Windham Parks and Recreation Director Brian Ross presented an estimated cost for the construction of the proposed community park to an unenthusiastic town council on Tuesday.

The $536,209 total was too much, according to the town council.

“I would love to see a park, but not at that price tag,” said councilor Blaine Davis. Councilor Bob Muir echoed his remark.

Ross called the council’s response “disappointing.” He said he is putting all plans for the park on hold, but still plans to pursue building a BMX area next to the skatepark.

“Although I am a supporter of the park, I can’t support it at that price tag,” said councilor Carol Waig. She identified herself as the park’s biggest supporter and recommended the town reevaluate the engineering costs and look for grants.

Council chairman John MacKinnon said he thought some of the prices for construction costs within the plan were higher than they should be. He said the $242,432 price for earthwork was, “way out of whack.”

Councilor Liz Wisecup said she didn’t like the location, which is next to Route 202 and beside the public safety building and skate park. She said she’d like to see a park located closer to a dense population with a lot of children.

Ross defended the site, saying it’s the only land the town owns on which a park could be built. In the past he has said the close proximity to the public safety building would help keep vandalism and mischief down.

Councilor Donna Chapman said she does not think the park would be tranquil located next to a 50 mph road. She said she would like to see the BMX area take root.

Councilor Kaile Warren said he doesn’t want a BMX track at the location, or a park at all.

“This plan was ill-conceived from the start,” he said. Warren said money is too tight to spend on a park and would rather see town money go back into the bulky waste disposal program.