WILMINGTON, MA – Selectwoman Judy O’Connell, Chair of the Yentile Farm Development Committee, made a presentation at last week’s Board of Selectmen Meeting, updating the public on the town’s future recreational facility at Yentile Farm.
Project Timeline
“I think everything is going as well as can be expected in light of a very lengthy project,” said Selectwoman O’Connell.
O’Connell outlined the major milestones on the project’s timeline:
- The project’s design development phase will be wrapped up next month.
- Construction drawings will be created over the next several months (September 2015 to December 2015).
- Construction bids and awards will take place January and February of 2016.
- Construction will start in March 2016 and finish in June 2017. Most of the work will be completed in 2016, but some final plantings and finishes will likely occur in Spring 2017.
Project Design
“The Committee has made decisions on critical design features,” said Selectwoman O’Connell, who touched upon the design of the pavilion, concession stand, bathrooms, storage facilities, benches, game tables, bike racks, trash and recycling receptacles, and lighting for both the park and parking lot.
The Committee has also finalized the planting selections, pedestrian bridges over the rain garden; playground layout; and the surface materials of playground area.
The project’s design has already been reviewed internally by the town’s technical design review committee, which includes the departments of planning, engineering, health, public buildings, public works and public safety.
Project Budget
“The Committee has been engaging in an ongoing value engineering process to get the design costs down to about $4.8 million, which was the target set at Town Meeting,” said O’Connell.
O’Connell explained that the budget has already been trimmed by over $400,000, without losing any programs or quality to the project. Cost savings were found by reducing the amount of playground equipment; eliminating duplicative water fountains; increasing the use of onsite material; and refining the estimate of utility pole locations, among other changes.
“We expect the next updated cost estimate will be on target,” assured O’Connell.
Project Fundraising
“A subcommittee was formed to help sort out the fundraising program for the project,” explained O’Connell.
The subcommittee has already formed non-profit; a donor plan has been developed; an outreach plan is being put in place; and a website is under design. The fundraising phase will launch this fall, possibly as early as next month.
“The subcommittee has sought to ensure there will be opportunities for donors of all means to contribute and be part of the project,” said O’Connell, who mentioned donation opportunities from a $125 engraved brick to a $250,000 field sponsorship.
“I can’t say enough about all the work that members of the fundraising committee have done thus far,” said O’Connell. “These members feel very confident that they can spearhead a private fundraising effort that will include reaching out to residents, local businesses and organizations for support of the project. Their fundraising goal is $1 million. It’s a very ambitious goal and if I were to think of a group of people that could make that happen, these are the people that would come to mind.”
Project Grant Opportunity
The town has applied for a PARC (Parkland Acqusitions and Renovations for Communities) grant through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The maximum award is $400,000. Wilmington is one of just 44 applicants. Decisions about the grants aren’t expected until October or November.
O’Connell praised the work of Assistant Town Manager Kendra Amaral and Planning & Conservation Director Valerie Ginrich in putting together the application.
Wilmington’s State Senator Bruce Tarr has put in a good word for the grant application, sending a glowing letter to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Tarr wrote, in part, “I truly believe the Yentile Farm Recreational Facility will prove to be extremely valuable to the Town of Wilmington. Additionally, given the proper balance of active and passive recreation, I’m convinced that this facility will be utilized by numerous residents and visitors throughout the region.”
O’Connell was encouraged that members of from the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs recently conducted a site visit to Yentile Farm, which was seen as a “positive sign.”
Excitement Over The Project
“I’m so excited,” said Selectman Mike Champoux. “This is clearly going to be a flagship facility that within our town. It will be how we are known by our neighbors and surrounding communities once it’s established.”
“We’re excited about the project,” said O’Connell. “[The Yentile Farm Development Committee] feels confident we will be delivering a product to the community that you can all be proud of and will certainly be a land for all ages that all of us can enjoy.”
O’Connell thanked Town Manager Jeff Hull, Assistant Town Manager Kendra Amaral, and the entire Yentile Farm Development Committee multiple times throughout the 15-minute presentation. She also thanked the residents of Wilmington for their financial support throughout the process.
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