Parks and Rec Commission Discusses Davey Glen Park Design

Belmont's Central neighborhood is one step closer to getting a new park.

The Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday night reviewed an updated design for the Davey Glen Park, a project that's been in the works for nearly 20 years.

An ad hoc committee, created in March 2010 to develop a conceptual design for the park, has held more than a dozen meetings before coming up with the plan that features a level playing area for grassy picnics and throwing a ball, a playground, and a trail for quiet nature.

At the meeting Wednesday, the Commission opted to send the design to the Planning Commission before reviewing it again. Finding sources of funding will also be discussed at the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting before the design is brought before the City Council.

The park is expected to cost $450,000, $200,000 of which Belmont hopes to gain from alternative sources including grants and donations.

Some members of the Commission were hesitant about the cost, especially after Parks and Recreation Director Jonathan Gervais pointed out , Belmont's first new park since the 1970s that's slated to open this spring, will cost about $291,000 once it's complete.

"We’re dealing with a park over twice the size of Semeria," Gervais said of Davey Glen Park. He added, though, that city staff doesn't expect to spend more than $450,000 for Davey Glen.

"$450,000 is our budget, we have every intention of sticking to the budget," Gervais said.

The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed asking the City Council for more money for Davey Glen -- to stay within the $450,000 budget, part of the design that includes paths, ramps and decks must be tabled for now -- but ultimately decided to let the Planning Commission take a look at the design as-is.