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3 <br /> <br />39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Ms. Battite reminded the Committee that this study came as a result of the failed venture with <br />Minuteman High School. Such considerations that were reviewed during the process included <br />lighting, field reconfiguration, safety, converting fields from natural grass to synthetic turf, site <br />expansion, and public/private partnerships. The demand for organized field use exceeds the <br />Town’s inventory. Excessive use during all seasons has caused stressed conditions at multiple <br />field locations, poor field drainage significantly reduces field time and overburdens fields that <br />drain well, and the user experience can be different at each field due to availability and condition. <br />Dave Pinsonneault, DPW Director, added that the more use on a natural grass field, the quicker <br />the conditions will deteriorate. To preserve the longevity of the fields, it is important to rotate <br />and rest fields, which are luxuries that the Town is unable to implement at this time due to <br />demand. Some of the poorer draining fields include Bowman, Bridge, Clarke, and Center #1. <br />Additional considerations that were reviewed include peak programming (after school/work and <br />weekends), limited lighting on the existing synthetic turf fields, limited real estate, and protected <br />open space. The Committee members will review the study further and submit comments by <br />May 30th prior to the final presentation being given at the June meeting. <br /> <br />At this point, a total of ten (10) proposed concepts were reviewed. Mr. Pinsonneault noted that <br />some of these sites are already included in the 5-Year Capital Plan and it is good to know that <br />there are options at the various sites. Kathleen Lenihan, School Committee liaison, recommended <br />putting Harrington B and Harrington C really low on the list since an alternative location for the <br />Lexington Public Schools administrative offices has not been identified. Rick DeAngelis, <br />Chairman of the Recreation Committee, stated that recreation resources are limited and over- <br />utilized and are in need of renovation and upgrading. Lisa O’Brien asked if deficits will remain <br />once the projects are completed and where does the Town have the most demand. Ms. Battite <br />and Mr. DeAngelis reminded the Committee about the presentation that two high school students <br />made several years ago about the need for a cricket field in town. The intent is that issues like <br />this would be adequately addressed through the implementation of this study. Christian Boutwell <br />acknowledged that the use at Lincoln is already being maximized and he would not want to see <br />the field conditions deteriorate prematurely due to additional use. <br /> <br />8. Munroe Centre for the Arts – Cristina Burwell <br />Cristina Burwell, Executive Director of the Munroe Centre for the Arts, was joined by Brian <br />Healy of Brian Healy Architects and Steve Poltorzycki, Co-Chair of the Munroe Centre for the <br />Arts Board of Directors, to review proposed improvements at the site. Site drawings and <br />renderings are attached to the meeting minutes. Munroe was built as a school building back in <br />1905. The priority is to increase accessibility with the main focus being on the inclusion of an <br />elevator and accessible restrooms. The project would also extend into the recreation land that is <br />located behind the building. The proposed project fits into items identified in the 2020 <br />Community Needs Assessment, such as outdoor events and cultural experiences, and Ms. Burwell <br />wanted to touch base with the Committee to provide an update. Mr. Healy added that planning <br />has been ongoing over the past year. The proposed entry pavilion would be accessible, contain <br />gender neutral bathrooms, and would require parking to be extended. One option being <br />considered is to switch the orientation of the parking lot from east-west to north-south. The <br />project calls for the creation of an amphitheater and the end result is for the Munroe campus to <br />serve multiple purposes. There are currently 41 parking spots and no spaces would be eliminated. <br />The goal is to work in concert with the Committee to improve organization of the campus, <br />enhance safety, clearly identify uses at the park, and improve playability for organized activities. <br /> <br />Securing funding and meeting with the abutters to discuss the project are the next steps in the <br />process. There is no budget estimate at this time. Ms. Battite indicated that the Commission on <br />Disability (COD), Building Department, Community Preservation Committee (CPC), and Design <br />Review Team have all seen this presentation. The property is not Article 97 land, but Town