CPC Final Funding Rec Kennedy Schoolyard Combined FY26 — File 26-0084

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FOR Kennedy Schoolyard FY26 Construction Combined Funding Request PROJECT DESCRIPTION City of Somerville OSPCD Division of Public Space and Urban Forestry (PSUF) is requesting funds to construct a new accessible playground at the Kennedy School located at Sartwell and Cherry. This project will implement a design 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 request is for a municipal bond issuance of $2,000,000 as part of the funding for the Kennedy Schoolyard project, as well as $1,000,000 of existing CPA funds to cover the total construction budget of $3,000,000. Debt service on the bond will be paid out of the annual Open Space allocation. ELIGIBILITY Open Space/Recreation: This project would rehabilitate land for recreational use. RECOMMENDATION On 12/29/25 by a vote of 5-0, the Community Preservation Committee recommended that the City of Somerville OSPCD Division of Public Space and Urban Forestry be awarded $1,000,000 of Community Preservation Act funds from the Open Space Reserve for construction of a new schoolyard for the Kennedy School, as described in their FY26 application. By a vote of 4-1, the Community Preservation Committee further recommended bonding $2,000,000 for the Kennedy Schoolyard Construction, under authority of M.G.L. Chapter 44B. Debt service for this project will be paid out of the Community Preservation Act fund. FUNDING CONDITIONS The project will follow the General Conditions outlined in a Memorandum of Agreement between the CPC and PSUF. In addition, the following special condition applies to this project: 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