Disability Commission explores Marathon Park Accessibility Improvements with Community Preservation Act funding
Commission members discuss rubberized surfaces, wheelchair-accessible equipment and additional handicapped parking to enhance park for residents with disabilities.
BRIDGEWATER - June 24 - The Bridgewater Disability Commission is exploring significant accessibility improvements to Marathon Park on Crescent Street through Community Preservation Act funding, with potential costs reaching $150,000 or more for comprehensive upgrades.
Commission member David Frim outlined the current limitations at Marathon Park during a recent meeting, noting that while the facility is well-maintained and attractive, it offers limited options for children with disabilities. The park currently features only two accessible swings and one large attraction with wheelchair-accessible slides.
"Out of the whole Marathon Park, this is the only features that are available for children with disability," Frim said during the commission's presentation to Carlton Hunt, Vice Chair of the Community Preservation Committee.
The commission identified several accessibility challenges at the popular family destination. The mulch surface throughout the play areas creates mobility difficulties for children with disabilities, seniors with grandchildren, and anyone using wheelchairs, walkers or crutches.
"The mulch area is 3 inches below the sidewalk that goes around the entire park" in the front section, Frim explained. "It's also hard to walk on mulch if you haven't tried it. It's very difficult to utilize."
The commission proposes several improvements to address these accessibility gaps. Priority recommendations include installing a rubberized surface throughout the play area, which Frim estimates could cost $100,000 or more but would significantly improve safety and accessibility.
"You would make it more accessible for people with disabilities. It'd be safer because if you fell down on a rubberized surface, it would prevent a lot of injuries that you could get now and it would impact both elder people there with their grandchildren or people with disabilities," Frim said.
Additional proposed equipment includes multi-sensory play stations to support children with autism, wheelchair swings that accommodate users remaining in their wheelchairs, and wheelchair-accessible merry-go-rounds. Individual wheelchair swings cost approximately $3,500 unassembled, while accessible merry-go-rounds range from $10,000 to $25,000.
Hunt confirmed that such accessibility improvements align with the committee's established goals. The committee's five-year plan specifically aims to "enhance the accessibility of open space and recreational resources by creating new connections and access points as well as increasing physical accessibility for all users."
"Create inclusive outdoor recreational facilities designed to meet the needs of all residents of all ages abilities. Pickleball courts, tennis courts, ADA accessible amenities," Hunt said, reading from the committee's adopted goals.
The Community Preservation Act, adopted by Bridgewater voters, generates funding through a 2 percent surcharge on property taxes after the first $100,000 of assessed value. The program has four eligible funding categories: open space, historic preservation, recreation and housing.
Hunt explained that CPA funds can support acquisition, creation, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of recreational facilities, but cannot cover ongoing maintenance costs. The committee currently has approximately $2 million in available funds across all categories.
"We're running ahead of our 2 percent surcharge significantly," Hunt said, noting the town's conservative budget estimates and additional state matching funds.
The application process requires initial consultation with the Community Preservation Committee, followed by an eligibility form and detailed application. Projects must receive town manager approval before committee consideration, then advance to the town council for final approval.
Hunt referenced successful precedents for similar accessibility projects, including work in Acton that renovated playground equipment for fully accessible use. He encouraged the commission to research the Community Preservation Act Coalition database, which catalogs funded projects statewide.
"You can focus it on recreation and that kind of thing. And you can actually find a number of projects that were funded for the kinds of things you're talking about," Hunt said.
Commission member Lorraine Carrozza emphasized the importance of partnering with the Parks and Recreation Commission, which oversees Marathon Park. Hunt confirmed that letters of support from relevant town departments would strengthen any application.
"I think it's important. The research you've done is really important to have in the eligibility," Hunt said. "I would recommend that you list in that application that eligibility form, specific things that you would like to have done."
The commission also discussed adding handicapped parking spaces at Marathon Park, which would require coordination with the highway department. Current parking includes two designated accessible spaces, but commissioners believe additional spots are needed.
Frim plans to present a detailed proposal to the Community Preservation Committee at their next meeting, including cost estimates and specific equipment recommendations. The commission will develop materials comparing Marathon Park's current accessibility features with improvements available at similar facilities in surrounding communities.
The Disability Commission's next meeting is scheduled for July 29 at 2 p.m., where members will continue developing their Marathon Park accessibility proposal.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater.
This article was generated by artificial intelligence. Please contact us with any accuracy concerns.