New Hingham Centre playground a go, contingent on available funding

By Carol Meyer

There could be a new Hingham Centre playground this spring, as long as there is enough private funding to carry out the plan.

The Selectmen threw their support behind the project recently with that contingency. The old equipment was recently removed.

A group of residents started an initiative in the spring of 2017  to replace the deteriorating play equipment at Powers Field adjacent to the Hingham Centre Cemetery after the town surrounded the area with yellow warning tape due to safety concerns.  Supporters have worked with town officials all along the way.

The estimated cost is around $70,000. The group of residents supporting the project has raised about $30,000 so far and has verbal commitments for another $30,000. The remaining fundraising gap is expected to be closed soon.

The most-recent, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant design includes a seesaw, swing set with two swings and an attached "saucer" for children with disabilities, and a framed climber to replace the former seesaw, swing set, and jungle gym.

However, not everyone is pleased with the plan. A committee made up of abutters and neighbors who live closeby is meeting to design a more low-key alternative to the approved plan. It's unclear at this time how coming up with an alternative design would affect the Selectmen's support for building the new playground as currently proposed this spring.

What do you think about plans to build a new playground at this location?!

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