Mattapoisett School Committee members rejected the one bid received to revamp the Old Hammondtown playground Monday night. The bid, which was from the playground’s original construction firm, was approximately $50,000 more than was allocated for the project.

The Connecticut-based Creative Recreation company estimated that resurfacing the playground would cost $75,000. Voters at May’s Annual Town Meeting approved spending $21,000 to replace playground surfaces at Old Hammondtown School and Center School.

“We don’t have the money to do this,” said committee member James Muse. “I would say we don’t move ahead with this proposal and speak to the town and the highway department.”

ORR Business Administrator Patrick Spencer explained that two other vendors were approached to bid. The project was also widely advertised.

“After receiving this bid we have few options: Choose to accept the bid or choose to cancel the bid and do another bid,” Spencer said. “I don’t have much confidence the outcome will be much different.”

Chair James Higgins asked why there was little interest in the project.

“I can't say,” Spencer said.

To lower future bids, Spencer suggested approaching town officials. One option would be to ask the Department of Public Works to perform prep work, such as removing materials. That would reduce some of the cost.

Spencer noted that Creative Recreation would offer a warranty for their resurfacing should the DPW perform some that initial work, provided it was done properly and inspected.

Committee members also suggested patching the playground, which was built about 14 years ago. Higgins said that might add five years of life to the playground. Committee members could then revisit the decision later.

Ultimately, committee members decided more research was needed. Also, Spencer will meet with Town Administrator Mike Gagne to see how much help the DPW could offer.