Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree, Board of Selectmen Announce Evans School Playground Reconstruction Underway
(Saugus, MA) July 15, 2019 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Board of Selectmen are pleased to announce that construction is underway at Evans School Playground in order to build two new, regulation-sized basketball courts, restore surrounding sidewalks, curbing, parking, and drainage, and implement security cameras and lighting to increase safety and security on the premises.
The upgrades, which were supported by the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting earlier this year, are part of an ongoing effort to continue to improve the Town’s parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields for the children and families of Saugus.
This $637,000 investment, which includes a comprehensive plan for reconfiguration of the space at the Evans Park, supports the Town’s dedication to continue to make in capital improvements throughout the community.
“It is extremely exciting to observe the Evans School Playground groundbreaking and to know that the park’s reconstruction is underway,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “This playground, which lies in the heart of Saugus, will soon once again serve as a source of pride for residents and families to enjoy.”
Work on the project began last week and is slated for completion in October.
The current administration and Board of Selectmen have continued to demonstrate their prioritization of the Town’s parks and playgrounds. In 2016, a brand-new Veterans Memorial Elementary School playground opened for the residents of Saugus. This new, safer, brightly-colored playground features a large play area, wheelchair accessible inclusive playground equipment, new swings and a newly designed updated basketball court.
In 2017 residents celebrated the new Bristow Park, which features a large, handicap-accessible play area with swings, slides, a seesaw, and more, as well as shade trees, seating, and a nearby water bubbler. The existing field was irrigated and now includes a 10-foot tall, 30-foot long lacrosse wall, and the Tee-ball field has been rehabilitated with a new infield, backstop, bleachers, and players’ benches. The park has been equipped with LED lights and security cameras to increase safety and security. Also included in the park is a new basketball court, a bathroom, storage shed, and concession stand. The Park also features a series of workout stations from playground equipment company Landscape Structures.
In 2017 the Town also replaced the old tennis courts at Belmonte Middle School with an expanded facility and regulation-sized courts to accommodate tournament play. The new facility includes five tennis courts with one overlapping pickleball court, and wind screens. These courts are home to the Saugus High School tennis team, and are also available for residents’ enjoyment.
The Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting demonstrated its support for renovations to the Evans Park earlier this year during a Special Town Meeting, during which members voted in favor of the park renovations as part of the Town’s priorities and overall identified capital needs.
“I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Town Meeting, and residents of Saugus for their continued support of these important community initiatives,” concluded Town Manager Crabtree.
“Improving and restoring the Town’s parks and playgrounds have been a top priority of mine, this Board of Selectmen, and our Town Manager for years,” said Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Debra Panetta. “I am truly proud to see this vision become a reality for our community and its many children.”
To learn more, please contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.
About The Town of Saugus
The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.
Follow Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree on Twitter and Instagram at @scottccrabtree, and visit his blog at www.saugustownmanager.tumblr.com.
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