The Canton Board of Selectmen is moving forward with the idea to use proposed Mills Pond Park improvements for its 2014 Small Town Economic Assistant Program grant application.
The program awards towns up to $500,000 for capital improvement projects. There is no guarantee the town would get the grant or the full amount.
The issue was discussed at the Board of Selectman meeting Wednesday. While the numbers may be refined, the town has the following preliminary numbers for Mills Pond Park.
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- Refurbish the pool house building - $370,000
- Resurfacing and crack repair to 4 tennis courts and 2 basketball courts - $26,000
- Total renovation of skatepark including installation of concrete elements - $90,000
- Park Planning and Master Plan Design Services - $14,000
This year other projects have been discussed, including proposed fields on Lawton Road. Town officials said that plan exceeds the grant amount and would rather see it fully funded in one shot. Another idea was a request by the Cherry Brook Primary School PTO to consider a portion for its playground project but at a recent meeting First Selectman Richard Barlow said he was not in favor of a split project application.
Many selectman, town officials and Parks and Recreation Commissioners said they feel the park is in need of some upgrading.
"With the many projects that were up for consideration I am glad the board has decided to use the opportunity to apply for a STEAP grant to maintain and enhance our existing infrastructure at Mills Pond Park and Recreation area," Selectman Stephen Roberto said.
Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner said a formal application will be brought to the board for approval before the state's April 15 deadline.
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