The Charleswood playground project took center stage as the committee discussed its current status and funding requirements. The playground’s future depends heavily on the upcoming town meeting in May, where the majority of the funding will need to be approved. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has allocated some funds, but the project still requires approval from both the town meeting and the Capital Improvement Committee (CIC). Recognizing the project’s importance, the committee acknowledged the need for further internal discussions to ensure a comprehensive strategy moving forward.

In addition to playground funding, the committee reviewed updates related to the school’s exterior design, which remains largely unchanged since the last meeting. Some minor refinements have been made, focusing on the documentation and coordination of specifications, particularly for mechanical and structural elements. This involved creating extra mechanical space by adjusting wall placements within the lobby and second-floor areas. A counselor’s office was relocated to accommodate necessary ductwork, though this was considered a minor change.

The meeting also delved into interior design aspects, with presentations highlighting floor patterns and aesthetic motifs inspired by local natural resources such as meadows, forests, and lakes. These designs aim to integrate pathways and natural themes within hallways and classrooms, with specific triangular shapes indicating safety zones. The main entrance lobby’s design features a two-story library, visible from the front doors, with a floor pattern connecting the inside space to the outdoor landscape, enhanced by a compass motif that underscores themes of navigation and nature.

The cafeteria is designed as a central gathering space, characterized by large windows for ample natural light. Continuing the lake and river theme, the color choices and abstract floor patterns contribute to the overall aesthetic. Classrooms are designed for flexibility and interaction, with consistent locker placements and built-in benches to enhance functionality.

The committee received updates about ongoing project activities, including an upcoming Conservation Commission public hearing about street improvements necessitated by lane widening within wetland buffer zones. This hearing is part of the project’s compliance requirements.

Geothermal well testing results were presented. Minor adjustments were suggested for well depth, recommending a reduction from 600 feet to 550 feet due to drilling obstructions. The committee has requested further analysis from engineers regarding these adjustments.

An infiltrometer test, conducted to measure water infiltration rates, revealed faster rates than anticipated. This finding confirmed that no modifications to the planning board’s decisions were necessary, and this information was duly communicated to the board, which concurred with the assessment.

Moreover, the committee discussed ongoing outreach to neighbors, with efforts to schedule meetings about project-related landscaping improvements to address community concerns. A timetable was established aiming for early to mid-January to finalize outreach packages for the next meeting.