Modified plans for recreational spaces in Tuscan Village were well received by planners Thursday after developers were sent back to the drawing board last month over unfit plans.
Plans submitted in late February for two undeveloped open spaces in the mixed-use development were not on par with what was expected from the first-class developers, planners said.
At the Planning Board meeting Thursday, Mark Gross of Tuscan Village Development presented two additional options for the recreational space abutting the Caro apartments along Tuscan Boulevard as required as part of the Building 1300 site plan approval.
The plans are more in line with the conceptual design board members viewed as part of the most recent master plan review 2023, they agreed.
In addition to options 1 and 2 — which sought to replace an existing play structure with a new play structure or replace the existing play structure and add natural play elements like boulders, bridges and creeks — Gross showcased Option 2B to replace the existing play structure with two new play structures; and Option 3 to replace the existing play structure and add a pickleball court and fitness equipment to the space.
“We thought that potentially this would create some recreation with exercise equipment and the pickleball courts for the adults,” Gross said. “We had the intent of putting in playground equipment with the pickleball court to give everyone at different ages something to do.”
However, Planning Director Jacob LaFontaine said he felt the pickleball court might take up more space than anticipated, and only serve a few people at a time.
Board members agreed with LaFontaine’s assessment and were most in favor of Option 2B, which would see the replacement of one play structure and the addition of another for children ages 2 to 5, and 5 to 12.
“I like some of the stuff I’m seeing with Option 2B and I appreciate that you have it split age group wise,” said Vice Chair Sean Lewis. “It looks like we are doing a pretty good job of maximizing what we have available for space.”
Interspersed between the two play structures would be elements presented in Option 2, including natural elements like a lawn mound for kids to climb up and roll down.
“I would be comfortable with either 2B or 3. I think that’s in line with what we had always kind of envisioned here,” added board member Damon Norcross. “I know we talked about the pickleball court but a lot just came online in the town itself and I think this (2B) is more in line for that space.”
A second section of recreational space between buildings 1200 and 1300 was also reviewed a second time, with additional options for movable play structures, climbing apparatuses, nets, swings, multi-purpose art, a sandbox and other sensory activities.
The plan is still promoting summer and winter designs for pop-up tents, performances and seasonal programming, like Santa’s workshop.
Though Gross did not include plans for a permanent play structure in the second draft as hoped for by the board, board members were generally comfortable with what was proposed.
“We want this space to be as flexible as possible with the green area to the east and more flexible space with some kind of center area in the middle and some seating areas to the west,” he said.
With the removable play equipment, structures can be taken out during the winter and put back in when the snow melts while fire pits can be used year-round and moved around the open space, Gross said.
“Personally I’m in favor of it, I don’t have any huge heartaches over it,” Norcross said. “I think it services families that are going to Whole Foods or waiting to go to the Friendly Toast or the Tavern in the Square. I think it creates a really nice space.”
The space will also include plenty of seating options for those window shopping, watching their children or in need of a rest.
“I think the board is in favor of Option 2B and is generally OK with the area between building 1200 and 1300,” said Chair Joe Feole.
The final plans will be brought before the board for approval March 25.
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