By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Community Development and Planning Department is working with Hampton Circle residents to reconstruct the neighborhood playground, subject to an environmental review conducted by the state and other considerations.

"The current proposal calls for a new play structure with an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pour-in-place surface and walkway, parking, a new swing set, benches, plantings, and a rain garden-type feature to manage stormwater better and to attempt to improve ocean flooding drainage," Director of Community Development & Planning Director Chris DiIorio told The Hull Times.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ENVIRONMENTAL NOTIFICATION FORM FOR THIS PROJECT.

As part of the process, the planning department submitted an Environmental Notification Form to the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs on Oct. 31 to initiate review of this project.

“The land where the playground existed is in an Area of Critical Environmental Concern,” DiIorio explained. It is also an area that floods during abnormally high tides.

In addition, because the town plans to use some federal funding for this project, a Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act review was triggered, resulting in the ENF.

The community preservation committee, with town meeting's approval, has allocated some funding toward Hampton Circle playground improvements in the past.

The playground was dedicated to US Navy Lt. Joseph D. McLaughlin, who died in World War II, in the 1950s. McLaughlin’s family lived on nearby Lincoln Avenue for decades. The playground is the beginning and ending point of the neighborhood’s annual Fourth of July parade.

A site visit and remote consultation session with town officials may be scheduled relating to the ENF.

At the same time, the town is conducting a climate change risk assessment of the Hampton Circle area that includes the playground, according to Director of Climate Adaptation and Conservation Chris Krahforst. A public outreach meeting is planned for early December, with more details at a later date.

Residents who wish to comment on, or express concerns about environmental issues, the proposed project or to be notified of a site visit or remote consultation may email MEPA@mass.gov or write to Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, MA  02114, Attn: MEPA Office, referencing the project.

MEPA will make the determination as to whether an environmental impact report is required for the project.