes

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Community Preservation Committee Minutes November 1 2, 2013 Elaine Fender—Mashee Committee for a Preschool Thera eutic Fla round: Elaine Pender9 Principal of the Kenneth C. Coombs School was in attendance with Catherine Laurent, Director of Public forks and several pre-school teachers to discuss the need for a community play space for young children ages three to five years of all abilities. brief video presentation prepared by Its. Fender depicted the asphalt play space currently used by the pre- diol children. In additionto the outdoor hard surface area,the play structures are presently situated on a small strip of grass. The playground is located in front of the Coombs School building. Drainage problems at the site location were depicted in the visual presentation. In concern for safety and to adequately address the needs of typically developing children, and new Mashpee PlaysTogether—Aerapeutic Playgroundis proposed at the site location. The conceptual playground was designed by M.E. O'Brien& Boas Landscape Structures in conjunction with the Coombs School staff. The drawing incorporates a"poured in place" surface that is 100% accessible with drainage built into the system. It is similar to the Splash Pad surface, a durable, lasting quality overlay ith low maintenance requirements. The play structures as proposed would address the physical, cognitive and sensory needs of the children through therapeutic playground features which would encourage exploration, discovery, creativity and imagination. Currently 75childrn aged 3to 5 years use the present facility. weather dependent, the play' area is used twice daily. There is a door from the school with handicap ramp to directly access the playground from the classroom. It is anticipated with a new playground,the users of the facility would increase considerably by local families. A gate and walkway is proposed facing the parking lot to make the playground inviting to its visitors. The playground is intended to be open after school and on the weekends for public use. Benches and shade structures are also proposed to be incorporated into the design of the project. The total project cost is $160,,000. The amount of CPA funding requested is 100,000. with approval at the May 2014 Town Meeting, the targeted installation date is August,2 1 ., It was noted that fundraisers are planned throughout the year. The llashpe Iivanis has been very supportive of the project and the teachers expect that grant funding would be applied for as well to raise the additional $60,000 required to construct the facility. The DPW will build the playground and the project would be maintained through the DPW and School budgets,and if possible, with continued fundraism" 'g.