Hingham Approves $2.5M for New Senior Center Design
Town Meeting votes to move forward with Center for Active Living project at Bare Cove Park amid debate over location and environmental concerns
HINGHAM - April 28 and 29 - Hingham residents tackled big decisions on major projects and budget challenges at this year's Annual Town Meeting, held at the high school on April 28 and 29.
Voters approved $2.5 million for design and pre-construction plans for a new Center for Active Living. The proposed 28,000-square-foot facility, with an estimated $35 million price tag, would be built on Bare Cove Park Drive.
Beth Roulea, vice chair of the building committee, points out the pressing need: "We're dealing with not enough space and changing demographics. It's a crucial planning period."
But not everyone agrees. Local architect Jerry Seelen argues the new center is excessive: "A 28,000-square-foot building, nearly six times bigger than our current Senior Center, is just too much."
Despite the debate, the proposal passed with 420 votes for and 177 against.
The town approved a $3.31 million investment for plans to replace Hingham High School's roof and upgrade its HVAC system. Similar projects at Plymouth River and South Elementary schools are under consideration.
Tina Sherwood, who chairs the Advisory Committee, emphasizes the broader perspective: "We're focusing on long-term capital planning."
In other decisions, the meeting approved $630,000 to replace the high school's turf field.
A $2 million pickleball court project sparked discussion. The plan calls for $1.28 million from unassigned funds and $758,640 from Community Preservation Act money.
Recreation Commission Chair Vicki Donlan makes the case for pickleball's wide appeal: "It's not just for retirees. People of all ages enjoy this sport."
The project passed narrowly 221-205.
Other key items on the agenda included:
- Approving a $166 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year
- Changing zoning bylaws for accessory dwelling units
- Allowing the Select Board to seek alternative ways to publish legal notices
- Adopting new energy efficiency standards for new buildings
Note: Today is the Hingham Town Election. Voting Hours 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Voting Locations
Precincts 1-4 - Hingham High School, 17 Union Street
Precincts 5-7 - Hingham Middle School, 1103 Main Street
Precinct 7A - Willard Square, Linden Ponds, 201 Linden Ponds Way