HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-06-05-REC-min
Town of Lexington
Recreation Committee
Sandra Shaw, Chairman Tel: (781) 862-0500 x262
Pamela Varrin, Vice Chairman Fax: (781) 863-2350
Frederick DeAngelis
Donald A. Chisholm
Richard L. Neumeier
RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
June 5, 2002
Members Present:
Sandra Shaw, Don Chisholm, Pam Varrin, and Dick Neumeier
Staff Present:
Karen Simmons, Sheila Butts and David Pinsonneault
Others Present:
Lynne Wilson, Lisa Baci, Bob McConnell, Nell Walker, John
Eddy, and Patrick Maguire of Geller Sport
AGENDA
1. Lincoln Park
Karen Simmons welcomed representatives of the Lincoln Park Sub Committee to the special
meeting of the Recreation Committee reviewing the Lincoln Park Field project. The purpose of
this meeting is to discuss the Lincoln Park Facility Improvement Project and answer questions as
they pertain to the conceptual design. In addition, Karen is looking for direction and a
recommendation from the Recreation Committee regarding differences between the Lincoln Park
Sub-Committee Master Plan and the Lincoln Park Facility Improvement Plan.
The current parking at Lincoln Park is inadequate and often the overflow will spill onto Lincoln
Street. The Lincoln Park Sub-committee plan calls for 120 spots, approximately 20 more than the
site currently has. Karen Simmons and Dave Pinsonneault expressed their concern regarding the
proposed 120 spots, and feels it would be irresponsible if the town does not build an adequate
size parking facility. Sandra Shaw said that a resolution to the parking lot question must be
reached. She called upon Pat Maguire to explain how the number of parking spots proposed in
his plan was decided upon. Pat indicated that he had spoken with Ron Desrossiers, P.E. of Bruce
Campbell & Associates. Mr. Desrossiers told him that there are no current standards for athletic
field parking, and suggested using the “common sense” approach. Therefore Pat McGuire used
his past project experience and life experience as an adult league athlete and youth coach in
determining adequate parking spot numbers. The greatest demand for parking is during adult
league events. There are 3 soccer fields and 2 softball/little league fields at Lincoln. If one
assumes that all fields are in use at one time and that each team has 15 participants who drive to
the field separately, the parking need would be for approximately 300 cars. The current Geller
2
Sport plan shows 306 spots, which fit easily on site. Discussion and debate continued among
members of the Recreation Committee and the Lincoln Park Sub Committee as to the appropriate
number of parking spots to be included.
Sandra Shaw spoke of the overlapping use of the area. Participants arrive for one game prior to
the conclusion of the first. She also reminded members of both committees that two schools are
going to be renovated soon. This will adversely impact the Recreation field space available.
Lincoln Park, when completed will have much more use in future years than it presently does.
Pat Maguire concurred, and reminded members that the plan includes a playground structure,
renovated fitness trails and upgraded paths. All of these will impact the number of users at the
facility.
Lisa Baci said that she did not agree that the facility requires 200 - 300 parking spots. Dick
Neumeier asked what she thought was the ideal number of spots needed. She replied that it
should be a % of the maximum number suggested. However, she also noted that she believed
that the maximum suggested by Pat Maguire is too high. As a member of the Conservation
Commission she has concerns about the amount of impervious surface being put down, where
the run-off will go, and how close the parking lot and fields will be to Vine Brook. She also
suggested that the Conservation Commission is concerned with the flow of traffic. Pat Maguire
responded that the design would call for all conservation requirements to be met. He also noted
that the survey phase of the design would begin as soon as the Town signs the contract. The
survey will provide a clear delineation of wetlands at the site.
Detention drains will be included in the design regardless of the size or location of parking. He
will look at the run-offs as they now exist and develop watersheds to deal efficiently with future
run-offs. The design will assure that the pollutants will be removed as is required by law.
Discussion continued regarding the Master Plan proposal to relocate the Little League Field.
Recreation Committee members are concerned about the cost of this proposal and adequate
space to accommodate the field. Don Chisholm suggested that this could be built into design and
bid alternatives. The Committee members briefly discussed the addition of restrooms in the
Field Restoration Design. Pat Maguire and Karen Simmons noted that the Design Plan would
include running water and plumbing lines into the site.
Pam Varrin discussed the accessibility aspect of the project. She and Pat Maguire will look into
any ADA requirements for field access.
Don Chisholm asked the Recreation Committee members if they wished to accept the Lincoln
Park Master Plan. He said that the Master Plan would provide input for future planning. Sandra
Shaw said that she did not want the Recreation Department to get “locked into the plan.” Don
Chisholm said that the Committee should accept it as an important piece of planning information
that provides guideline for future use. Members of the Recreation Committee have concerns with
part of the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee Master Plan and were not comfortable endorsing the
entire plan.
3
Pam Varrin made the following motion:
“The Recreation Committee and the Lincoln Park Sub Committee are working
together to realize as much of the Lincoln Park Master Plan as possible in con-
nection with the Lincoln Park Field Plan.”
The motion passed 4 – 0.
2. Skateboard/Inline Skate Park Report
Bob McConnell reported that the form for the wall at the skate park was poured. Rotundi will
continue grading and slab work. Karen Simmons indicated that the drainage system is important
to the overall project. She told the committee that Peter Chalpin, Engineering Department, was
now overseeing the project from an engineering perspective. He will be meeting with the Skate
Park Committee and contractor to assure that the park is built according to the specifications that
were done by Geller Sport and approved by the Town of Lexington Engineering Division. Bob
McConnell assured the Recreation Committee members that the drainage would be installed, as
called for in the plans.
3. Recreation Report/Parks Report
??
Karen Simmons reported that Pine Meadows was surveyed today. Pat McGuire of Geller
Sport will do the design. The project will be put out to bid in the near future.
??
Dave Pinsonneault told the Committee that the Center Tot Lot had been installed. The
equipment is from Landscape Structures. Parks Department employees prepared the area
for installation and Forte Landscaping installed the equipment and surfacing materials.
Eric O’Brien and the Town Building Inspector will look at and inspect the equipment and
site on Monday.
4. New Business
June 27th in Room G-15 at
The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be Thursday,
7:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.