Harwich Commission Unanimously Votes to Locate Splash Pad Behind Recreation Center

HARWICH -- June 24, 2026, Harwich Recreation Youth Commission unanimously chose the area behind the Harwich Recreation Center as the site for a planned splash pad, rejecting the previously favored Brooks Park location after consultants cited water-line costs, parking limitations, and active vandalism as significant drawbacks. Recreation Director Leah Mercurio, who presented findings from a morning site visit with two consultants and DPW staff, said the rec center site offers existing sewer and water connections, adequate parking, and immediate bathroom access for children. The commission set a preliminary Community Preservation Committee funding priority list led by irrigation repairs at Potter Memorial Field, followed by a $180,000 bleacher retrofit at White House Field, down from an earlier $1 million estimate, and the splash pad itself, with a cost estimate expected from consultants before the July 28 meeting. Harwich Police Lieutenant Aram Koshkari briefed the commission on repeated e-bike trespassing and vandalism at Brooks Park, including multiple destroyed toilets and donut damage to the tennis courts; the commission agreed to return next month with costs for three deterrent options: electronic timed locks, a $7,500 security camera system with $91 monthly fees, and a seasonal park attendant. The commission also reelected Mercurio as chair, elected John Mahan as vice chair, and voted to continue issuing hang-tag parking placards rather than stickers to recreation staff.