Norwood CPC debates using CPA funds for school playgrounds, forms subcommittee to meet with schools

At the Nov. 19 meeting the committee devoted substantial time to a cluster of playground applications and whether Community Preservation Act funding should be used to pay for school playgrounds in whole or part.

Catherine Rose (chair) outlined a proposed process: group playground applications together, meet with the school committee, the superintendent and DPW/facilities staff to clarify who maintains the facilities and to explore prioritization and co‑funding options. "Before we even really take a look at this and prioritize them... we should probably meet with the school committee, the superintendent, and maybe DPW," Rose said.

Members raised several recurring concerns: eligibility under CPA rules (members suggested routine consultation with the state coalition or documenting analogous projects), the sudden surge of applications following a high-profile playground project, and the high price of modern, ADA-compliant playgrounds and surfacing. Several members suggested narrower funding options, such as contributing only to surfacing, funding in phases, or seeking PTA and alumni contributions alongside CPA funds.

The committee agreed to form a small group to meet with school and facilities staff before advancing playground applications to public hearing. Joe Sheehan and Cheryl Doyle volunteered to work with staff and report back at the next meetings.