HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-31-REC-min
Town of Lexington
Recreation Committee
Sandra Shaw, Chairman Tel: (781) 862-0500 x262
Pamela Varrin, Vice Chairman Fax: (781) 861-2747
Frederick DeAngelis
Donald A. Chisholm
Richard Thuma
RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
March 31, 2004
Members Present: Sandra Shaw, Don Chisholm, Pam Varrin, Dick Thuma, and Rick
DeAngelis
Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Dave Pinsonneault, and Sheila Butts
AGENDA
1. Citizens and Other Boards
2. Meeting Minutes
Don Chisholm moved that the minutes of the January and February, as amended, be
approved. Pam Varrin seconded the motion. The January and February Recreation
Committee minutes were approved 4-0-1
3. Skate Park Update
No members of the Skate Park Committee were present. Karen Simmons reported that, as
per the Recreation Committee recommendation, three benches were ordered after the March
1 deadline imposed upon the Skate Park Committee. Bob McConnell, Skate Park Committee
Chairman, was informed of the purchase by letter.
Karen Simmons informed the Committee that a bottom rail for the fence might have to be
ordered to protect the bottom of the fence from damage. The fence is being damaged in one
particular area. Also, some equipment damaged over the winter has been removed from the
park and stored at 201 Bedford Street awaiting repairs by Tom Noble. The park is being
heavily used. Dave Pinsonneault has spoken with Bob McConnell regarding landscaping.
He also wants to order additional trash receptacles for the facility. Dick Thuma inquired as
to the new signs for the park. He suggested that the sign on site currently advertising the
“Future Site of the Lexington Skate Park” be removed. Dave Pinsonneault stated that he
would have it removed. Karen Simmons reported that Bob McConnell was ordering the new
signs and that they should be received by April 1st.
4. Lincoln Park Update
Karen Simmons and Sandra Shaw reported on their meeting with Lynne Wilson, Lincoln
Park Sub-Committee, regarding the toilet facilities at Lincoln Park. Lynne Wilson is
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
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committed and motivated to assuring that the toilet facilities be completed at the park. Karen
Simmons explained that unanticipated DEP requirements at the site would leave the Town
with very little money, if any at all. Despite the donation of design plans for the building, the
construction bids came in higher than expected. The Lincoln Park Sub-Committee is willing
to assist, and will attend the next Recreation Committee meeting to discuss their proposed
recommendations for the building. Don Chisholm asked if there had been any discussion
with LYS or LYL. Karen Simmons reported that Bill Erickson, Youth Lacrosse, has
indicated that they will contribute.
Dick Thuma suggested that the building plans be amended to delete the concession stand
portion of the building. He did not think that the money raised by selling food or drinks
would be enough to offset the cost of that portion of the building. After brief discussion of
the pro’s and con’s of a concession stand at Lincoln Park, both Pam Varrin and Rick
DeAngelis suggested that future bids be elicited with and without the concession area. Karen
expressed her concern. She has received many requests for concessions at Lincoln and the
Center Complex.
Dave Pinsonneault reported that the new drainage line has been installed at Lincoln Park. To
date the line is working well. Work on the Little League field should be completed in time
for the May 1 opening day, weather permitting. DPW has done some work on the softball
field. The fitness stations will be installed as soon as the weather cooperates.
5. Town Meeting Articles
Karen Simmons distributed background information regarding Kineens Park to Dick Thuma,
and indicated that pictures would be sent to Rick DeAngelis for his presentation on the
Adams Tennis and Basketball Courts. Sandra Shaw will notify Dick Thuma and Rick
DeAngelis of the Town Meeting dates for these Capital presentations.
6. Recreation Report
Karen Simmons reported that the Spring/Summer Brochure has been mailed and registration
for spring and summer programs is ongoing. The Department is in the process of hiring
summer staff. Potential candidates for the Aquatics Manager position have been interviewed,
and the position should be filled within the next month.
7. Parks Report
Dave Pinsonneault reported on the status of field preparations for the spring athletic season.
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The Parks Department had hoped to have all fields ready for an April 5 start, but is backed
up because of the rain. He told the Committee that he was working with the School Athletic
Department and the youth leagues to ensure that the fields were playable and lined in time for
their first games.
8. New Business
Dick Thuma requested that the Recreation Committee revisit the topic of field permit charges
and monitoring of field usage at a future Recreation Committee meeting.
The next Recreation Committee meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in the
in Town Hall Room G15. The Recreation Committee meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.