Southwick officials still have questions on the final amount of money it will take to complete the sanitary facilities located at Whalley Park on Powder Mill Road. (File photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
Questions remain
for Whalley Park
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY
Staff writer
SOUTHWICK – The Board of Health met with Selectman Art Pinnel last night to talk about Whalley Park.
Pinnel updated the board on the working meeting the Select Board held with architect Robert Levesque earlier this week. The main topic of discussion was the list of items that the town would be responsible for once the park is turned over to the town from donor John Whalley.
The list includes a septic system, lighting, landscaping, guard rails, field skinning and more.
“The septic system is a big issue,” said Pinnel.
The park is designed to have a septic system and three restrooms. Currently, there are two buildings already built with rough plumbing and the estimated price tag of the septic system is $150,000. A third restroom facility, which is not yet built, would cost another $100,000.
Pinnel said the Select Board is trying to get an idea of how much the remaining work would cost before bringing the matter to town meeting for approval. He said they are hoping to cut costs where they can.
“To put in a septic system is to the tune of $150,000 and a third bathroom is about an additional $100,000, or we could look at something much less expensive, like portable toilets,” said Pinnel, adding that there is a strong possibility the park could be connected to a sewer in the next 5-10 years.
Pinnel looked to the Board of Health to find out if there is a law that requires a septic/sewer system and formal bathrooms in a park, and if not, wondered if the board would recommend the use of portable facilities.
Health Agent Thomas Fitzgerald said he made an inquiry about the legalities of a septic system with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and is waiting for a reply. Fitzgerald said his understanding of state regulations on the matter is not clear.
“There is still a question,” he said.
Pinnel said there are a lot of unknowns surrounding the park and the Select Board is trying to get answers.
“One of the ideas is to bid out operations and maintenance of the par to an entity such as the Recreation Center,” said Pinnel. “There also needs to be a process so the Parks and Recreation Commission can hold events there.
“It’s a pretty complex equation,” he added.
“It is, and it has been for years,” said Board of Health member Casimir Tryba.
Pinnel told the board public health was a priority for the selectmen.
“I hope you don’t think we’re putting public health on the back burner,” said Pinnel. “We just want to know if we have options.”
Board member Jerry Azia said he understands the Select Board wants to save taxpayers money, but he believes having formal restrooms would complete the park.
“If you’re going to spend $5 million on a park, $150,000 is not that much and it completes it,” said Azia. “My question isn’t whether or not you need a septic system, but why wouldn’t you put it in.”
Fitzgerald said he would continue to confer with the DEP on the matter.
Hope E. Tremblay can be reached at [email protected]
