1984-03-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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-4- {j1 Mrs. Daggett reviewed with the Board an inf ormational supplement prepared by the group covering a 1980 - 1984 projected overview of school enrollment decline and increase in soccer activity; schedule moo and adult .soccer groups and community participation; report on condition of Town playing fields; and recommendations of the Lexington Youth Soccer group., She expressed the group's dissatisfaction with Town Maintenance of the f fields and noted the existing problems at the Lincoln Street re-- creation area.- The group supports the efforts of the Recreation Committee to have all fields upgraded and its request for funding with respect to the Lincoln Street and Adams School fields, but, on a short-term basis urged better maintenance of all fields. She offered, on behalf of the Soccer group,, its expertise as well as some seed funding for improvement of the Town facilities. Mr. Galait sis displayed slides which he said illustrated examples of poor conditions and lack of maintenance at Lincoln Street and the Harrington Street fields. Mr. Tonaszuck noted that soccer is reaching new heights of popularity and throughout its long playing season is demanding upon playing fields,, causing extreme wear and tear. with that heavy the D.P.W. is pre- vented from effectively grassing the areas. Mr. McLaughlin referred to the current increased popularity of soccer as was the case in previous years with tennis and skating. He noted that following development of additional facilities to accommodate these activities, they had declined in popularity and suggested that the same might happen in the case of soccer playing, He requested a projection on soccer use to relate with the recent athletic activity projections of the School Committee as justification for heavy outlay of Town funds. " moo . Mr. Dohan pointed out the increased participation of older soccer groups, which he said is unrelated to school population decrease and lowered birth rate. He said the sport is growing, that players are continuing to participate as adults and that soccer is now becoming popular among girls. All these factors lead to stressing of the playfields. He noted that if fencing for the High School track is approved, it will limit use of its center field and decrease still further the Town's inventory, Mrs. Wilson,. Chairman of the Recreation Committee, thanked the group for its input and support of the Committee's articles. She estimated that the Lincoln Street area could accommodate two or three more soccer fields, as well as increase capacity for other sports. Mr. Marshall expressed support for the Recreation Committee's Improvement Program, including the Lincoln Street Study , geared toward long -term s olut ions . He will request that the Board re -open discussion and again consider the position of the former Board on the Lincoln Street issue. He saw that facility as usable resource of the Town and noted that with a larger inventory, rest periods for play fields would allow opportunity for proper maintenance. Chairman Clough, School Committee, pointed out serious problems of the School Dept.. related to fields and stressed the need for additional fields for school activities, particularly in the light of the possible move of the ninth grades to the High School.