The meeting, conducted remotely on April 29, 2024, saw the board deliberate over the restroom’s potential location, design, functionality, and its impact on the park’s aesthetics. Special Capital Projects Coordinator, Bob P., presented the town’s plan to install the restroom alongside a newly constructed sidewalk as part of a roadway project. He emphasized the facility’s need, citing its accessibility for park visitors. The board ultimately advised Bob P. to work with the planning board on the setback issue.

Further discussions surrounded an additional proposal for a single-occupancy restroom facility to be installed in a large parking lot behind Chapman and Davis Street. This facility would include a changing table, hand washing station, louvers, and a skylight, with blue lighting designed to discourage illicit activities. Public safety concerns were raised about the restroom being open after normal playground hours. The board considered solar panels as a power source, but the potential for unreliable power in winter due to limited solar exposure and the risk of freezing pipes led to suggestions of a hybrid solution using both solar and dedicated electrical connections. The board agreed on the need for a simple facility that could be easily monitored for public safety.

The restroom’s visibility and its integration into the park’s environment were also topics of debate. Some board members suggested that the restroom could be situated in a landscaped area or in a less conspicuous location to minimize the visual impact on park aesthetics. The possibility of rebranding the facility and creating a more visually appealing design was discussed, as well as ensuring that the restroom is on an accessible route. The board requested further information, including renderings of the proposed location, alternative signage options, and landscaping features.

The timeline for the restroom project, anticipated to be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), was another point of discussion. With a commitment deadline for funds by the end of the calendar year, the board considered a potential one-month delay as acceptable.

In addition to the restroom facilities, the board also briefly addressed other matters. The approval of the meeting minutes led to a discussion on the Northtown common project, particularly the choice of materials for the walking paths. The use of oil and stone in place of asphalt was debated, acknowledging budget constraints while some members felt strongly against using asphalt.

The Amherst College signage was another topic that garnered board satisfaction with the recent changes made to the signage. Lastly, the board touched upon the design review criteria, proposing to postpone this discussion to the next meeting scheduled for May 20th, to allow more time for review. The meeting concluded with the scheduling of the next meeting date and a motion to adjourn.