Eldridge Park renovation passes 75% design with accessibility, courts and a whale-climbing structure

Designers and committee members on the Orleans Recreation Advisory Committee described the Eldridge Park renovation at the committee’s June 25 meeting, saying the project has passed the 75% design stage and includes expanded play areas, accessible equipment and new courts.

Tom, the committee presenter, said the site plan adds a handball/tennis area, picnic and shaded seating, and fitness equipment while maximizing space between the playground and courts. "75% of the plans are done," Tom said, and the team is finalizing irrigation, equipment choices and color schemes for the play surface.

Why it matters: The renovation seeks to create a playground and courts that serve a wide age range and include ADA-accessible features. The plan reserves one pickleball court for ADA accessibility and includes an ADA-accessible seesaw and a roll-in merry-go-round so children with mobility needs can use the play areas.

Design highlights include a themed play surface that transitions from a sand color to blues to reflect grading, a large humpback-whale climbing structure as a focal play element, a tightened promenade with benches and shade structures, and fitness equipment near picnic areas. Tom said the team worked to keep one court ADA-accessible even as two courts are slightly narrower to accommodate the layout. "They meet the standard layout," Tom said of the courts, while noting the narrower fence setback on some courts.

Budget and schedule: Committee members said the project has roughly $3.6 million available for construction and related costs; Weston and Samson are the engineering and design oversight firm on the project. The team hopes competitive bids will come in under the current estimates so additional amenities can be added. Tom said staff expect a bid packet to be ready for review next week, with bids opened possibly in August and a construction start hoped for in early September.

Grant and approvals: The department applied for a park grant with a maximum award of $425,000; Tom said the grant review closes in early July and decisions could be known by Aug. 1. If the project advances, reviewers will conduct a site visit.

Construction logistics: Planners have identified a staging area sited to avoid impact to the adjacent school; the access road will be closed to the public during construction but remain available to DPW. The design includes new lighting (including court lighting) and potential pedestrian lights styled to match existing town fixtures. Designers also noted a concrete retaining wall could be used as a mural surface once construction is complete.

What’s next: Staff aim to circulate a final packet for bidding and said they will work with the contractor selection process once responses arrive. The committee discussed stormwater ponding at the existing site and will raise drainage concerns with engineers before finalizing the paving and parking design.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the renovation at the June 25 meeting; discussion will continue as the packet moves toward the bid step.