Municipal planning and recreation projects took center stage last night as the permanent building committee reviewed advanced blueprints for a major two-story addition to the town’s recreation center on Washington Street, alongside crucial updates for junior high construction and state funding applications.
Recreation Center Expansion Plans Readied for November Town Meeting
Architect Leonard Quann, representing the architectural firm of Korslund, LeNormand and Quann, informed the committee that cost estimates and final architectural plans will be fully completed and ready for consideration at a special town meeting expected in November. Citing escalating construction costs, Quann advised local officials that delaying the project would offer no financial advantage.
The existing recreation center on Washington Street already houses a swimming pool, offices, and a multipurpose room. The proposed two-story addition will dramatically expand municipal amenities by incorporating:
- A fully equipped gymnasium
- A new multipurpose room
- A sauna and sunroom
- Renovated dressing rooms adjacent to the swimming pool
- Eight elementary meeting rooms and several storage rooms
- A dedicated darkroom facility
Recreation Director Richard Ready is scheduled to meet with the 50-member local camera club on Monday to consult on specific technical requirements for the new darkroom.
Funding and Veteran’s Memorial Fund Transfer
The recreation facility expansion traces its roots back to a June town meeting, which accepted $110,000 from the World War II Veteran’s Memorial Fund toward a project initially estimated at $350,000.
Selectman Walter Dempsey announced last night that the state Attorney General’s office has indicated it will approve the formal transfer of the Veterans fund once the town officially appropriates the remaining cost difference. Because covering the balance will likely require a municipal bond issue, passage will necessitate a two-thirds vote at town meeting—a hurdle given that the previous vote narrowly cleared a 62-31 margin without reaching the two-thirds threshold.
To accommodate visitors, Quann also submitted parking layouts providing 32 spaces without disturbing the lawn at the Winter Street corner, allocating 14 stalls next to the playing field and 18 along East Hoyle Street.
New Junior High School and Elementary Revisions
In other municipal developments, the committee authorized Quann to submit revised school construction plans to the state School Building Assistance Commission (SBAC) seeking a 40 percent reimbursement.
The updated blueprints for the new junior high—sited on 12 acres adjacent to the Father McAleer playground—incorporate recent SBAC recommendations:
- Relocating the guidance department away from administrative offices toward the center of the building.
- Placing arts and crafts rooms near the 1,000-seat auditorium.
- Designating two previously unspecified classrooms as a science laboratory and a mechanical drawing room.
Additionally, plans for elementary schools include architectural ramp entrances for special education classrooms, while parking lot construction near Germany Brook and the Parkway will require conservation and planning board approvals to run the brook through a culvert under an access road without relocating the waterway. The committee also seeks approval under the state Hatch Act.
Governor John A. Volpe to Visit Norwood for Dollar Days
In state political news, Governor John A. Volpe is scheduled to visit Norwood this coming Saturday, capping off the final day of the town’s annual Dollar Days Sale.
State Senator John M. Quinlan (R-Dover), who serves as Volpe’s campaign coordinator for Norfolk County, announced that the Governor will arrive shortly before noon at 510 Washington Street—Senator Quinlan’s district office. Governor Volpe will be joined by Norwood town officials, alongside Sydney Shepard and Harvey Simons, representing the local merchants participating in the Dollar Days promotional event.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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