Healey Statement — File 211328

CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS JOSEPH A. CURTATONE MAYOR CITY HALL ● 93 HIGHLAND AVENUE ● SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS 02143 [phone removed], EXT. 2100 ● TTY: [phone removed]● FAX: (617) 625- 3434 E-MAIL: mayor@somervillema.gov February 11, 2021 To: City Council Re: Arthur D. Healey Schoolyard Project This memo reaffirms the City’s commitment to move forward on the Arthur D. Healey Schoolyard project in 2021. After a robust community design process, which included the neighborhood and Healey School community, we are thrilled to be putting the project out to bid with the goal of beginning construction in Spring 2021. This schoolyard renovation includes a new tot-lot, playground, outdoor classroom, renovated basketball court, U12 size artificial turf field, new plantings of trees and understory, as well as an ADA compliant passageway to connect the Mystic Housing Development to the schoolyard. To take advantage of a favorable construction environment, order play equipment and site furnishings as soon as possible (which is necessary because of delays caused by the pandemic), and prioritize the completion of the tot-lot for school use in the fall of 2021, the project will be sequenced in two parts: 1) Construction bids for the CPA-funded tot-lot have been advertised. A qualified bidder will be chosen, and construction will begin in May of 2021. 2) Concurrently, construction documents for the larger project (the areas between the school and the Mystic Housing Development) are being finalized. The bid will be advertised in March, a qualified bidder will be chosen, and construction will begin in June of 2021. Given the complexity of the project, the time it takes to bid, and the need to coordinate with the school and users of the spaces, this schedule is the most expedient possible. We will continue to work with the community and the school to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of construction, and we are committed to and excited to be delivering a high-quality schoolyard and open space in this neighborhood.