Parks commission approves exploring larger splash pad and shelter at Southdale Park

The Fitchburg Parks Commission voted May 7 to move forward with exploring Concept 2 for Southdale Park, a design that prioritizes a larger flow‑through splash pad and a bigger shelter while keeping restroom capacity limited to a single full‑service stall to control costs.

Staff member Eric explained that the Southdale project is the next phase after last year’s playground installation and that the three proposed features — a flow‑through splash pad, an additional shelter, and full‑service restrooms — all fit within the dashed green project boundary on the concept plans. He told commissioners the overall project budget is about $400,000, of which $115,000 was spent on the playground earlier, leaving roughly $285,000 available for the current phase. One concept’s Opinion of Probable Cost (OPC) was shown at about $293,000, and staff said covering that option would require a budget amendment or additional funds.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the choice as a trade‑off between restroom capacity and splash‑pad size. Multiple members emphasized neighborhood need for more cooling space for children living in nearby apartments during hot summers; several members said the larger splash pad would better serve peak demand and community events.

During discussion, consultant Rob Stein explained the splash pad is designed as a flow‑through system that discharges to storm or sanitary sewer rather than operating as a recirculating pool with onsite chemical treatment. Commissioners asked about utility connections and whether features such as shelter power or Wi‑Fi could be added later; staff recommended including Wi‑Fi or electrical work as a bid alternate so it can be priced during bidding.

Water‑use and site constraints: Rob estimated splash‑pad flow rates are low for this type of feature and later provided a project estimate of about 57 gallons per minute for the larger pad. Staff also said sanitary and water easements on the west side of the site constrained restroom siting, which is why restrooms are proposed nearer the south end of the park rather than directly adjacent to the playground.

A motion “to approve option two for exploration” was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote; commissioners asked staff to take the preferred concept to the bid stage and return to the commission for bid acceptance. Staff told the commission they could include Wi‑Fi or other site electrical work as bid alternates and that detailed cost figures will be refined during the bidding process.

Next steps: Staff will prepare bid documents and return to the Parks Commission for bid acceptance and final approval, and the commission may consider a budget amendment if the preferred option requires funds above the current $285,000 remaining for the project.