2021-02-17-REC-min (includes attachments)

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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