HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-18-REC-min (includes attachments) Ods MOPN
oP
1775
m p Town of.Lexington
Recreation Committee
3 o ary
V APRILI9'
�FXI NGI
Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Tel: (781) 698-4800
Lisah Rhodes, Vice Chair Fax: (781) 861-2747
Lisa O'Brien
Francesca Pfrommer
Christian Boutwell
Recreation Committee
Minutes of Meeting
August 18, 2021
A virtual meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 7:00pm
through the Zoom platform.
Members Present: Lisals Rhodes,Christian Boutwell, Carl Fantasia, Lisa O'Brien,Francesca Pfrommer,
and Claire Sheth
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, Chi-is
Filadoro,DPW Superintendent of Public Grounds, and Dave Pinsonneault,DPW
Director
Others Present: Suzie Barry (Select Board liaison), Sandy Beebee(Capital Expenditures
Committee liaison), Ellen Cameron(Council on Aging liaison),Kathleen
Lenihan(School.Committee liaison),and.Deepika Sawhney(School.Committee
liaison)
1. July 7,2021 Minutes
Francesca Pfrommer moved and Lisa O'Brien seconded the approval of the minutes from the July
7`l' meeting. The Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to approve the July 7 minutes.
2. Public Comment
Lisah Rhodes, Vice Chair of the Recreation Committee, welcomed Claire Sheth and Carl Fantasia
to the Committee and is looking forward to working with both of them. Ms. Rhodes
acknowledged and thanked Francesca Pfrommer for her three years of service on the Committee.
Other members of the Committee expressed their appreciation for Ms. Pfrommer's tenaciousness,
articulation, and making sure all members of the community are represented. Ms. Pfrommer
thanked everyone for their kind words and said that it has been an honor to serve with all of thein.
Ms. Pfrommer added that it was not an easy decision to step away and recommended that the
Committee continue to focus on long-range priorities in the face of adversity and challenges.
Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs,thanked Ms. Pfrommer for
serving through the surnrner until a new Committee member was selected.
3. Recreation Committee Correspondence
Lisah Rhodes reported that it was a fairly quiet month as far as incoming messages. Topics
included the practice boards and signage at the Gallagher Courts, increase in cricket play, and an
idea for the Town to develop a self-sustaining badminton facility. Ms. Rhodes and Lisa O'Brien
take turns replying to emails and reply within two business clays.
2
4. Liaison Reports
The Summer 2021 Liaison Reports are attached to the meeting minutes. Kathleen Lenihan and
Deepika Sawnhey are the new co-liaisons from the School Committee. Lisah Rhodes thanked
Eileen Jay,who was the outgoing School.Committee liaison, for her service. Suzie Barry, liaison
from the Select.Board, reported that there is interest in painting select utility boxes throughout
town. This would be done in cooperation with the Cary Memorial Library, Human Set-vices
Department, Community Center, and Recreation. Ms. Barry indicated that the beautification
efforts would require funding, which may be provided by the Fund for Lexington,and wanted to
get a sense if this is something that the Recreation Committee would support. Melissa Battite
reported that there are six utility boxes at the Center Recreation Complex, four that are owned by
the Town and two that are owned by Eversource. Additionally, there is at least one utility box at
Lincoln Park. Lisah Rhodes stated that if approved, upkeep of these areas should be planned for.
Christian.Boutwell was in favor of prioritizing youth artists that live in Lexington. Claire Sheth.
asked if there would be a theme that would be followed. Ms. Barry replied that the theme would
be recreation-based and the Recreation Committee would be able to give input and be involved in
the process when selecting a theme. After a brief conversation, the members of the Committee
expressed their support for this concept moving forward.
Ellen Cameron, liaison from the Council on Aging(CoA), reported that the CoA did not meet in
August. Francesca Pfrommer had served as the liaison to the Greenways Corridor Committee
(GCC) and a replacement will need to be chosen. Melissa Battite indicated that while all liaison
appointments will be discussed in September, someone should attend the next GCC meeting,
which is scheduled for Thursday, August 26tih. Christian Boutwell said that he would be willing
to attend and made the following motion: "The Recreation Committee rooves that Christian
Boutwell attend the August Greenways Corridor Committee meeting on an interim basis until
there is further discussion about filling this liaison vacancy at the September Recreation
Committee meeting." Francesca Pfrommer seconded the motion. The Recreation Committee
voted 6-0 to approve this motion.
5. Athletic Lights—Standard Time/Hours
This item was a follow up to the pilot program that was offered at the Center Track last winter.
Melissa Battite reminded the Committee that this program offered on Monday-Thursday for two
hours after sunset and the recommendation is to continue this program indefinitely with the track
lights remaining on two hours after sunset or until 9:00pm, whichever is later. In addition to the
Center Track, Ms. Battite and Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation, have reviewed the
other lighted(non-field)recreational facilities in recent weeks. The lights at the Farias Basketball
Courts are on every night from sunset to 9:00prn. At the Gallagher Tennis Courts,the new
lighting system was installed prior to the 2021 season. Previously,there were lights on Courts
#1-4 and now all ten courts have lights. With the additional lighted courts available, it would be
beneficial to still provide drop-in opportunities for tennis players on Courts#1-4 with the lights
on these courts remaining on until 9:OOpm seven nights a week unless a program such as tennis
lessons are taking place. The Battle Green Tennis League moved their matches to Courts#5-8
for their final session(August l 6`}'-September I6"')to help accommodate this arrangement.
Courts #1-4 are the courts closest to the Town Pool, which have the most tree cover, and people
would still need to reserve the court for the lights to be on at night. Mr. Coleman reminded the
Committee that for the first time, the tennis/pickleball memberships reached maximum capacity
this year and sold out back in May due to the overwhelming dennand.
Lisa O'Brien asked if the new windscreens along the perimeter fencing had been installed yet and
Ms. Battite stated that the windscreens have been up for approximately three weeks. Francesca.
Pfi-ommer asked about behavior at the tennis courts and wanted to make sure that all measures are
taken to prevent conflicts from happening. After a brief discussion, Christian Boutwell made the
39 MARRIA-F ROAD, LFA INGTON,MASSAC'HUSEA"1"S 02421
3
following motion: "The Recreation Committee moves to amend the Athletic Field and Court Use
Policy to ligrht the Center Track two (2) hours after sunset or until y1.)m, whichever is later, on
Monday-Thursday evenings." Francesca.Pfrommer seconded the motion. The Recreation
Committee voted 6-0 to approve this motion.
6. 5-Year Capital Plan—FY23-FY27
Melissa Battite provided an overview of the FY2023-FY2027 5-Year Capital Plan and a memo
with more details is attached to the meeting minutes. The memo included updates on active
capital projects, projects that are scheduled for FY23,and items for consideration and discussion.
Based on last year's plan and pending the approval of funding, there are five capital improvement
projects scheduled for FY23. These projects include the reconstruction of the Farias Basketball
Courts and Gallagher Tennis Courts at the Center Recreation Complex, a playground replacement
at Kinneens Park, athletic field improvements at the Fiske School Fields, the installation of a new
hot water heater at the"Town Pool, and a series of improvements at Pine Meadows. The
reconstruction of the Farias and Gallagher Courts will be quite extensive and will require
community outreach to best determine the timing for this project given the many stakeholders that
will be impacted. The improvements at Pine Meadows would be paid for out of the Recreation
Enterprise Fund,whereas the other projects would use a different finding source, whether it be
CPA or tax levy. It was recommended that the Commission on.Disability(CoD)be invited to a
future meeting or to share the capital vote at the September meeting with the CoD. Ms. Battite
stated that upon completion of the ADA Compliance Study in 2017,the results were shared with
the CoD and the Commission identified its top three priorities as being: 1) Old Reservoir
bathhouse, 2)Pine Meadows Golf Club clubhouse, and 3)neighborhood parks and playgrounds.
Regarding future projects,Ms. Battite acknowledged that the park system is deficient in benches
and there will be a specific focus on amenities going forward. At the Town Pool, additional
shade structures and spray features andinstalling new lockers in the lockers rooms will be
considered. Other items for future consideration include,but is not limited to, the installation of
poured-in-place(PLP) safety surfacing and water elements at playgrounds, replacing the fitness
equipment at Lincoln Park, installing new lights and equipment at the Skate Park, adding a
vehicle to the department's fleet, and improvements at Pine Meadows and the Community
Center. Members of the Committee expressed the difficulty they have with prioritizing the
potential projects on the list as most, if not all, of the items on the list are necessary. Christian
Boutwell expressed that it comes down to investments to maintain level service vs. improvements
and enhancements. Francesca Pfrommer recommended that a mechanism be put in place to
ensure that the most sustainable products are used during the capital projects.
Ms. Battite informed the Committee that the deadline to submit the 5-Year Capital Plan is Friday,
September 10',which is prior to the next Committee meeting on September 1.5`". Ms. Battite has
notified the Finance Department that the Committee will be voting on the capital plan after the
September l Or" deadline. The plan is for an updated draft version of the 5-Year Capital Plan to be
distributed to Committee members by September l 01h and then the Committee will review,
discuss, and vote on the plan at its September 15'h meeting.
7. Recreation & Community Programs Report
The June,July, and August 2021 Recreation &Community Programs Report is attached to the
meeting minutes. Melissa Battite highlighted the positive feedback that has been received about
the various summer programs so far and commended Peter Coleman and Christine Dean,
Community Center Director, and their staff for all of their efforts in coordinating programs and
activities at the Center Recreation Complex and Community Center, respectively, this summer.
Francesca Pfronmer asked if the padding for the Lincoln Park scoreboards had been installed yet:.
Melissa.Battite acknowledged that the padding has not been installed yet and that it has been a
39 MARREII IT ROAD, L FAINCLTON,MASSAC'IItNE'I"I'S 02421.
4
slow process. Activitas,the Town's architect, suggested landscaping be usedinstead of padding
since pads could be damaged. Funding was an issue at the end of the fiscal year and the schools
expressed their desire to see what the landscaping would look like before determining if it would
provide sufficient protection and safety of those areas. Ms. Pfrommer recommended that this
item be included on the September meeting agenda. While the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee
(LPSC) has not met this summer, Lisa O'Brien reported that Brian Kelley is the new Chairman
and Joanne Shorter is the new Vice Chair of the LPSC.
The next virtual meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday,
September 15'at 7:00pm through the Zoom platform.
The August 1$", 2021 meeting of the Recreation Committee adjourned at 9:02pin.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Coleman
Assistant Director of Recreation
The following documents distributed at the meeting are attached:
• Summer 2021 Liaison Reports
• Memo on 5-Year Capital Plan
• Athletic Fields Feasibility Study Update
• June,July,and August 2021 Recreation & Community Programs Report
39 MAI2IZETT I RAD, LEXINGTON,MASSAC;III ISF.T TS 02421
`OOS MOR,`,
OR (775 �G
m p Town of Lexington
a Recreation Committee
S.
ARRIL I9`"
1N-11
Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Tel: (781)698-4800
Lisah Rhodes, Vice Chair Fax: (781) 861-2747
Lisa O'Brien
Christian Boutwell
Francesca.Pfi-ommer
Recreation Committee
Summer(June,July,August) 2021 Liaison Reports
Council On Aging, Respectfully submitted by Ellen Cameron
• COA had a successful presentation with the Select Board regarding Senior Parking
Program.The pilot program will be for two years and will start in October. A wonderful
way to help support Lexington Commerce and the seniors.
• We also have brainstormed and will continue about our next plan regarding our Age
Friendly Assessment.
• Programs are going well and many folks enjoy virtual over in person.
GCC, Respectfully submitted by Francesca Pfrommer
• The GCC does not meet in the summer–the next scheduled meeting is planned for
August 26, 2021.
School Committee, respectfully submitted by Eileen Jay
Liaison Role:The School Committee has updated its liaison assignments for the coming year.
The new School Committee liaisons to the Recreation Committee will be Kathleen Lenihan and
Deepika Sawhney. I will no longer be the SC liaison. Thanks for all you do. I've enjoyed serving
on the Recreation Committee and have been impressed by all the work that happens. I know all
of you will continue to serve the recreation/athletic needs of residents and students in the
Lexington community
LPS Mask Requirement
On August 2, 2021, Dr. Hackett sent a letter to the LPS community outlining the following mask
requirements for schools:
Effective August 2, 2021, all students,staff, and visitors—regardless of vaccination status—
must wear masks indoors while in any Lexington Public Schools facilities. Face-masks are not
required:(1)when outside;or(2)when an individual works alone or in a segregated space
(e.g., cubicle).
All Lexington Public Schools students and staff, vaccinated and unvaccinated are required to
wear wellµfittin masks when they return to school in the fall.
LPS Back-to-School FAQs
1625 MASSACI1USLT"I'S AVENUE'•UXINGTON,MASSACI IUSI?
The letter includes LPS Back-to-School_FAQs on safety protocols:
1. Masks are required for all students and staff, vaccinated or unvaccinated, when indoors
and on school buses.
2. Physical distancing will be required while eating indoors and during defined activities.
3. Outdoors is still the safest place to be! No masking or physical distancing is required when
outdoors.
• In the new school year, everyone will return to in-person learning and remote learning is
no longer an option.
• All LPS staff members and volunteers are required to be vaccinated, unless they have a
medical or religious exemption. Students who are eligible for COVID vaccines are
encouraged to become fully vaccinated (see table for vaccination rates).
Vaccinations for Extracurricular Activities
At its August 17 meeting, the School Committee will discuss the issue of vaccination
requirements for extracurricular activities, including sports.
LPS Vaccination Clinic
LPS will host another COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Lexington High School on September 10,
2021 from 1:00—3:00 p.m. More information will be coming soon, and the clinic is open to all
LPS students, staff members and their family members, and Lexington residents.
Select Board, respectfully submitted by Suzie Barry
The Select Board will be calling for a Fall 2021 Town Meeting.The date and logistics
have not been set yet so stay tuned!
• Martha Duffield,the Town's first Chief Equity Officer, began on July 19th.
The Select Board's Annual Goal Setting meeting is being planned for the end of October
2021. Stay tuned for more details on this as well.
1 facilitated a meeting with the Lexington Council for the arts (I am their liaison also) and
the Community Center, Recreations Department, Human Services and Cary Library to
discuss how the Council for the Arts can collaborate more with these town departments
on bringing visual and performing arts to the community through exhibits/displays,
performances, classes and more! One issue the Council for the arts is very interested in
is painting utility boxes around town including at parks and fields. If the project moves
forward, it would be a curated process after a call for artists. Melissa and Christine
attended the meeting.
2
Lexington
RECREATION&.COMMUNTry
MEMORANDUM
TO: Recreation Committee
FROM: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation & Community Programs
DATE: August 16, 2021
SUBJECT: 5 year capital plan
The Town is beginning the budget planning and presentation cycle. In preparation, the
Recreation Committee recommendations for the FY23-FY27 Capital Plan is due on 9/10/21 and
the FY23 Operating recommendation is due October 1, 2021. Below is a summary of active
projects, funded projects that have not yet mobilized, and a list of capital considerations for
inclusion in the 5 year plan. The considerations have been compiled through direct requests
from community members, recommendations of the 2020 Community Needs Assessment, life
cycle of the asset for health, safety, compliance and/or improved technology, and staff input.
Active
1- Athletic Lighting at Center Recreation—this project is substantially complete with punch
list items remaining.
2- Diamond Athletic Field—this project is substantially complete with punch list items and
small purchases remaining.
3- Valley Tennis Court Resurfacing &ADA walkway/parking—the court resurfacing is
complete with punch list items remaining. The ADA work will be rebid in the coming
year to solicit more competitive pricing to remain within budget.
4- Sutherland Park Playground &ADA walkway/parking—this project is substantially
complete with punch list items and small purchases remaining.
5- Worthen Road & Muzzey Fencing-this project is substantially complete with quotes for
install outstanding for both locations.
6- Harrington - Pending a grant award through DPW/Engineering,this project has not yet
mobilized. Additional information should be available in the coming months.
7- Pine Meadows Improvements—the Feasibility Study for drainage on holes#1 and #2 is
expected to begin in early fall 2021.
8- Pine Meadows Equipment—this piece of equipment (fairway mower) will be ordered in
the off-season with an expected arrival in late winter 2022 for use in the 2022 season.
9- Athletic Fields Feasibility Study—this project began in July 2021 and is expected to be
complete in mid-fall 2021.
10-Athletic Field Improvements at Muzzey Field —this project will be reviewed once results
of the Athletic Fields Feasibility Study are complete with anticipated mobilization in the
2022 calendar year.
FY23
1- Hard Court Resurfacing& Reconstruction—Center Recreation Gallagher Tennis Courts
and Farias Basketball courts—This project will require community outreach meetings to
best determine the timing for stakeholders and park impacts.
2- Kinneens Park— Playground Replacement
3- Athletic Field Improvements at the Fiske Fields
4- Hot Water Heater—Swimming Pool
For Consideration/Discussion (not in any particular order)
• Swimming Pool
o Additional Shade Structure
o Additional Spray feature for the Wading Pool
o Replace lockers in locker rooms
• Park & Playground Improvements
o Additional play equipment at Sutherland Park
o Poured in Place (PIP) surfacing for playground improvements (school
playgrounds will all have PIP by FY25)
o Add water elements to playground/parks
o End of life replacements
■ Fitness Equipment replacement— Lincoln Park
o Shade Structure at Center Recreation Complex
• Athletic Lighting
o Center Recreation Complex—Skate Park
• Review of Conservation projects and streamline when/where appropriate and able.
• Pine Meadows—Cart Path at 5
• Pine Meadows—increase Improvements
o increase to $80K in FY23
o increase to $200K in FY25
o Renovate practice area
• Admin
o Fleet—replace Director of Recreation & Community Programs 2016 vehicle
• Community Center (would need to be a DPF request)
o Generator
o Carpet replacement
o Flooring—lower level
o Exterior brick entrance to main entry
• FY27 new introductions
o Continue with annual requests for
■ Park & Playground Improvements
■ Park Improvements
• Athletic Fields
• Hard Court Resurfacing
o Introduce and amend existing projects to reflect recommendations of the 2020
Community Needs Assessment and if available, Athletic Fields Feasibility Study.
2
We s t o n 1 @FS14 ",,�33 c I I 1,ipsoh
August 16, 2021
85 Devonshire Street,3r°Floor,Boston,MA 02109
Tel:617.412.4480
Lexington Community Center
Recreation Department
39 Marrett Road
Lexington, MA 02421
Attn: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs
Re: Project Update I Comprehensive Study of Athletic and Outdoor Recreation Facilities
The following is an overview of the project and progress to date:
1. Project overview-this athletic field study was borne out of the Minuteman Sports Complex venture not being
approved. Ultimately citizens of Lexington were unclear if the complex was needed based on the available
athletic facilities and current demand. The desired/expected outcomes are as follows:
■ Determine the benefit of installing sports Evaluate/identify the need for purchasing a
lighting to programming and field use site for field expansion or pursuing a
■ Optimize available fields for better use of public/private partnership
space through reconfiguration/expansion Safety/end of life 111 priority
■ Evaluate the impact of installing additional
synthetic turf fields on field availability and
condition
2. Accomplished to Date
■ Project Kick-off Meeting was held on July 811' ■ Town provided data is under review by WSE
■ Field walks,photo documentation,high level 0 Field inventory chart
assessments of 18+2 sites 0 Field GIS Mapping of 18+2 Sites
3. Next Steps
■ Stakeholder feedback and interviews ■ Schematic options for field renovation
■ Field capacity analysis improvements, expansion/reorganization,
■ Stakeholder demographics, and field use conversion to synthetic turf
inventory matrix ■ Review anticipated imminent improvements
■ Town field programming/scheduling and their relationship to this study
inventory
4. Basic Project Timeline
1. Kickoff meeting i July 2021
2. Project team meetings _ Every 2-4 weeks
3. Meetings with community stakeholders Aug/Sept 2021
4. Information and data collection July/Aug 2021
5. GIS/aerial mapping July 2021 (Complete)
6. Budget, options, and alternatives Sept/Oct 2021
7. Draft Report Sept 2021
8. Action plan with prioritized improvements Oct/Nov 2021
9. Final Report_ Nov/Dec 2021
westonandsampson.com
m�Q�p'�am�m
Lexington
RECREATION&COMMUNITY
I'Nb4i RAM 5
Town of Lexington
Recreation and Community Programs
Melissa Battite, CPRP Tel: 781-698-4800
Director of"Recreation and.Community Programs Fax: 781-861-2747
Recreation & Community Programs
June,July,&August 2021 Report
Positive feedback from community members via emails
Day Camp
"I'd also like to take this opportunity to let you know that overall, the LexRec camps have been
fantastic!He is learning a lot from each one, and really enjoying them. So for he has taken the
Take-Home Science Experiments, Minecraft/RoBlox Stop-motion film, and Blue Sox Baseball,
and he is signed up for Flag football in a few weeks. I have 3 older kids as well, and 1 can safely
say that none of the camps that they attended over the years were any better than the LexRec
Summer programs, and most of them fell way short, in a number of regards. Keep up the great
work!!
Community Center
"I just wanted to express my appreciation for the Community Center's programming over this
past challenging year. The exercise classes on Zoom provided a much-needed lift to the spirits,
and the instructors went out of their way to make the experience engaging. If also really
appreciated the opportunity for an in-person class over the summer. It was a welcome chance to
reconnect, and hopefully there will be more in the fall, depending on the situation."
Updates
• The Storywalk installation at Lincoln Park is expected to be ready for install sometime
this fall pending update
• The Lincoln Park scoreboards recently donated and installed by Lexington Youth
Lacrosse were accepted and voted on including installation of padding on the
foundations. The Lexington Public Schools committed to funding the padding. As of
early summer 2021,the padding has not been purchased or installed. An alternative
approach has been looked for installing a natural barrier of shrubs, etc. The school
district will fund this expense as well. A plan for types of shrubs should be available in
the coming weeks to review and revote.
• At a recent meeting, a community member requested that athletic lighting be
considered for Center Recreation Complex Skatepark. A quote (in 2021 dollars) has
www Ie 'in�tc?i� )g.Loi recrpat on
recdgp ?I nril,tcanrr�a. av_
39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MA 02421(office)
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420(mail)
been received and this capital project is estimated to cost $60K excluding operating
expenses for post install and use.
• A few of the FY23 Capital projects will include a community outreach as the budget
season and town meeting articles are prepared. These will be scheduled in the coming
months.
• The Community Center reopened to the public on July 15 with modified hours. On
Tuesday, September 7th, the facility will resume to full hours of operation. More
information about the schedule and services can be found here:
htt s: www.lexin tonma. ov communit -center
• During the Monday,June 28th Select Board meeting, the commercial use of public
grounds was discussed. The Select Board voted unanimously to extend the commercial
use of public grounds through December 31, 2021
• During the May meeting, it was suggested that the Recreation Committee begin to meet
more often. A day/month for implementation will be needed.
• The Town of Arlington Reservoir Capital project will not need to access the project via
Rindge Park as previously reported and planned.
• Congratulations to Peter Coleman who received the Jim Wong Grant Award for the
Pickleball grant application from the Dana Home Foundation. "Jim served on the Board
of The Dana Home of Lexington for many years and on the Board of the Dana Home
Foundation. Jim was instrumental in developing the current mission and financial
endowment of the Dana Home Foundation". This recognition provides $1,000 of grant
award in addition to the $5,700 received.
• Tuesday,June 11t was opening day for the Lexington Farmers' Market at his new
temporary home—Worthen Road practice field. According to the Market Leadership,
"The market was a great success! The DPW assistance was instrumental to the success
of our setup and the clear delineation of the market site." A few highlights shared below
from the LFM Board include: The attendance was just over 700 and Farmers and
vendors reported very good to excellent sales, with only few exceptions. Several sold out
during the market. Five new vendors participated this week, with five more scheduled
next week. Staffing& volunteers include Market Manager Alex Flack, SNAP Coordinator
Phu Vo, a volunteer Mandarin translator, three board members, and seven additional
community and LHS volunteers guiding shoppers and greeting people at the entrance.
Having the shed located onsite was an enormous help, and allowed us to set up and
break down the market quickly and efficiently with volunteer assistance. Customers were
thrilled with the site and we received comments on how nice it was to see the practice
field in use for the greater community. There was very positive feedback with the parking
options, with multiple reports on how easy it was to find spots. We are extremely
grateful to Jimmy Cataldo and the Lexington Police Department for his attention to
Worthen Road parking and putting out signage well in advance of the market to alert
students and passersby to the parking regulations on Tuesday. We did not see any
notable traffic issues at LHS dismissal time, with Officer Cataldo on site monitoring and
ensuring that the crosswalk was highly visible. We will continue to evaluate how we can
improve the market on a weekly basis, and welcome all feedback from town staff. Please
share how grateful we are with the Recreation Committee and relevant town
departments. We are excited about the successful market move to this terrific new
space!
• An article highlighting the department's summer camps and programs was featured in
the Lly 29111 edition ofthe Lexington Minuteman.
• The dedication of the Center Basketball Courts in honor and in memory of Bob Farias
will take place on Wednesday, August 25th at 4:30pm at the Center Recreation Complex.
• The Pool remained opened an additional hour during the recent heat wave (8/11-8/13).
Approximately 75-100+swimmers enjoyed the extra hour of swim time to beat the
summer heat.
Pine Meadows:
• Here is a picture of the recently donated bench. It has been placed at the 3rd tee.
• Thank you to LexMedia for creating this Youtube video for Pine Meadows as a marketing
tool. hLtpsiJZyoutu.be/IinufDCNGeBs
Parks, Fields & Playgrounds Report
• Lincoln Park
a A request for use of the Granite Forest has been received. This is a first and the
event is to host a small retirement gathering which is a great space for such a
celebration.
o The parking lot and the heavy traffic and flow continues to be of concern. The
Transportation Safety Group (TSG) reviewed the parking lot and potential
options to support an improved traffic flow. During its July meeting, the
creation of a one way entrance and exit in and out of the park was discussed.
DPW will work to have signs created and installed prior to the fall season.
Inclusion:
• The inclusive CIT program at S.O.A.R. has begun with four CIT's in each two week
session. CIT's were offered the opportunity to become first aid & CPR certified and were
required to attend a leadership training prior to the start of camp. Three CITs identify
with having a disability and five CITs identify as neuro-typical
• All summer staff and vendors attended the Inclusion training hosted at orientation.
• 7 inclusion aides will be working within summer programs.
• A total of 104 inclusion requests from 29 unique individuals have been made for
Summer programs.
• S.O.A.R. camp leadership staff and inclusion aides attended a Therapeutic Recreation
training prior to the start of summer camp.
Recreation Division:
Programming:
• All day camps, sports clinics, and tennis programs began on Monday,June 28th
Despite the extreme heat during the first week and the extensive rain during the month
of July, the summer programs have been going very well to date. From June 28tH-August
6th, there were over 2,200 participants in the various youth camps and programs that
the department has offered this summer.
• The 3-on-3 summer basketball leagues concluded on August 2nd.There were many
rainouts in the month of July so the season was extended a week and a half to
accommodate as many missed games as we could for the season. There was great
feedback about the new format and we look forward to offering it again next summer!
• The Co-Ed Softball League is winding down. The regular season concluded during the
first week of August and the playoffs began during the week of August 9tH
• The registration for the Fall NFL Flag football league is ending on August 13th. The
program has different age divisions that range from 5-14 years of age. We currently
have 252 participants signed up across all age divisions.
• Staff have been working with Pear Tree on the design for the fall program brochure.
The brochure is scheduled to be finalized and posted on the website by mid-August and
fall program registration will begin on Monday,August 23rd at 6:00am.
Operations:
• A standalone logo for S.O.A.R. has been created by Pear Tree designers and all the staff
will be proudly dawning the logo that will be used for years to come.
• Due to the overwhelming demand, the pickleball/tennis memberships have sold out for
the 2021 season. A total of 422 memberships were sold this year.
• Staff have been in conversations with the Lexington Tennis Club (LTC) about ways the
two organizations can partner going forward. LTC donated four large boxes and four
trash bags of used tennis balls that will be used for youth and adult tennis lessons.
• The Irving H. Mabee Town Pool Complex:
To date, the total swim passes sold are comprised of the following memberships:
o Family—587 (450 resident and 137 non-resident)
a Individual —315 (267 resident and 48 non-resident)
a Senior—218 (192 resident and 26 non-resident)
The pool has been operating very well with no major issues thus far in the season. We
are scheduled to end our Regular Season on August 22nd and will start the Post Season
hours on Monday, August 23rd.This means that the Old Reservoir will be closed up after
the August 22nd.The pool facility will be open from 11:00am-7:00pm daily, except for
August 3111, September 11t and September 2nd due to Lexington Public Schools being in
session on those days.The pool will be open from 3:30-8:30pm on those days. With the
Post Season, there will no longer be aqua aerobics. Although we saw a decline in the
number of participants for Aqua Aerobics this year, we have still had a steady number of
participants. Depending on the weather we have ranged from anywhere between 4-12
participants on a daily basis.
Staff&Volunteers:
• The summer staff and volunteer orientation for day camps, tennis, sports clinics, and
STEM programs took place at the Community Center on Monday,June 2111 at 10:00am.
• The week of August 16th marks the last day of 2021 day camp. The staff and volunteers
have worked hard all summer despite the rainy July and high heat in August. Job well
done!
• Emerson David-Joseph Romano was born on July 25th at 3:35pm. Tom and Mom,
Kendra, are doing great!
Community Center:
Programming:
• Approval was granted from the Town Manager and the BOH to hold summer STEAM
programs at the Community Center from the week of June 28—August 16. All these
programs are filling up and waitlists are shrinking.
• Circuit Lab Circuit Makers 101, All About Robotics, Kids Test Kitchen, Stop Motion
Animation, LEGO Engineering, Minecraft Mania and Rocket Science and Archery are
some of the activities that have been offered and filled to capacity.
Building & Facility:
• The outdoor tent has been installed in the rear parking lot. The online portal for
requesting use can be found here: Comrnuni Center Tent
• Our gardening program, partnering with LABBB, began this month. Each Monday,
Lexington students will visit the community center to assist us with maintaining and
supporting the raised sensory gardens and surrounding garden beds.
• On June 26—27 we hosted our first family campout event at the Community Center as
part of the Park Pop Up Series sponsored by CHNA 15. Over 30 families participated and
activities included games, yoga, s'mores and songs. See Photos at the end of the report.
• The July Park Pop Up Series included a celebration of National Parks and Recreation
Month. Park passports highlighting 10 different park/playgrounds were distributed to
over 150 participants as well as made available on our website. Those who completed
their passport by visiting all 10 properties and finding the paper punch were eligible to
return their passport to the Community Center for prizes.
• The Community Center display cases are currently filled with photos and memorabilia
highlighting the life and career of Dan Fenn.
Budget&Capital:
• FY2020 Capital:
o Diamond Field Renovation/ADA improvements—the walkways with the porous
pave material were installed on July 8-9th
o Center Bathrooms & Storage Building Renovation—feedback and input from the
community was provided during the July Recreation Committee meeting. Staff
continue to work with DPW and the Facilities Department in preparation of this
request being presented at the Special Town Meeting this fall.
o During the June Community Preservation Committee meeting,the Old Reservoir
Bathhouse project and Sutherland Park Improvements were discussed. The
Committee voted 8-0 in support of the proposed changes in the project. The
Committee also took a straw vote resulting in a 6-2 straw vote to be willing to
bring forth a supplemental request should a Special Town Meeting be held Fall
2021 for the Sutherland Playground.
• FY2021 Capital:
o The Athletic Feasibility Study is underway. Staff completed the 20 site visits with
Weston &Sampson on Friday, August 6t" and Wednesday, August 11t". (update
attached)
o Sutherland Playground/ADA Improvements—the ADA improvements at
Sutherland have been completed.
o Valley Tennis Court Resurfacing—due to the exorbitant amount of rain,the
Valley resurfacing project was delayed until Monday,July 191". With that being
said, the contractor was able to complete the project within the anticipated
timeframe of two weeks and the courts reopened for permitted use on Monday,
August 2nd
• FY2022 Capital:
o Rindge Playground/ADA Improvements—it is anticipated that the public
engagement process for this project will begin in October 2021 with a projected
installation of Spring 2022.
FY2023 Capital & Operating Budgets:
o The Recreation FY2023-FY2027 5-Year Capital Plan will be finalized in September.
The deadline to submit the department's FY2023 operating budget is Friday,
October 1St
atl �
yi
I I
Alm
d 7
mnrana
0
OAOR*
.k�'snrsmr
Ib
SUMMER OUTDOOR ARTS & RECREATION
qr
r
X, I
r
ti
/
t
,S � - I��i d/, r ri„��ir .r ..r /i/,r,.,`��� -,,/�,l/ / i//.- O//r'r.. i; / /,.,/,� /r�,/ �r%;/%/�5/r.r �( ✓d
;:,Gir/.., /,!o � ,-r //y/�li//f,IG,..I/.///.r� r �r✓�%(,,��f /�.-ri (O l�,�,../i/io J�//�/<lrro. V,1 �i l�l�l/.� i ��,;�.
y��� ;,/✓;�j(i /o/ ���1 �J�:.�i�%r1-i,f /�f��>"r/�i//,� i /////, /�i.���,/,%/���� �1',(,//iIJl f
,'liV6;;:. G. 1.,il:���/,... tV✓r.✓. �¢i//,,,... �c..�,JYr,r�rHisi.,,p����;'r//„ �./el�:, �i���,.r",.,n„/f„�cimJ/��l/%/�!'-ri//�r�li.��ii�Udil4lLfr� !(v ./ �ilN��l�ii"�',
l' PSI
� `yM
/
/
B!y
k % �
1
i
JI
r
I mot
! 7
a -,ba 119,
u
��� �F,.
':r. ��.
r"'� �;�t� � �j6 i � ��'I!
��V�,," f �I �'
ii !
r�/� % ,
k
7 � k
e9rD l%�/J�� � III �aA
�� �� �
�'
iii
� ;
�r f
i rll i } i
��°��fi g 1���� ii ��� �'����
9 �r�,r ������ ,<< rol l
G /� /9
w f�i 7p �/� ' � � �� r� i
/G��(lI J�f���� F G � �4��4 fFd�/
i ri /i yl y t�
/�`i r�'/%�//� � ,� �
����'I<l1�/�f r �i'��i � � i�i df
,,,��''/ ���� ��� ����,�fir'
r � --.._:-- K' �r ���f �I� ����Ir�l!//���/f,/�/iii i� ��/ ��/
_ f
;,� ��r "" � i ��i �,�� /��/lid//� t�/i
....., �� / � 1 � i��/��S.i/�/r//�i l%/ r�/
""��,, ,,..
/� �i ���l i��� /�/��J /f ///�ii/ I f`..
��� �� r �� ,��1� �/ � �
'i,��
���� I;i%i//i��i����'�/��� i i SIJ,�a
i'
���„ %,
', ..� i
I
�'��,
,.��...._ ., � - � r
��
�' �
„� rf
i- /
,, � �i � f aha � ��� � .,.
� � ���
��w/ �
�'
._��
s � � '
n
, , �� � ��
�� ��� �
t
�.r fid hl�',�� �>, �%. �r�,,a;,, ,`aJV .4t,r