Town Engineer outlines park upgrades, including court renovations, ADA playground improvements, and expanded lighting as CPDC raises questions ahead of May 12 hearing
Reading, MA — Town Engineer Ryan Percival presented plans for the second phase of the Birch Meadow improvement project to the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) last Monday. The $2.14 million funding for the project was approved by Town Meeting in November of 2023. Percival shared that there are plans to renovate the basketball courts, transforming them from asphalt to post-tension concrete, which he explained should have a lifespan of over twenty years.
Percival continued to explain that the plans include an update of the “tot lot” playground, adding American Disabilities Act equipment, additional parking, and drainage improvements. The plans also call for sports lighting of the courts and walkways, which will connect with the central spine walkway from the phase one improvements. Low-level lighting, similar to that used in the first phase, will also be added to the walkways.
CPDC chair Heather Clish questioned why the planned modular classrooms were not included in the plans. Percival explained that the modulars are being moved from the Killam Elementary School site and will be placed near the RISE parking lot, both of which are outside the scope of this project. CPDC member John Weston also questioned the safety of the proposed location of a crosswalk at the intersection of Hartshorn Street and Bancroft. Percival stated that the plans will be reviewed before CPDC meets again. Commission members also posed questions regarding people using “natural walkways” instead of the paved ones and how to accommodate this development.
CPDC continued the public hearing to May 12.
