With CPC vote this week, plan to revive playground on way to TM

A plan to restore the deteriorating Hampton Circle playground won unanimous approval at the Feb. 1 meeting of the Community Preservation Committee.

A sum of $173,000 is being sought to create a raised play structure, pathways compliant with Americans With Disabilities Act requirements, a rain garden, and parking. It was noted that the improvements will have to be constructed with the area’s frequent flooding in mind.

The motion to approve the proposal was made by Jim Richman and seconded by Greg Grey. The plan will now move on for consideration at the annual town meeting, tentatively scheduled for May 3.

“We’re drafting the warrant now. That will go to town meeting and be voted on as one of the articles,” Tammy Best, CPC chairwoman, told The Hull Times.

The area desperately needs intervention. The play structure was removed due to deterioration, and what little of the playground remains is in poor condition. The swing set is missing swings; the grass is unkempt; and the lone hoop on the basketball court is a sorry sight to see.

“I believe the neighborhood deserves to have a nice playground put back in shape so they can use it and have fun and meet there as families once COVID is gone,” said Greg Grey, the CPC liaison for the project.

Best noted that “there was a lot of support [for restoring the playground] on our call last month.” When the project was presented at the committee’s prior meeting, several residents of the area expressed support. There were also multiple letters to the editor of the Times in favor of the project.

If the playground improvements are approved at town meeting, it will still be a while before it is in operation.

Both the Kenberma and Gunrock playground projects were approved last year, and neither is finished yet. The Hampton Circle playground is still in the design phase, so it may take longer before it is revived.

At Monday’s meeting of the CPC, other projects won unanimous approval. Now that all the 2021 projects are approved, said Best, “we want to get people thinking about projects for next year.”

Residents considering proposing projects are encouraged to start soliciting support. Projects on town-owned property will need the backing of the town manager and the Board of Selectmen.

More information is available on the CPC website at www.town.hull.ma.us/community-preservation-committee.