Fitchburg Parks Commission Meeting: Southdale Splash Pad, CIP Inventory, and Fee Schedules (May 7, 2026)

The Fitchburg Parks Commission met on May 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM to welcome new members, approve the next phase of the Southdale Park development, adopt a resolution adjusting fee schedule oversight, and review a comprehensive park inventory and Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (April): The commission conducted a roll call before unanimously approving the minutes from the previous meeting.
• Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as written by a unanimous voice vote.
• New Member Introductions: Todd Bruner (retiring Verona principal) and Alder Joe Maldonado (Bellmar neighborhood) were formally welcomed to the commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patrick Cheney (on Southdale Park): Asked whether the proposed improvements would replace or remove the existing shelter. Staff confirmed the plan adds a second shelter while retaining the original.
• Patrick Cheney (on Staff Reports): Questioned the total number of city chippers and 16-foot mowers. He strongly criticized a recent chainsaw safety training class as "poorly managed, poorly conducted, and pointless," alleging it served as a "convenient excuse to cut down many more trees in the McGark Park Woods," including some that did not appear dead, and that felled trees were left blocking a popular hiking trail for several days.

Discussion Items

• 5A: Southdale Park Concept Development: Eric and Rob Stein (EO EOR) presented two concepts. The total project budget is $400,000, with $115,000 already spent on a new playground, leaving $285,000 remaining. Concept B, featuring a larger splash pad and shelter with a single-stall restroom, was favored over Concept A (smaller amenities, dual-stall restroom). Water consumption for the larger splash pad is estimated at 57 gallons per minute. Commissioner Sue Easter Day supported the larger splash pad, citing high neighborhood demand. Alder Maldonado suggested adding public Wi-Fi as a bid alternate. The commission unanimously approved Concept B for further exploration.
• 5B: Resolution R8326 (Fee Schedule Oversight): Staff explained the resolution transfers oversight of community center fee schedules from the Parks Commission to the Recreation Board, correcting an ordinance discrepancy following a department split. The resolution passed unanimously.
• 7B: CIP and Inventory Overview: Staff unveiled a new public-facing GIS map of all park amenities, allowing residents to search for specific features like soccer fields or playgrounds. Eric introduced a new CIP replacement schedule for playgrounds based on a 25 to 30-year lifespan, adapting a model from Public Works to enable proactive budgeting. The main capital priority for 2027 is the Kids' Crossing project. Commissioners praised the tool for improving planning and equity in budget decisions.
• Athletic Court Renovations (Swan Creek & Wildwood): Bids for the court renovations close on May 13. Staff recommended the commission formally approve the winning bid at its next meeting. Work is expected to begin around July 1 with substantial completion by October 15.
• July Meeting Rescheduled: The commission voted unanimously to move the July meeting from July 2 to July 9, 2026, to avoid the Independence Day holiday.

Key Outcomes

• Southdale Park Design: Approved Concept B (larger splash pad/shelter, single-stall restroom) for development. A bid alternate for public Wi-Fi will be explored.
• Resolution R8326: Approved, transferring community center fee oversight to the Recreation Board.
• Meeting Schedule: The July 2026 meeting was rescheduled from July 2 to July 9.
• CIP & GIS Inventory: A new public GIS park amenity map and a 10-year playground replacement cycle were introduced. Kids' Crossing is the primary 2027 capital project.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for June 4, 2026.