Residents, DPW Talk the Future of Hannah Williams Park

The Department of Public Works and citizens from throughout Wayland have begun discussions regarding the future of the on Main Street.

In recent years, the play equipment at the park has drawn concerns that the aging wood can lead to splinters and that the chemicals used to treat that wooden playground equipment, popular when the structure was constructed years ago, are, in fact, not particularly healthy for children.

Don Ouellette, DPW director, has been gathering information for reconfiguring the park and presented a few options to citizens during a meeting late last week.

“What I’ve been told is that there are a lot of kids in that 6 to 10 age range that use the park,” Ouellette said, adding that some sort of play structure should be included in the revitalization, but that the planning is up to members of the community. “I want to be the guy that assists, that moves it, but I want you guys to [select it].”

Ouellette requested $100,000 for the revitalization as part of the DPW budget for FY12. The Finance Committee, however, added $20,000 to that request bringing the total proposed budget to $120,000.

In addition, donations to the Friends of Hannah Williams Playground have amounted to an additional $14,000 available for the project.

In addition to concerns about the safety of the playground equipment, residents have expressed frustration over the parking situation at Hannah Williams. The unpaved parking area is difficult to navigate when wet, and there simply isn’t enough parking to meet the need, according to individuals at last week’s meeting.

There are a couple of options to address the parking situation, Ouellette said, though he said he wants to obtain more specifics regarding the available area before the group could make a decision for the layout. The town owns several parcels of adjoining land, but the exact acreage was unknown at the meeting.

“This is a historical gift to the town,” said Cliff Kolovson, a resident of the city and longtime supporter of the Hannah Williams Playground and Park. “I don’t want us to lose site of that.”

Kolovson noted that the family of Hannah Williams continues to donate $1,500 each year for the park and playground.

Up for discussion in the revitalization is expanding the park’s offerings to appeal to its adult and kid visitors alike. Still, Ouellette said he envisions the footprint of the new play structure being the largest single aspect of the new park.

“I’m not suggesting we go in and turn this into an adult gym outdoors,” Ouellette assured meeting attendees. “But we could put in a few pieces.”

Adult workout equipment, a walking/biking path and even a community garden are currently part of the discussion.

If the budget for the park’s revitalization is approved at the April Town Meeting, Ouellette said he wanted to “get cranking” on the project right away with the hopes of opening the redesigned park in the fall.

There will be another meeting to discuss options for the Hannah Williams Playground and Park within in the next couple of weeks.