Coventry parks director outlines plans for three new playgrounds and basketball courts

Coventry Town Council is set to enhance community recreation with the approval of three new playgrounds, following a successful grant application with the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). During the meeting on February 25, 2025, Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Savigny, outlined plans for playgrounds at Quinick, Harris, and Giblin parks, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and community engagement in the design process.

The Quinick playground will be the centerpiece of the project, funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resources. Savigny highlighted the need for a landscape architect to reimagine the space, ensuring that the playground and a new basketball court are accessible and meet the needs of local families. The bid for the landscape architect is open until March 14, with hopes to finalize designs and construction documents by the end of the year.

In addition to the playgrounds, discussions included the potential renovation of the baseball field at Quinick, which currently serves younger children but may be underutilized. Suggestions were made to repurpose the space for a dog park, addressing community needs for both children and pet owners.

The council also discussed a proposal for a "buy a bench" program to enhance seating in local parks, responding to community feedback about the lack of amenities. This initiative aims to raise funds for parks and recreation improvements.

As the meeting progressed, the council addressed operational challenges faced during recent snowstorms, including vehicle maintenance issues that left several plow trucks out of service. The discussion highlighted the need for a robust vendor program to supplement town resources during severe weather events.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to improving recreational facilities and addressing community needs, with plans for swift action on playground projects and ongoing discussions about enhancing public services. The council aims to finalize playground designs and secure funding for additional improvements, ensuring that Coventry's parks remain vibrant and accessible for all residents.