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Council approves nine Community Preservation Act funding recommendations, including playgrounds and accessibility projects

3866844 · June 19, 2025

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Summary

Council reviewed and approved nine CPA funding recommendations covering playgrounds, historic preservation, accessibility upgrades and flood resilience; councilors highlighted Ryan Road and Leeds playground projects and other community investments.

The City Council on June 18 unanimously approved nine recommendations under the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The package included funding allocations for play-area improvements, historic-preservation work and accessibility upgrades at local facilities.

Projects discussed at the council's finance committee and moved to the full council included the Ryan Road accessible playground (groundbreaking noted during committee), the Leeds School playground and several accessibility upgrades including work at 148 South Street and the Ruggles Center. Councilors and speakers praised the projects for improving access and public programming; several members of the council asked staff to provide details on outstanding CPA debt service related to prior loans used to finance playgrounds.

Why it matters: CPA funds support open-space, historic and community housing projects and provide a local funding source for capital improvements that add public value. Councilors noted the benefits for communities with limited mobility and for neighborhood recreation.

Next steps: The CPA-funded projects will proceed with the allocations approved; staff will provide follow-up information to council on outstanding CPA loan balances and timing for project implementation.