2019-02-13 Summit IV-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 13, 2019 Page 2 of 5 scenario ($25.5M full cost/$8.5M Lexington cost) includes a full-sized, multi-use synthetic field surrounded by a 6-lane track with a straightaway; a full-sized softball field with a synthetic overlay for multi-use; space for a potential cricket pitch; a full-sized synthetic baseball diamond with a full-sized field synthetic overlay; 6 lighted tennis courts, 3 with pickleball linings; stadium seating; restrooms, storage; a press box; a drop-off area; a parking area; and an access road. The reduced scope project (Lexington cost $4.9M) includes the full-sized field and 6-lane track and the lighted softball and baseball diamonds with synthetic overlays. The partial-build option would provide room for a future full build-out. Ms. Battite said Lexington, via a series of community stakeholder meetings, identified three elements of the project as most important: lighted multi-use fields; restrooms; and storage. Mr. Pinsonnault and Ms. Battite are now determining how a reduced scope and/or additional partners would affect Lexington’s schedule of field access. Mr. Kanter (CEC) asked for a cost breakdown for the reduced scope scenario. Ms. Battite reported that the Town has received an itemization for the full build but not for the reduced build. Mr. Kanter asked that the cost per element list of the full build be forwarded to CEC. Ms. Manz (CEC) asked if there are opportunities to build turf fields on in-town properties Lexington already owns. Ms. Battite said there are some possibilities; the Recreation Committee intends to put such projects into the 5-year Capital Plan. The Committee will request funding in FY2021 for a feasibility study to look at possible expansion/improvement of existing recreation properties and to examine the development of fields on Town-owned parcels. Ms. Battite noted, however, that it would take longer to develop in-town properties than to join in the Minuteman project. Mr. Michelson (AC) asked about the lifespan of the Minuteman Field elements and what the need/demand levels are for athletic fields. Ms. Battite reported that field lighting has a 25-year warrantee; synthetic turf typically has an 8-10 year lifespan (depending on use); and the grandstand would last approximately 20 years. Lexington’s exposure for replacement costs, particularly for synthetic turf, is still under discussion. Ms. Battite said usage/demand data is now being collated into a document but the biggest need is multi-use fields for sports like lacrosse and soccer. Some newer sports, like cricket and ultimate frisbee, have difficulty finding available fields. Additionally, the high school would like to be able to offer intramural sports for students who are not on sports teams. Other factors such as weather, program expansion, and later school start times also impact scheduling. Mr. Alessandrini (SC) said that with increasing enrollment, an increasing number of students are looking for athletic alternatives to sports teams that have limited capacities. While additional fields would be critical to the Schools’ ability to offer intramural sports, Mr. Alessandrini expressed concern about adequate field access given to the Town at Minuteman High School. Ms. Battite reported that Lexington would have access immediately after school if Minuteman teams are playing away games and the fields would be available on weekends as well. With the full-build scenario, Lexington would have been able to use the fields Monday-Friday 6:00-10:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is unclear whether/how access would change with partial build or with more partners.