In another step toward building a community recreation center, the Select Board charged a new committee with advising the process at its Jan. 8 meeting. 

Town Administrator Shawn MacInnes said the town typically creates a building committee for any new municipal buildings, and that committee typically selects the owner’s project manager, who oversees the project and its design. 

The funding for the design comes from the town’s portion of the American Rescue Plan Act funds. 

Plans for a center have been in the works since 2019, and in discussion for years before. In 2019, the town conducted a feasibility study, which outlined possible options and price estimates.

That study also sought public input through a survey, which demonstrated an “overwhelming need in the community,” according to MacInnes. 

Architects presented the results of the feasibility study in March 2022. The recommendation at the time was to build three parallel basketball courts and a walking track.

The Board of Parks and Recreation plans for the building to not only be used as a recreation space, but a community space. The building could also be used as a location for Town Meeting, and as an emergency shelter. 

The town does not yet have a location set for the building, or a clear funding source. However, MacInnes said at an October 2023 Select Board meeting that the town could get the design finished and ready to go, then wait to move forward on the project until the town identifies a funding source. 

The board unanimously approved the committee charge, and the town will now advertise for members to join.