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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-17-REC-min (includes attachments) `puS mop pQ 1775 G x Town of Lexington Q m Recreation Committee APRIL 19'" �FXI NUS Frederick DeAngelis, Chainnan Tel: (781) 698-4800 Lisah Rhodes,Vice Chair Fax: (781) 861-2747 Lisa O'Brien Francesca Pfrommer Christian Boutwell Recreation Committee Minutes of Meeting February 17, 2021 A virtual meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday,February 17, 2021 at 7:OOpm through the Zoom platform. Members Present: Lisah Rhodes,Christian Boutwell, Lisa O'Brien, and Francesca Pfrommer Members Absent: Rick DeAngelis Staff Present: Melissa Battite,Director of Recreation and Community Programs,Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation, Christine Dean, Community Center Director, Katharine Labrecgue,Management Fellow, Thomas Romano,Youth and Family Program Coordinator,Melinda Spencer,Administrative Manager, and Koren Stembridge, Cary Memorial Library Director Others Present: Meredith Applegate(42 Reed Street, Lexington),Heidi Barrett-Model (18 Tucker Avenue, Lexington), Suzie Barry(Select Board liaison), Ellen Cameron (Council on Aging liaison), Sarah Felton(6 Bennett Avenue),Nick Hart(66 Oak Street), Sandra Jahnes (34 Baker Avenue,Lexington),Eileen Jay(School Committee liaison), Brian Kelley(44 Grant Street,Lexington), Anne Norman (26 Tucker Avenue, Lexington),Todd Rhodes (482 Marrett Road,Lexington), Joanne Shorter(7 Bridge Street),Allison Watts (8 Chase Avenue,Lexington), and David Williams (1505 Massachusetts Avenue,Lexington) 1. Public Comment—None 2. January 20,2021 Minutes Francesca Pfrommer moved and Lisah O'Brien seconded the approval of the minutes,with edits, from the January 20r'meeting. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve the January 20 minutes. 3. Liaison Reports The February 2021 Liaison Reports are attached to the meeting minutes. Suzie Barry, liaison to the Select Board,reported that Town Meeting will begin on Monday, March 22nd. There are 45 articles and the warrant has been mailed. For Recreation, Articles 10a, 10b, l Oc, 11, and 27 are all scheduled to be part of the consent agenda. Eileen Jay, liaison to the School Committee, reported that the Fall 2 season will begin on Monday, February 22nd. Sports that will be played include football, cheerleading, indoor track, girls volleyball, and girls swimming(boys swimming and unified basketball will be moved to the spring). Athletes participating in the Fall 2 season will need to be fully remote or participate in hybrid learning with weekly COVID testing. For the football team,the plan is to practice indoors in the Lexington High School Field House. MIAA regulations state that a specified number of outdoor practices must be held before games can begin so Naomi Martin, Lexington High School Athletic Director,has been reaching out to 2 surrounding communities and will have more information about field availability in the coming days. This would be for practices only and all games will be scheduled away this season. For swimming,the Athletics Department has been working with the Hayden Recreation Centre, owner of the Boston Sports Club, and Wayland Community Pool to secure pool space. Ellen Cameron, liaison to the Council on Aging,reported that the Council is still working with the Town on the parking program. People are remaining active by participating in Community Center classes through Zoom and through a monthly grab-and-go program. Purple Table is another initiative that the Council is working on. 4. Shared Winters Streets and Spaces Grant Christine Dean, Community Center Director,presented the MassDOT Winters Streets and Spaces grant proposal and the presentation slides are attached to the meeting minutes. Ms. Dean indicated that the proposal was also presented to the Commission on Disability on Tuesday, February 16'. The grant application deadline is the end of February and notification as to whether or not the grant has been approved should be received by the end of March. The grant application is to create a seasonal outdoor, semi-permanent structure. The tent would measure 40' x 40' in dimensions and be used to conduct exercise classes, grab and go pick-ups, craft activities, senior discussion and support groups, enrichment programs, summer camps, and entertainment. Ms. Dean indicated that the two potential sites for this structure would be in the Carriage House parking lot or the rear parking lot located behind the building could also work. Additional amenities that would be needed include 20 six foot long folding tables, 100 chairs, lighting,flooring, and ramps. The estimated budget for this request is $73,000. Ms. Dean reviewed the project eligibility and the goal is that if approved, this would launch in late spring. The next step is to receive approval from Jim Malloy, Town Manager, before submitting the grant application. Members of the Committee asked a series of questions. Ms. Dean indicated that this area would be used beyond the pandemic and would be a long-term solution for additional recreational programming space,which was a need identified in the Community Needs Assessment. Lighting would be needed for evening use, so the Facilities and Building Departments would need to provide guidance regarding the location of the tent. Suzie Barry recommended that jersey barriers be placed around the tent since cars will be traveling through the parking lot. Lisa O'Brien and Christian Boutwell commended Ms. Dean and the staff on a job well done for being nimble and responsive during the pandemic. Ms. Dean indicated that the Commission on Disability unanimously supported this request and with the letter of support from the COA and Recreation Committee,the grant application will now be brought forward. 5. Story Walk with Library Koren Stembridge, Cary Memorial Library Director,presented the Story Walk partnership proposal and a copy of the proposal is attached to the meeting minutes. Ms. Stembridge stated that the Library received a charitable gift this winter to underwrite the project. The budget for this program is $10,000 with an initial purchase of$7,000 and the remainder will be kept in reserves for replacement books and broken items. Ms. Stembridge indicated that the initial length would be three years and that there would be an annual review. The initial request was to determine if the Committee would be in support of the story walk concept and the exact location would be finalized at a later date once funding had been secured. Ms. Stembridge has been working with DPW and Recreation and Community Programs Department staff on the location for the story walk and two potential locations are the Lincoln Park path from Worthen Road to the park and Parker Meadow. It is estimated that approximately 24 page holders would be installed and they would not be adjustable once installed. The footings could be wooden or metal and Ms. Stembridge said she would consult with DPW to see what would be the most durable. 39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02421 3 The timeline for when the materials would be delivered and installed is unknown as this partnership was being discussed prior to the pandemic. If Lincoln Park is chosen as the location, staff would work with the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee (LPSC)to develop an adequate timeline. Brian Kelley,member of the LPSC,believes that the story walk is an awesome idea that will encourage people to come to Lincoln Park(pending that ends up being the location). Details would be worked out ahead of time and members from Recreation and Community Programs, Cary Library,DPW,LPSC, and the Recreation Committee would have a walkthrough prior to installation. At the end of the discussion,Francesca Pfrommer made the following motion: "The Recreation Committee moves to support the concept of the Story Board Walk being a semi-permanent installation that is a collaboration between the Recreation and Community Programs Department and the Cary Library for a 3-year period with an annual review." Christian Boutwell seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve this motion. 6. 5-Year Capital—2021 Annual Town Meeting& Updates Peter Coleman,Assistant Director of Recreation,provided updates on three FY2021 capital improvement projects. a. Reservoir Bathhouse: The appropriated amount for this project is $620,000. The target was for the bids to come in in the low$400,000s so there would be sufficient funding for other amenities (parking, telephone/data, and site work). When the bids came in last June, the low bid was $745,000, a difference of over$300,000. Staff have had a series of three meetings with the Facilities Department and the architect(Colin Smith) over the past few months to discuss the status of this project. A potential contractor was at one of the meetings. He stated that the file sub-bids of plumbing, electrical, and tile of approximately$220,000 drove the overall bid. Due to COVID, long lead times and some supply costs have nearly doubled. Colin Smith reviewed the initial design and through value engineering,reduced an estimated $175,000 in costs. With that being said, a deficit of over$100,000 still remains. At this point, going back out to bid does not seem like a viable option and other alternatives are currently being explored. One option would be to complete this project using a series on-call contracts (electric,plumbing,masonry,roofing, flooring) and staff would need to consult with Procurement on this. Another option being considered is to install a pre-fabricated building at the Reservoir. The Town of Hudson,MA is currently installing this type of building at one of their facilities. The Facilities Department will do a site visit once the snow melts. The price list has been received and based on initial pricing, a pre-fabricated building may allow for the other amenities to be completed within budget. The next meeting with the Facilities Department is set for Friday, February 19'to discuss next steps. If scope of the project changes significantly,the modified design will be presented to the Select Board for their approval. b. Sutherland: Three site visits occurred during Summer 2020 with potential vendors. Abutters notices were sent to those within 100' of the property and asked to share their feedback at the September Recreation Committee meeting when the potential designs for the new playground were presented. Based on the feedback received from the Committee together with the abutters, staff, and playground professionals,the design was chosen and purchased for a March install (initially scheduled for Fall 2020,but delayed due to the pandemic). The vendor was notified in early November and the purchase order was processed. The abutters were notified earlier this month that the playground installation is scheduled to begin on or around March 15'x'with an anticipated completion date of the end of March. The ADA improvements,which includes installing walkways to the dugouts of the Little League field 39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02421 4 and extending a path to the drinking fountain will be going out to bid shortly and that work is scheduled to be completed later this spring. After this update,members in attendance had a chance to make comments. Sara Fulton, resident of 6 Bennett Avenue,was pleased to hear that the trees are remaining. Ms.Fulton recommended that the notifications about the project be extended beyond the 100' abutter line since that area is a large and close-knit neighborhood. Anne Norman,resident of 26 Tucker Avenue, stated that whereas the current play structure is for children ages 5-12, the design for the new structure is intended for children ages 2-5,which does not fit the demographics of the Liberty Heights and Peacock Farm neighborhoods,which has approximately 100 children. Ms.Norman added that there is a playground in Arlington two blocks away that is for children ages 2-5 and that in her opinion,the current play structure at Sutherland does not present any safety concerns. Sandra Jahnes,resident of 34 Baker Avenue, expressed disappointment in the planning process and communication surrounding this project. Ms. Jahnes believed that signage should have been placed at the park and that notifications should have been extended beyond the 100' abutter line. In her opinion,the community should have been involved in the design process. Ms. Jahnes added that all children of all ages deserve better and that the Town needs to be more responsible when using tax payer money. Heidi Barrett-Model,resident of 18 Tucker Avenue, suggested leaving the structure as is,if possible. Ellen Cameron,liaison to the Council on Aging, expressed her appreciation for the work that has gone into the project to date. Melissa, Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs,responded to the comments that were made. Ms. Battite had a conference call with Ms.Norman and Ms. Jahnes on Tuesday,February 16t''. Sutherland is a neighborhood park and unfortunately, every parcel of land cannot service all needs like the community parks of the Center Recreation Complex and Lincoln Park. This is the first playground replacement that has taken place in the past four years and is the first time in 15 years that the design was reviewed by the Recreation Committee. Ms. Battite acknowledged that the Department will need to do more when it comes to community outreach and assured that it will going forward. The abutter's letters were sent to approximately 45-50 households and many different requests were received. The current playground is at the end of its useful life and based on the input received,the design of the new play structure will eliminate the need for young families to bring their own toys to the playground. This neighborhood park has many amenities such as the basketball court,Little League field,paths,playground, and a swing set. Conversations with the neighborhood will continue and an additional project could be introduced in the future. For example,is the full basketball court needed or could part of it be converted to a playground structure? Ms. Battite stated that the neighborhoods will be brought into the planning process sooner in future projects as more outreach can be done and it can be done in a variety of different ways. She reassured those in attendance that the neighborhood will be well-served with a beautiful new playground. Ms. Battite concluded her remarks by thanking the community members who attended and that they are welcomed to attend meetings in the future. c. Center Recreation Bathrooms: Staff had two meetings with the Facilities Department and the architect(Mike Waters from LDa Architecture)in January. The feasibility study and design/engineering phase is underway. Various options are being developed at this point, from a modest renovation (swapping gender designations and adding one single-use restroom) to a major renovation (change the layout to all single-use restrooms). The current feasibility is also taking into consideration the storage needs of DPW and the various user groups (LHS Athletics,Lexington Little League,Lexington Youth Lacrosse)when looking at the site. Staff had a site visit with the architect on Thursday, January 21't to review the 39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02421 5 various storage trailers that are presently onsite. Renderings of the options will be ready shortly,to be followed by a conceptual construction cost estimate. The funding request for the construction phase ($915,000)will be presented at the 2021 Annual Town Meeting this spring. Members agreed that this renovation was long overdue and expressed their appreciation that gender equity is being considered throughout the planning process. 7. Community Needs Assessment Working Group Report Melissa Battite,Peter Coleman, Christine Dean, and Katharine Labrecque,Management Fellow, provided a brief update on the Community Needs Assessment working groups. The working groups include Facilities,Programs,Finance, and Maintenance and the updates are attached to the meeting minutes. The kick-off meeting for the Conservation and Recreation working group will be held on Wednesday, February 24r''. This meeting will focus on attainable goals in the coming years and the group will consist of two members from the Conservation Commission, one member from the Recreation Committee, one member from the Greenways Corridor Committee, and staff from each department. 8. Recreation& Community Programs& Parks Report The February 2021 Recreation & Community Programs Report is attached to the meeting minutes. Melissa Battite,Peter Coleman, Christine Dean, and Thomas Romano,Youth and Family Program Coordinator, reviewed the report. Ms. Battite recognized Mr. Romano for designing the Summer 2021 program brochure. The virtual Summer Open House video,which was coordinated by Christine Dean in partnership with LexMedia,will be distributed to the Committee members in the coming days. Ms. Dean highlighted the CHNA15 Park Pop Up Series and Mr. Romano informed the Committee about the Glow in the Dark family orienteering race that was held on Friday,February 12t''. Members of the Committee commended the staff for their creativity, energy, and enthusiasm that has been displayed throughout the pandemic. The next virtual meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 171h at 7:00pm through the Zoom platform. The February 17`", 2021 meeting of the Recreation Committee adjourned at 9:0 7pm. Respectfully submitted, Peter Coleman Assistant Director of Recreation The following documents distributed at the meeting are attached: • February 2021 Liaison Reports • MassDOT Shared Winter Streets and Spaces Grant Program presentation slides • Cary Library Story Walk Partnership Proposal • Community Needs Assessment Working Groups—February 2021 Updates • February 2021 Recreation & Community Programs Report 39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02421 \013S MOP 1775 0 Town of Lexington > Recreation Committee APPIL 19"' I rNq(6 0 Frederick DeAngelis, Chainnan Tel: (781)698-4800 I.,isah Rhodes, Vice Chair Fax: (781) 861-2747 Usa O'Brien Ruixi (Ray) Yuan Francesca Pfi-oninier Recreation Committee February 2021 Liaison Reports ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Select Board—Suzie Barry The Select Board voted 5-0 in support of the FY2022 Recommended Budget and Financing Plan at our 2/8/21 meeting. • The 2021 Annual Town Meeting will be held virtually this year over Zoom and begins on Monday, March 22, 2021 at 7:30 pm. • The following Recreation related article will NOT be on the Consent Agenda for the 2021 Annual Town Meeting and will be voted on as a stand-alone article as has been past practice: o Article 5 -Appropriate FY2022 Enterprise Budgets- an annual appropriation which includes the Recreation and Community Programs Enterprise Fund. • The following Recreation related articles are currently being considered for the Consent Agenda for the 2021 Annual Town Meeting: • Article 10a: (CPA Funding) Park& Playground Improvements - South Rindge Avenue - S13 yes; CEC yes; AC meets 2/10/21 • Article 10b: (CPA Funding) Park Improvements - Muzzey Field - SB-yes; CEC yes; AC meets 2/10/21 • The following Recreation related articles are currently on the Consent Agenda for the 2021 Annual Town Meeting: • Article 11: Appropriate for Recreation Capital Projects • Article 27: Increase in Recreation Committee Membership 1625 MASSACHUSEATS AVEINUF - LEAINMON,MASSACHUSETT'S 02420 School Committee—Eileen Jay, I11.Z1 LHS Fall UAthletics Update The LHS Athletic Department has announced plans for the 2021 Fall 11 sports season. Based on guidelines from EEA, DEDE, W1|AA Middlesex League, and Lexington Public Schools(pending School Committee appnova|),the following timeframe, procedures,and requirements will be established for Lexington High School Fall 11 athletics: Timeframe ' The Fall || sports season will begin 0nFebruary 2Z, 202l. • Fall U online registration will begin on Thursday, February 11and close on Friday, February 19, NO registrations will be accepted after February 29. ~ Tryouts/practices for all sports will begin the week ofFebruary Z2. Sports ~ Fall 11 sports will include Football, Cheerleading, Girls Volleyball, Boys & Girls Indoor Track, and Girls Svvirnmnjng. • Boys swimming and Unified Basketball have been moved to the M|A/\ Spring Season. Tentative dates for the Spring Season are 4/6/21-7/3/21. • Wrestling has been moved to the MIAA Spring Season, but is still awaiting EEA approval for participation. • Ultimate Frisbee, weather permitting, will begin Monday, March 8th and run until Early June. Requirements o Any student-athletes selected for the football, indoor track, cheerleading or volleyball teams atany level will berequired bythe Lexington Public Schools tOeither: o transition to Full Remote learning for the duration of the Fall || season, or m participate in the LPS COVID testing program on a weekly basis if they wish to remain in the Hybrid learning model. For more information and details on the LFIS Fall 11 season, see Athletic Department updates at Qah Acommunication from the Middlesex League onthe Fall ||season can befound at 2 i r z 40 •1NEW 70 o� d • • • 1 w► • • N • e • • • 1 OV a a a � a a • • a a a � a a a _. __. • atAeFRI {y �.rxinc�roK �. a t� o. �q�� srava��a��aauva �. • i i 1 1 1 1 i IN � 1 1 i 1 � 1 1 1 � � 1 1 i 1 � 1 / 1 1 � i Ir � i t � t � 4 • 1 • 1 � i 1 � ® 1 i 4 � IF INGTON �p si u i 3911V ra r 1 • • � � • • � 1 � � � 1 1 '�" � � f 1 � r � �, s ,� 1 �' ~ • � � 1 1 ti � 1r � � ti � � � i l �r 1 1 A /'P P'MERICq�.,,,�, �,exrMc�tt'a'a w •, t � �� 'E � a� 1 i ► i 1 i ► ► i 1 1 1 1 i � 1 i ► 1 ► 1 � 1 ► i i 1 i 1 'i 1 • ► ► � 1 i 1 i 1 1 • ► i i • a i � ► i ► i ► i �+il ► 1 1 ► A i ► 1 1 � ► 1 • / 1 1 1 / • i 1 1 1 ► • 1 ► ► • i 1 i • ► i / 1 ► i �^CAEGIPC ► ► i � 75 i.rxiNuTo;a 6 32HOWw..s m f �ba x6q • • • • .Ir • • •• • • i rr i • 1713 1 M • 1 I I r • r r s r � r 1 • rr 1 • • � 1 f 1 rr r • I • 1 r 1 • 1 � r r . • • 1 • � 1 • r r 1 ` • 1 r • • r � 1 • • r •• r • I r 1 ,� 1 ,�, r N • 1 • • ® "� r 1 r � 1 r 1 � • LEXINGTON r jai 'tirsvi 3ama�s+v3 1 i • r • • i i • i 1 • 1 ► 1 1 � ► i �► i • 1 1 1 i 1 1 ► r ► ► 1 1 1 1 1 • r 1 • 1 � ► 1 ` • � i • �► i r M 1 i � / ► r 1 r / • 1 1 � r r • i • 0 / • IN / r O • 1 ' ~ 1 M 1 r • • ► • / / / / • • A 1 • r r U, 713 A / f 1 • 1 1 � ► • i 1 1 P P,t.AERlpgr 40 73 r.wxr.cTwa ZD a zo; "gyp � �ima3�air�mv� ti- O M C C co CL " Co sz cc a _' ii E :� *-j -&-a 2 -0 (2 cc, t 00 ocU) -am o CU cu cu c cu cug ) 0 x o zz � 0 � o � c t� vi .F .(u c ccs `0 cn ca cn �, .� c� -'-F � O CCf O N N cn (OD ,� © t�f O � � � > C ? L (ji Q O W O (N '�4In _0,` O O mo d a m O O tcc: C OJ7 O 4 C: O a>) U .0 CU O N U) cu O U N 2. .� N ;>+ -0 _ RS (U cru v O4= o E r- c: W 0. 0 C � 2O fll -t-- C !E �c -a � N 06 a - E o � E � cu � � 4- , 'q) p > CCS (� E m ,v_1 O N z3 N p .T O :y+ Z3 . C (U (a s-. - q • I f 1 • • t 1 • • 1 / / t t t 1 • r • a a • 1 1 • • 1 t � • • t 1 1 r • • 1 • 1 • t ■ 1 t • /1 1 t • 1 1 • • • t t t t 1 • � 1 t • • 1 1 s r 'MEFtiC 4Q '"j � Irxlnu��wa ?Q 51 Nt13008N1 I W%Ikk LIBRARY RARN TO: Melissa Battite, Director ofRecreation and Community Programs FROM: Koren5tennbridge, Library Director DATE: February 8, 2O21 RE: Story Walk Partnership Proposal Dear Melissa, The Cary Library would like to partner with the Recreation Department to install a permanent Story Walk at a mutually agreed upon location. I understand that you partnered with LexFUN! on a very popular temporary Story Walk last fall and the library has also hosted temporary Story Walks from time to time. These walks make wonderful opportunities for families to get outside to exercise and they are tremendous vehicles for building early literacy skills,This oeenno like a natural partnership for Our departments and I am hopeful that there may be an ideal location along one of your fitness trails. The library has the funds to purchase and install the Story Walk. In addition, the library will commit to replacing or repairing any of the display holders as needed. We have also earmarked funding to purchase the books needed for the displays. |'rn hopeful that we could install it this spring. We would propose using the Story Walk display solution offered by Barking Dog Exhibits ( ) or something similar. This would give us o high-quality reusable Story Walk and e||ovv us to feature a different book quarterly.The library's Youth Services staff would take the lead on identifying appropriate titles, but we are open to collaborating on this process. Our hope is that both departments would use the Story Walk as an opportunity for farnily programs. Please let me know what additional details you vvnu|d like in n/de/to consider this request, | am happy to attend an upcoming meeting of the Recreation Committee if that would beuseful, ortoparticipate inany informal conversations that may beneeded. Thank you for considering this project, KorenS1ernbridge Library Director 1874 Massachusetts Ave Lexington. M/\ 2D420 ~ p78l-862-6288 ~ f78\-862-7355 = oory|ibxzpy.org Lexington Town u��Lexington � � � in � v��^� Recreation and Community Programs Melissa Bu(bte` CPKP Tel: 781-098-4800 Director nfRecreation and Community Programs Fax: 781-861-2747 Recreation Committee 2020 Community Needs Assessment Working Groups February 2022Updates _________________________________________________ CommnnunitVNeedsAssessrnent2028 The Recreation Committee is reviewing the Key Findings and Recommendations of the 3020 Community Needs Assessment through the development of three working groups; Facilities/Infrastructure; Program ming/Level of Service and Financial. The staff will meet with committee members to work towards recommendations and implementation in 2021 and beyond. A Maintenance Working Group will compromise of staff from both the Recreation and Public Works Department. The FBCUities/|nfrastructureVVorkiOg Group is led by Peter Coleman, Asst. Director of Recreation with Committee participation from Christian Boutwell and Lisah Rhodes. The focus of the most recent meeting, which was held on Monday, February 8111, was discussing potential solutions for how to address the issue of the demand for athletic field use greatly exceeding the supply available. Two potential solutions that were identified were tOfurther reduce usage inefficiency ofexisting field space and t0acquire additional field space. There will be more attention given to indoor recreation spaces and facilities at the next meeting, which is scheduled for Monday, March Om. The Program/Level qfService Working Group isled byChristine Dean, Community Center Director with Committee participation from Lisa O'Brien and Youth & Family Coordinator, Thomas Romano, and Kate DeAngelis, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. At our most recent meeting on 2/11, we reviewed examples of Program Planners and Evaluation Forms. We also discussed current grant opportunities that vve are pursuing, have received, or may apply for (CEL, CHNA15, Dana Home Foundations, Shared Streets, ACA). We are working on compiling a comprehensive list of potential community partners that will build onthe list that vvecurrently use for stakeholders and marking. Lisa will begin adding @n 39MAnnsTTROAD,LEXINGTON,,wxOa*az(office) z6z5MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS oz42o(noil) inventory of facility assets and needs as well as current level of engagement for the organizations. We would like tDform ateen advisory group for Recreation, similar tnthe library, and plan tocreate avolunteer position posting. VVealso discussed creating aweb form on the website to take program inquiries for different/new ideas. The group plans to meet on February 25 to begin plugging the existing program inventory into the McMillan Matrix. The Financial Working Group is led by Katharine Labrecque, Management Fellow with participation from Melissa Batdte, Director ofRecreation & Cornnlunity Programs and Committee participation from Rick DeAngelis and Francesca Pf/ononler. Two exploratory meetings were held in early February with the Conservation Director, Koren Mullins and with Library Director, Koren Sternbridgeand the Cary Library Foundation Director, Mary Ellen Ringo. Each meeting provided an overview of available funding and fund structures inaddition totax levy support. The next meeting isscheduled for later inFebruary. The Maintenance Working Group ioled byMelissa Battite, Director ofRecreation Q^ Community Programs and participation from Dave Pinsonneault, Director of Public Works, Peter Coleman, Asst. Director of Recreation, HayHtoTsu[unnnki, Recreation Supervisor, Christine Dean, Community Center Director, Chris Filadoro, Parks Superintendent and Marc Valenti, DPW Manager OfOperations. The kick off meeting has been rescheduled due to the impacts and timing of the snow storms. The first meeting is now scheduled for later in February to begin reviewing the Key Findings and FBci|ityAssessments. Lexington RECREATION&COMMUNITY I�111 0 1 A�111 Town of Lexington Recreation and Community Programs Melissa Battite, CPRP Tel: 781-698-4800 Director of Recreation and Conuminity Programs Fax: 781-861-2747 Recreation & Community Programs February 2021 Report ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ News & Updates: • The department is pleased to announce that summer program registration will begin on Monday, February 22nd) • The snowfall has brought an uptick in community members shoveling the outdoor recreation facilities, most notably the Lincoln field and Center Track. Communications have been posted via email, web page, social media, flyers through Library curbside and the DPW e-board is scheduled to be placed at Lincoln Park. Additionally, the large parking lot at Lincoln will not be regularly plowed as a deterrent as well. The LPD may also install the critter camera on site as has been done in the past when vandalism has been a concern. • The Town will transition to working 50% on site and 50% remote beginning the week of March 11t pending the Covid-19 cases continue to decrease. (The Town is currently at 25% in person and 75% remote) Staff &Volunteers: 0 Summer staff recruitment is underway. The application deadline for new applicants is Monday, March 11t. All job and volunteer opportunities are listed in the Summer 2021 EmpfqyMD1t &Volunteer Opp _orq!nities booklet. This booklet has been shared with Elizabeth Nichols, the volunteer coordinator at Lexington High School. Inclusion: • Funclay Friday—Social group for children in grades 111— 3rd grade has begun at Fiske Elementary with 6 participants • The Street Hockey program also has one participant who is currently being supported. Golf: 0 Exterior work including replacement of fascia boards and some gutter work at the PMGC clubhouse has been completed. It i o n 39 MARRE1 TROAD,LEXINGTON,MA 02421 (office) 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420(mail) 0 DPW will bereplacing the timber stairs atthe «mtee. Community Center: Programming: 9 [HNAl5Park Pop UpSeries o The January Bird Feeder Park Pop Uphad agreat response with 37 registrations. The kit included a pine cone, bird seed, crisco, and a wooden heart to decorate and hang. There was also Gninsert for Cotton Farm history and amap, and a flyer mnNational Blood Donation Month. o The February event includes a Healthy Heart Fitness Trail that has been installed along the Lincoln Park Nature Path. Each stop has 8nexercise activity and afact about heart health. Join us In celebrating American Heart Month and stop along the fitness path for a fun and engaging family activitg.Learn tips to keep your heart healthy along the wag while trying out the featured exercises, So.nd o photo on the 06 Ito recreoVon@IeAngtonma gov to chances go,,get! • Glow inthe Dark Family Orienteering Race — Friday, February 12 th Navigation Games • The Pick-Up Soccer program for Middle School students is off and running but has been delayed due to the cold weather and snow. We hope to schedule makeup classes in March. • Wicked Cool 4Kids offered 8nEngineering Workshop over February break and vvesold out with 12 children registered. Through the USDA School Lunch program the Lexington Food Services was able tDprovide snacks for each child during the week. Operations & Facility: * Local Elections will take place on K48rCh 111 at the Community Center. Recreation Division: Programming: � With the start ofindoor programming at the Lexington Public Schools being delayed, staff have been creative with their program offerings this winter: V For the first time, a Family Ice Fishing Clinic is being offered this winter. On Id Tuesday, February Z^ , Jim L@guCyfrOrn the Massachusetts Division of Wildlife and Fisheries led 8Dinformational session through Zoom. The in-person field experience is scheduled tVtake place 0nTVesday h���nU�ry1(� with 21children registered (plus @ parent Qrgu8D]i8n\. o HayatVTsWrurnaki, Recreation Supervisor, has been leading drop-in Lex Get Fit! classes for children and adults with at0tal of 13 participants. o Skyhawks has offered a Street Hockey program in the Carriage House parking lot onThursday afternoons with I4participants. * —this program isclosed until further notice due tothe Center Track being covered by snow. Operations #' Facility: w The Lexington Farmers' Market request for use of the Worthen Road practice field on �� Tuesdays from June 10-October 2(7 has been processed. Next steps include finalizing all logistical items before the market opens for the S8G50n. There will be a vvalk1hnmugh scheduled in March with the Farmers' Market, Police, DPW, Recreation & Community Programs, and the Lexington Public Schools to discuss locations for storage containers, banner placement, parking/traffic p[OtO[O|5 and 3|CDhO| policy. There will also be continued discussions regarding the weather policy, given the differences between the Department's Outdoor Recreation Facility Use Policy and the Lexington Farmers' Market operation plans during inclement weather. The Hayden Recreation Centre has confirmed that the lower Hayden field may be used as a back-up site for practices during the spring. The LFIVI may be asked to join a future Recreation Committee meeting to provide an update on the pending items. Parks & Open Space: a The snow removal has been a focus of the past few weeks. Budget &Capital: • FY2OIO: o Diamond Field Renovation —the field work has been completed. The ADA improvements will be finalized in early spring and it is anticipated that there is approximately 1 week of work remaining to occur this spring. • FY2D21: o Center Lights Project—All poles have been installed and the tennis lights will be operational within the next 1-2 weeks. The retrofits at the PDO| and basketball courts has been completed. The conduit for these lights will be installed and these lights will be activated in the Spring. o Valley Tennis Courts/ADA |rnprmvennents—this project will take place in the spring. o Harrington Field Renovation/ADA |rnp[overnenta—this project will begin in June 2O2Ionce the school year has ended. * The first meeting is currently being scheduled for some time in late February.