Committee discusses $243,000 parks package and adds $2,000 for dog‑park agility features

Committee member Tyler Hughes questioned whether a $500 line item for the dog park was sufficient to replace or repair equipment. Town Manager Stephen Lawson said Parks & Recreation Director Harris requested $243,000 in capital improvements across town, with $30,000 allocated for Cadet Park and other work that could include fencing for A.K. Fraley Park and the Skate Park.

Clerk/Treasurer Amanda Hawkins clarified the $500 referenced in the line item is for dog‑waste bags kept at the park. Hughes pointed to a need to update agility features; the committee agreed to add a $2,000 capital improvement line item specifically for the dog park.

Lawson also noted the parks package includes a choice between a larger splash pad or replacing a tree house as part of the capital requests. No final decision on the larger projects was made; the entire parks capital package remains part of the budget forwarded to the public hearing.