By K.B. Sherman, Community Reporter
Grafton – One of the losses to Grafton upon the construction of the new high school was an area near Town Hall that had been dubbed “Super Park”. In its original configuration, Super Park was a rather undistinguished area of set tunnels, ladders, slides, and other obstacles arranged near several benches and tables at which adults could sit and supervise children at play. Since then, a new Super Park Committee has been created to oversee the construction of a newer, more ambitious park.
At the Grafton Board of Selectmen’s meeting May 5, several members of the Super Park Committee presented the status of the project. The Park is to be built in three phases, with a warrant article on the May 11 Town Meeting agenda asking for an appropriation of $243,000 for Phase 1. Billed as a “place for people to meet and play,” it is reported to have been high on the list of building priorities as ranked by townspeople. The new Park will, unlike its predecessor, be handicapped accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The surface of the ground will be rubberized as opposed to having wood chips for a playing surface. To be located at 6 Upton Street, it will interfere with neither the library nor adjacent athletic field.
Phase 2, to be initiated later, will add a walking trail and cost approximately $200,000, while the final phase, Phase 3, will add a “splash pad” and cost an additional $150,000 or so, making the total cost approximately $600,000. The Park Committee further explained that some of the cost of the project will be absorbed by volunteer work and by town workers, as available.
Selectman Craig Dauphinais noted that he had some reservations because of wetlands issues and the yet undetermined path of the park access road, but that he would support this initial plan as proposed. Selectman Dennis Flynn also expressed some concern over the plan as proposed. The board then voted 4-1 to support the plan as represented, with Flynn in opposition.
A complete list of Grafton Recreation Committee Summer 2015 activities can be seen at http://www.grafton-ma.gov/Public_Documents/GraftonMA_Recreation/2015%20%20Summer%20Brochure%20Final.pdf.