Central Green Eyed for New Fitness Court Project

NEWBURY -- Town officials are weighing the future of Central Green, with two separate committees discussing projects there during the week of Oct. 19-25.

TOWN -- The Council on Aging reported that the National Fitness Campaign has been working with the town's Recreation Committee to apply for a grant to build an outdoor fitness court at Central Green. The project has already secured a $40,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a starting point, though officials said a shade structure component alone would cost an estimated $100,000. The Council on Aging is interested in a flat studio space under a shade structure that could be used for outdoor stretch, yoga and tai chi classes. The Recreation Committee is expected to discuss whether to move the project forward at its next meeting, planned for November.

Separately, the Open Space Committee discussed coordinating with the Recreation Committee on implementing the existing Central Green Master Plan, including reviving a walking trail once known as the "Boy Scout Trail" near the back of the property and exploring a kayak and canoe launch. Committee members said the walking-trail idea could be an early, low-cost project, while the kayak launch was described as a bigger undertaking requiring permitting that the committee is not ready to tackle yet. Both committees emphasized coordinating with the Recreation Committee before any work begins at the shared site, which sits near Triton.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.