Critical workspace improvements are moving forward for parks-and-rec workers in Easthampton following the City Council’s unanimous designation of $60,000 from the general stabilization fund for the purpose of upgrading Parks and Recreation Department facilities.
The move follows councilors’ unanimous passage of a “Parks and Recreation Support Resolution” on Aug. 7, with the heft of the resolution outlining the importance and necessity of the parks and parks services. The resolution was added to the agenda just days after The Shoestring first reported on the poor working conditions of parks staff, who among other problems had been working in a moldy and water-logged maintenance office. The resolution’s last two lines acknowledged the hard work of the staff and the City Council’s support for “ensur[ing] the safe working conditions of its employees and patrons of our parks.”
During last week’s City Council meeting, District 3 Councilor Tom Peake again acknowledged the “substandard” conditions of the Parks and Recreation maintenance buildings. Peake added that the newly designated funds would pay for temporary working and storage facilities.
Parks and Recreation Department Director John Mason provided councilors an overview of the next steps these funds would help facilitate. About half of the dedicated sum will fund a study of the overall needs for park maintenance, he said. The other half will pay for the purchase of two storage containers — one of which will later be given to the Department of Public Works to address some of their storage needs — the demolition of the old maintenance building, and a temporary maintenance workspace building rental. This rental space will give employees a place to get out the elements and safely store their personal belongings.
In response to an inquiry from The Shoestring, Mason explained that the office workspace rental would provide employees with access to a climate-controlled bathroom, something they were previously lacking. This rental is currently planned for a period of one year with an option for the city to extend if necessary.
The demolition cost of the old maintenance building was included in the funds designated to the department during last week’s meeting but no new construction is included in that number, according to Mason.
Mason told The Shoestring that firm edmSTUDIO, which has done previous work for the city, has been selected to do the overall maintenance needs assessment and planning work.
In city records obtained by The Shoestring in September, the purchase of the storage containers, office building rental, and demolition was estimated to be $28,962.
Mason told The Shoestring the city expects to sign contracts for the storage containers, temporary office space, and building demolition in the next two weeks.
“We are grateful for all the support we are getting from City Leadership and the community to move this project forward,” Mason said in an email.
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Tommy Lee is a writer, investigative journalist, and audio video producer for community television based in Western Massachusetts.
