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ARTICLE 6 (b) Project: Parker Meadow Accessible Trail Construction Supplemental CPA Category: Recreational Resources Amount Requested: $ 235,750 Amount Recommended: $ 235,750 CPC Vote: 9-0 Project Description: This FY22 supplemental request will fund the increased construction costs for the Parker Meadow Accessible Trail. The 2020 Annual Town Meeting appropriated $551,026 under Article 10(k) for the construction phase of the universally accessible passive recreation trail system project at Parker Meadow Conservation Area. This request will bring the total Parker Meadow Accessible Trail Construction project cost to $786,776. Parker Meadow Conservation Area, a Town-owned property, was acquired in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the 1970s. Parker Meadow is a 17-acre parcel located near Lexington Center with access off the Minuteman Bikeway. Phase 1 design funds were approved at the 2014 Annual Town Meeting under Article 8(1). Bidding in spring 2021 resulted in three responses over budget, with the bids over by $205,000 due to the costs of construction materials significantly increasing and the demand for construction projects due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Lexington currently provides limited ADA passive recreational access to its open space. A universally accessible passive recreation trail system will create barrier-free access to one of Lexington's popular open space properties for members of the public with physical, vision and auditory limitations. Parker Meadow is an ideal Town-owned property for universally accessible upgrades because it is located near the center of Town, easily accessible from the Minuteman Bikeway, includes an existing parking area and trail system and possesses little in the way of grade changes. In addition, Parker Meadow is within close proximity to the Douglas House, a non-profit organization that provides appropriate, affordable and supportive housing for survivors of brain injury. Without supplemental funds, the Conservation Commission would either have to abandon proceeding with the project all together or reduce the scope of the project significantly where the project would no longer fully meet ADA standards. Project Goals and Objectives: • Construct a universally accessible passive recreation trail system at Parker Meadow; • Create a barrier-free access to open space via a passive recreational trail system; • Promote public use of recreational and open space among a wide variety of user types; and • Provide access to programs and facilities for residents with disabilities in compliance with ADA standards.