CPC Funding Rec Kennedy Schoolyard FY25 — File 25-0855

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FOR Kennedy Schoolyard Design FY25 Supplement PROJECT DESCRIPTION The request is for additional funds to supplement a project previously granted CPA funds in FY19 and FY24. The City of Somerville will develop a new playground landscape plan for the front playground located at Sartwell and Cherry. The design services will explore the feasibility of creating a more modern playground with more accessible elements to be used by all children. The new design will be developed in collaboration with the Kennedy School staff, parent groups, and the local community. It is anticipated that the new layout will incorporate space for active recreation, elements to facilitate less structured play, age-appropriate play structures, new tree plantings, green spaces, outdoor classrooms, and quiet areas for student social interaction. The original scope of the project has grown to incorporate a redesign of the school grounds to expand the recreational space, as well as to fund construction management as part of the design contract. Including the prior grants, the total budget for the design project is now $300,000. ELIGIBILITY Open Space/Recreation: This project would rehabilitate land for recreational use. RECOMMENDATION On April 23, 2025 by a vote of 7-0, the Community Preservation Committee recommended that $200,000 be appropriated from the Undesignated Fund to the Open Space Reserve. The Community Preservation Committee further recommended by a vote of 7-0 that the City of Somerville OSPCD Division of Public Space and Urban Forestry be awarded $200,000 of Community Preservation Act funds from the Open Space Reserve for design of a new schoolyard for the Kennedy School, as described in their off-cycle funding request, from the following account: FUNDING CONDITIONS 1. If the Kennedy Schoolyard is subject to a change in use which reduces or eliminates the open/outdoor recreation space within 50 years of the approval of this grant the funds will be required to be returned to the CPA fund Open Space Reserve, unless the Community Preservation Committee consents to allow the City to retain the funds. DOCUMENTATION  FY25 Kennedy Schoolyard CPA Application KATJANA BALLANTYNE MAYOR CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE