Saco could see a remodeling project of historic Pepperell Park in the future.

At a City Council meeting on Monday, councilors heard a presentation from Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Sommer and Landscape Architect Todd Richardson on the potential renovation plans.

“We’ve been working on this project for about a year now with the initial design,” Sommer said. “We’re looking for a direction of where to go next.”

The remodel centers around the removal of Fairfield School, which is located in the middle of the site. The school will be out of use after construction of two new elementary schools is completed.

Saco voters approved a funding plan for the new elementary schools last summer.

Pepperell Park is centrally located in Saco, Richardson said, allowing for access from both vehicles and pedestrians.

“There are a lot of people who can access this park just by walking,” Richardson said. “It’s right in the heart of the city.”

Currently, Pepperell Park is both the site of Fairfield School as well as an active community park. It includes a cemetery, community gardens, and a dog park with sidewalks leading from surrounding neighborhoods.

Plans for the remodeled park include a pond with a fountain and a perimeter walkway, a picnic area, gathering spaces, an amphitheater, and a playground with equipment for children of all ages and capabilities.

“This park would serve a lot of diverse age groups,” Richardson said. “There are a lot of different walking and gathering opportunities.”

In the park’s open spaces, community events like farmers markets could be held, Richardson said, and winter activities like snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and even pond skating could be available.

The plan also includes some logistics of the renovation. The entrance of Pepperell Park would be located on Beach Street, with multiple pedestrian entrances scattered around the perimeter.

Two parking lots would be available, one at the main entrance on Beach Street, and one near School Street.

The plan also suggests creating a new boulevard, with plantings, that connects School Street to Beach Street on the perimeter of the park.

“This would not be an average road,” Richardson said. “It could be closed for activities and community events.”

Saco city councilors expressed their interest in the project on Monday. Councilor Joe Gunn (Ward 3) said he is excited by the inclusion of an amphitheater and performance area.

“That’s something that has always been lacking in an outdoor space in Saco,” Gunn said.

Councilor Nathan Johnston (Ward 7) said he has already heard “glowing support” for the project from Saco residents, including those who live in the neighborhoods surrounding Pepperell Park.

Some residents even voted for the new school bond specifically in hopes of renovating the park, Johnston said.

“I’m supportive of this,” he said. “It’s a real unique opportunity, one that I don’t really know if we don’t do it now, if we’ll ever see that opportunity again to reclaim that historic park to what the intent always was.”

Councilor Phil Hatch (Ward 5) said he liked the plan, but asked if Fairfield School could still be utilized, noting pressures on housing and space at Saco City Hall.

According to Sommer, Pepperell Park can only be used as a park or a school due to deed restrictions.

“At the end of the day, that school has outrun its life,” Sommer said.

In the coming weeks, Sommer hopes to put together a committee that will help the city reach the park’s final design and look at ways to fund the project.

“To be candid, there are a lot of things that still need to be worked out,” Richardson said. “We’re just getting started.”