Town engineer outlines $2.8 million Portside Community Park plan; CPC asked to consider funding

Tom Landry, Dennis town engineer, presented the Portside Community Park concept to the Community Preservation Committee July 9, describing a passive recreation park on a town-owned parcel at 187 Howard County Road that would include a long perimeter walking trail, a flat play area, a basketball court located to minimize noise impacts, multiple entrances, parking with crosswalks, porous pavement paths, rain gardens, pollinator plantings and wetlands restoration.

Landry said the town purchased the property in 2024 and has moved the design through planning and select-board review. He estimated the total project cost at about $2.8 million and said the town has applied for multiple grants, including an MVP resilience grant (potentially up to $3 million), a CZM grant (up to $175,000), SNEP (up to $250,000) and a community biodiversity grant (up to $150,000). He described a design and procurement timeline that would finalize design in August, advertise bids in late September and make a funding request at the fall Town Meeting on Oct. 6.

Members focused on the town share of cost if grants fall short. Committee discussion and calculations in the meeting packet suggested that bonding the full amount could result in roughly $300,000 per year of principal and interest over a 10-year term (figures presented as estimates and contingent on final scope and interest rates). Landry advised that the project team would firm up grant awards and the construction estimate by late September and return to the CPC with a final request.

Committee members praised the project's emphasis on green infrastructure and access for nearby apartment residents, and discussed gating and nighttime closure to prevent overnight parking. The presenter said landscaping warranties and two-year contractor guarantees would help ensure long-term plant establishment.

The committee will consider the project at its July 23 meeting; Landry said grant award decisions expected in the coming months will determine how much CPC support might be needed.