Commissioners discussed tearing and wear in the synthetic turf underfoot at Newman school playground and considered an interim fix of removable playground mats while pursuing longer repairs.

A parent had raised safety concerns about rips and worn areas in the turf under playground equipment. Staff said the town is pricing playground mats that can be laid over mulch or turf as a movable interim solution; the mats would reduce the need to replenish loose fill and could be relocated if playgrounds are renovated in the future.

Staff cautioned that mats are a band‑aid, not the same as poured‑in‑place surfacing, which is ADA‑compliant and more durable but significantly more expensive. Mulroy said the town had spent about $10,000 last year on loose fiber replenishment for two playgrounds and that the mats would avoid recurring fiber purchases and spreading labor costs.

Why it matters

Parents and users said Newman is a well‑used playground for younger children and that wear spots can create trip risks. Commissioners said they want solutions that reduce repeated maintenance but recognize the higher upfront cost of poured‑in‑place surfacing.

Next steps

Staff said they will obtain quotes for mats and will evaluate other playgrounds (Elliot, Broadmeadow) for the same solution. Mulroy said the preschool side at Newman is already planned for poured‑in‑place at renovation and that mats could be used as an interim measure on the kindergarten/play area.

Ending

Commissioners asked staff to return with price quotes for mats and an updated playground‑renovation timeline so they can decide whether a temporary mat purchase is prudent while capital planning continues.