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Lexington
RECREATION & COMMUNITY
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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
January 2025 Report
Save the Dates & FYI — Happy New Year!
• Monday, January 27th — Select Board meeting will include review of the proposed FY26 fees as
well as 2025 Annual Town Meeting CPA requests.
• February 3, 2025 - A Special Town Meeting has been called for with one article specific to the
the MBTA Zoning.
• Friday, February 7, 2025 - Recreation staff and committee have been asked to participate in a
panel discussion sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The panel will be discussing the
athletic playing surfaces including natural and synthetic. Panel participants have not been
confirmed, at this time Melissa Battite and Christian Boutwell will be joining.
• February 19th — 6:30pm, Recreation Committee photo at the Lex250 Countdown Calendar
• Tuesday, February 25th — Spring & Summer Program Registration begins at 6:00am for
Lexington residents.
• March 23, 2025 - Annual Town Meeting will begin. Article speeches and supporting documents
are due the first week of Feburary.
LHS Building Project
• Discussions continue with stakeholders who may/will be impacted by the temporary and or
relocation of athletic fields. It was recently shared that plans are currently focusing on not
using C1, C2 or C7 at all during the project. This is significant and will continue to be followed
as the designs continue to be formed.
• SMMA has been meeting with stakeholders of the LHS Building Project. On January 14, 2025,
SMMA, LHS Principal, LPS Athletic Director, LPS Physical Education Director, Peter Coleman and
Melissa Battite met to discuss the renovation/renovation expansion of the field house.
Discussions will continue throughout the winter/early spring.
Celebrations
• Kate DeAngelis has been awarded the specialization in Community Inclusion Services through
the National Council for Therpaeutic Recreation Certification
www.Iexingtonma.gov/recreation
recd ept@ Iexi ngtonma.goy
39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MA 02421 (office)
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 (mail)
• A hearty thank you for being part of our inaugural team at the 2024 Battlegreen Run! With our
sincere gratitude for running, walking, donating and being part of our 25 -strong Recreation
community. With your help, we were able to raise more than $3,000 to benefit the Recreation
and Community Programs Financial Aid scholarships and the All Abilities Fund. These monies
will help make recreation programming possible for many individuals this year - we are so
grateful.
• The department received a $500 stipend from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for
hosting an Adult Red Ball pilot program this fall which will be placed into the Recreation Gift
Fund for future tennis needs.
• The Therapeutic Recreation division received a grant for $1800 from the United State Tennis
Association to continue supporting our adaptive tennis program
Staff Updates:
o Planning for and recruitment of staff for the Summer 2025 season has begun! A get-together
with returning staff was held on Wednesday, January 8th at Dave & Buster's in Woburn and
summer staff interviews are underway. The application deadline for summer employment is
Saturday, March 11t
Sports Advisory Council
• The next Sports Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21St at 4pm.
Programs & Services
• The Friday afternoon/Friday night ski & snowboard programs at Nashoba Valley began on
Friday, January 10tH
The Evening Drop -In Gym program at the LHS Field House opened for the season on Monday,
January 6th. The program is offered on Monday -Thursday nights from 8-10pm for basketball
(Mondays & Wednesdays), soccer (Tuesdays), pickleball (Thursdays), and
walking/jogging/running (Monday -Thursday).
The majority of winter programs began over the past week and are off to a good start.
The Recreation division is hosting two new programs over February vacation week
o Prove Them Wrong Basketball: Prove Them Wrong will deliver high-level training while
instilling life lessons and values that will go beyond the court. During the February clinic,
athletes will develop and mature as basketball players, strengthening their basketball
terminology, ball handling, shooting mechanics, conditioning, and live play.
o February Fun Camp: an inclusive, liscened camp for children in grades 1-5. Each day the
camp will engage in a variety of sports, games and crafts while fostering peer
connections.
The deadline for inclusion service requests was January 1St — there are currently 40 unique
participants registered for programs with supports
Adaptive Martial Arts is piloting this month and has a total of 7 participants registered
Budget & Capital
• Valley Courts — the second public hearing with the Conservation Commission was held on
Monday, January 6th. Additional test pits were required which found the groundwater to be
higher than anticipated, so a continuance to the Conservation Commission meeting on Monday,
February 3rd has been requested. here the proposed basin will be located behind the courts
were completed at the site on Friday, December 13th and the second public hearing with the
Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, January 6th. The project will go out to bid
in February with the bid opening scheduled for mid-March.
• Fiske Field Renovation — the sod was installed on December 18th. The protection fencing will
remain up until the spring. The mounds and home plate areas will be touched up and work to
be completed in early spring includes overseeding, slice seeding, topdressing, aerating, and
fertilizing the field.
• Harrington New Fields Construction Project —the kickoff meeting for the design phase took
place on Thursday, January Stn
• Lincoln Park Field #2 Capital Project held the first meeting. It is anticipated that the project will
go out for bid in early February, mobilize in June and substantially complete by September
2025.
• Pine Meadows Golf Clubhouse Renovation —the sub filed bids and general bids have been
opened and the project has come in within budget. It is anticipated that the project will
mobilize in early February with substantial completion in July 2025.
• The Reservoir Bathouse renovations continue. It is expected that the renovations will be
complete by the end of January/early February 2025.
Parks, Fields, & Facilities
• Center Recreation After Dark is ongoing.
• Athletic Fields
o Representatives from the LHS Baseball Boosters, LHS Athletics, Lexington Farmers'
Market, and staff from DPW and Recreation & Community Programs will meet
onsite at the Worthen Road practice field to review the location for the new batting
cage prior to the installation beginning. This meeting is tentatively scheduled for
mid-February, weather permitting.
o It is anticipated that the spring field schedule will be finalized before the end of
February.
From: Peter Coleman pcoleman@lexingtonma.gov cf
Subject: Memo on the Center #1 Batting Cage
Date: December 17, 2024 at 13:58
To: Boutwell, Christian L., Ph.D. CBOUTWELL@mgh.harvard.edu, Rick DeAngelis fjdeangelisl @comcast.net, Rick DeAngelis
rdeangelis@bxp.com, m.resendes@minuteman.org 'm.resendes@minuteman.org', Adam Blauer
operationsdirector@lexingtonlax.org, Adam Schwartz schwartz@couponsurfer.com, Alexander Nedzel alex@nedzel.com,
Andrea Celenza acelenza@andreacelenza.com, Brendan Donahue bdonahue@lexingtonunited.org, Eric Steinkrauss
metrocontract@aol.com, Franco Diaz franco.diaz@lisnetcorp.com, Gene Kalb Gene.kalb@gmail.com, Greg Sheehan
greg.sheehan3@gmail.com, Islam Youssef islamyoussef.icy@gmail.com, John Andrews president@lexingtonunited.org,
Lexington Farmers Mkt lexingtonfarmersmkt@gmail.com, Lexington Little League lexyouthbbsb@gmail.com, Mona Altschuler
monaaltschuler@gmail.com, Naomi Martin nmartin@lexingtonma.org, Sean Kennedy kenns_11 @yahoo.com, Peter Counsell
Petercounsell@comcast.net, Raphael Savir Raphael.savir@buda.org, United Cricket League unitedcricleague@gmail.com,
Kartik Shah kash1986in@gmail.com, PK Shiu pk@pkshiu.com, kimmamcc@gmail.com, Mike Finkenzeller
mfinkenzeller@gmail.com, Zachary Matus zackmatus@gmail.com, colleen calhoun colleen.calhoun@yahoo.com,
jp255@yahoo.com, Ajay Dubey dubeya2@gmail.com, Bobby Lyng rob.lyng@lexingtonlax.org, president 9lexingtonlax.org,
Sean Kennedy vp-logistics@lexingtonunited.org, Carl Fantasia cfantasia217@gmail.com, Stone Meadow Golf
stonemeadowgolf@gmail.com, georgeliss68@gmail.com, Resendes, Michelle m.resendes@minuteman.org
Ce: Recreation Committee recreation cmte9lexingtonma. gov, Melissa Battite mbattite@lexingtonma.gov, Christopher Filadoro
cfiladoro@lexingtonma.gov, Christine Dean cdean@lexingtonma.gov, Laura Perry Iperry@lexingtonma.gov, Charles Schroeder
cschroeder@lexingtonma.gov, Peter Coleman pcoleman@lexingtonma.gov
Hello Sports Advisory Council,
Please see the attached memo about the batting cage at the Center #1 Baseball Field.
Thanks,
Peter
Peter Coleman, CPRP, CPSI, CYSA I Assistant Director of Recreation
Winter 2025 Program Registration I December 101—h at 6am!
Town of Lexington I Recreation and Community Programs
A: 39 Marrett Road I Lexington MA 02421
P: (781) 698-4803
12EN -
Lexingtoll
F: (781) 861-2747
zoo
Creating Community Through People, Parks & Places
When writing or responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email is a public
record and, therefore, may not be kept confidential.
I-vxir1gton
Town of Lexington
r:n .
ReQeatian and Community Programs
Melissa Eattite, CPRP Tel: 781.698.4800
Director of Recreation and Community Programs Fax: 781-861-2747
December 17, 2024
To: Sports Advisory Council
Fr= Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation
Cc,. Recreation Committee
Re. Batting Cage at the Center -#1 Baseball Field
The Recreation Committee meeting held on Wednesday, November 20, 20'24 included an agenda item brought
forward by the LHS Baseball Boasters organization to donate a new batring cage to be placed at the Center
Recreation Complex. The existing batting cage is in permanent disrepair. It is a safety hazard as there are holes
in the netting and the fencing is in deterioration. it is also ditficult to maintain vegetation given its location.
Due to all of these reasons, a new batting cage is needed at this site.
The proposed location for a new batting cage would be on the Worthen Road Practice Field by the access road
next to the throwing cage. The proponents from the LHS Baseball Boosters communicated that there would be
no impact on the Lexington Farmers' Market's use of the Worthen Road Practice Field. The new batting cage
would be installed using in -ground sleeves, meaning it is mobile and could be reinstalled at a difterent location
when the Worthen Road Practice Field is impacted by the LHS building project. The netting is scheduled to last
Sib years and the structure would be. viable for over 10 years. The new batting cage would Have a lock on the
door and only teams that are permitted use of the Center #1 Baseball Field or Center #2. Softball Field would
have access to use the cage.
The Recreation Committee: approved the following motion by a vote ofS-Q: "Tire Recreation Committee moves
to approve the construction of a new baiting cage, located parallel to the service road that rums from Park
Drive to warthen Road wird next to the throwing eage for Lerington High ,School field events. The location of
the baubig cage will be approved by 1?Faomi Martin, Director ref rlthleticsfor the Lexington Public: ,Schools, or
her designee. The batting cine will be funder!Privately and then turned over to the Town upon completion.
71te barring cage will be to ked and made available fear use to organizations that rare permitted use of the Center
#1 baseball field and Center #3 softball field by the Retreat}on and Community Programs Deparlme rt "
It is anticipated that the construction ofthe new batting cage will be completed prior to the Spring 2025 season.
"Creating Community Through People, Peaks & Places'
wsvv.lexin rimB�uV�'m�?�+r
recdep.t l# [t1r guy
39 MARRE T ROAD, LEIONGrON, LAA 02421
From: Recreation Committee recreationcmte@lexingtonma.gov
Subject: Re: Online Form Submittal: Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Date: January 5, 2025 at 11 :29
To: gautham.ur@gmail.com
IN
The best way is to apply to be a member of the town rec committee which you can find more information
the town website.
Renen
From: noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2025 7:15:11 PM
To: Recreation Committee
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Contact Us - Recreation Committee
USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or
respond to the email unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know the
content is safe.
Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Your Name
Gautham Rao
Your Email
gautham.ur@gmail.com
Subject
Board application
Message
Hi,
I was looking to get more involved with the community that I live
in and was interested in joining a board, if possible. I was inter-
ested in the Recreation Committee. What's the best way I can
volunteer and participate?
Email not displaying correctly? View it in our browser.
From: noreply@civicplus.com
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Date: January 2, 2025 at 19:15
To: recreationcmte@lexingtonma.gov
USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or
respond to the email unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know the
content is safe.
Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Your Name Gautham Rao
Your Email gautham.ur@gmail.com
Subject Board application
Message Hi
I was looking to get more involved with the community that I live
in and was interested in joining a board, if possible. I was inter-
ested in the Recreation Committee. What's the best way I can
volunteer and participate?
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
From: Lexington, MA boards@granicuslabs.com
Subject: Alan V Seferian has submitted an application for Recreation Committee
Date: January 4, 2025 at 12:35
To: Selectboard@lexingtonma.gov, recreationcmte@lexingtonma.gov
USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or
respond to the email unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know
the content is safe.
A new application for Lexington MA Boards and Committees has been submitted. Applicant: Alan V Seferian Boards Applied For:
Recreation Committee Link: https:HlexinQtonma.granicus.com/apps/boards/applicants/?id=1870459
From: noreply@civicplus.com
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Date: January 6, 2025 at 12:02
To: recreationcmte@lexingtonma.gov
USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or
respond to the email unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know the
content is safe.
Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Your Name Laurel Carpenter
Your Email laurelcarpenter999gmail.com
Subject Recreation Committee vacancy
Message Hello, can you give a status report on the recreation committee
vacancy? Are you still accepting applications?
thank you
Email not displaying correctly? View it in our browser.
From: noreply@civicplus.com
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Date: January 10, 2025 at 14:18
To: recreationcmte@lexingtonma.gov
USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or
respond to the email unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know the
content is safe.
Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Your Name PK Shiu
Your Email pk@pkshiu.com
Subject LPC Board comment for consideration for Jan Pickleball discus-
sion Item 9
Message LPC board has emailed Peter and Claire a copy of our input as a
PDF to item 9 for the Jan Rec Comm meeting, as this form does
not support attachment. Thank you.
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
From: Peter Coleman pcoleman@lexingtonma.gov (J,
Subject: FW: Memo from LPC to RecComm for Jan Meeting
Date: January 10, 2025 at 16:30
To: Recreation Committee recreation cmte9lexingtonma. gov, Melissa Battite mbattite@lexingtonma.gov
Cc: Claire Sheth claireshethma@gmail.com
Hi Renen and Melissa,
Please see the email below and memo attached from P.K. Shiu on behalf of the Lexington Pickleball Club (LPC)
Th an ks,
Peter
Peter Coleman, CPRP, CPSI, CYSA I Assistant Director of Recreation
Winter 2025 Program Registration is Ongoing!
Town of Lexington I Recreation and Community Programs
A:39 Marrett Road I Lexington, MA 02421
P: (781) 698-4803 1 F: (781) 861-2747
Creating Community Through People, Parks & Places
-----Original Message -----
From: PK Shiu <pk@pkshiu.com>
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2025 2:18 PM
To: Peter Coleman <pcoleman@lexingtonma.gov>; Claire Sheth <claireshethma@gmail.com>
Subject: Memo from LPC to RecComm for Jan Meeting
USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or respond to the email
unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know the content is safe.
Peter, Claire,
Please accept the attached PDF as our comments and input for your working session at the Jan Recreation Committee meeting. We
would like this memo to be part of the official meeting materials. We will enter a message at the committee's contact us form in
reference to this email as well, since that form does not support attachment.
Thank you for all your do, as always,
PK, representing the Lexington Pickleball Club Board
When writing or responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email is a public
record and, therefore, may not be kept confidential.
To: Lexington Recreation and Recreation Committee
From: Lexington Pickleball Club Board (LPC)
Date: January 10, 2025
Subject= Comments on 2025 Pickleball Facilities Planning
Sharer) Resources
LPC recognimes the importance of collaboration between the Picicleball and Tennis communities
to share, optimize and enhance all available courts. Incremental improvements are necessary to
meet the demands of both sports -
Growth
Our data demonstrates a study increase in Pickleball participation, %vith monthly growth figures
of 59, 45, and 44 members from October to December, and an additional 16 new members in
the first week of January_ In contrast, Tennis has not shown similar growth. LPC supports
making targeted enhancements to sustain and accommodate Lexington's Pickleball expansion.
Court Usaga
Pickleball courts have significantly higher utilization rates compared to Tennis courts. While a
Tennis court typically serves two players, the same court supports two Pickleball courts and
accommodates 8 to 12 players. 'Ate request the committee apply a 4 to 6 multiplier to Pickleball
usage data to accurately reflect its demand when counting court hours_
Parking at Adams
The Pickleball community does not contribute to increased parking issues at Adams. We have
proactively ensured that our memtyers adhere to all parking regulations.
Support for Continuing Pickleball at Adams 2025
LPC fully endorses the continuation of the Pickleball program at Adams as implemented in 2024
by:
r Making courts reservable only for Pickleball to support the growing player base, while
allo%vrng dual usage for Tennis and Pickleball when not booked.
a Maintaining similar rental agreements with LexRec for court times.
+ Relining courts to accommodate six Pickleball courts and two Tennis courts using a color
scheme suitable for both sports_
+ Note: Adding 2 more courts .will increase revenue from LPG to LexRec by 50% for
weekdays
We appreciate your consideration and look fonvard to supporting the continued growth of
Pickleball in Lexington.
From: noreply@civicplus.com
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Date: January 13, 2025 at 22:30
To: recreationcmte@lexingtonma.gov
USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or
respond to the email unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know the
content is safe.
Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Your Name eileen entin
Your Email eileenhome@gmail.com
Subject supporting pickleball at adams
Message Dear Recreation Committee Members,
I appreciated the opportunity provided by the rec department and
enjoyed playing pickleball at Adam this past summer and fall. I
look forward to the opportunity to play there again this coming
season.
One problem we "picklers" face, however, is that the court
boundaries are almost impossible to see because the lines are
black on a dark surface. I request that the committee have the
Adams courts clearly lined for pickleball in a contrasting and
highly visible color. Clearly lined courts will eliminate lots of ambi-
guity during play.
Thank you for addressing this need.
Eileen Entin
104 Blosomcrest Rd
Lexington, MA
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
From: Eileen Entin eileenhome@gmail.com
Subject: supporting pickleball at Adams
Date: January 13, 2025 at 22:36
To: recreationcmte@lexingtonma.gov
USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or
respond to the email unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know
the content is safe.
Dear Recreation Committee Members,
I appreciated the opportunity provided by the rec department and enjoyed playing pickleball at Adam this past summer and fall. I look
forward to the opportunity to play there again this coming season.
One problem we "picklers" face, however, is that the court boundaries are almost impossible to see because the lines are black on a
dark surface. I request that the committee have the Adams courts clearly lined for pickleball in a contrasting and highly visible color.
Clearly lined courts will eliminate lots of ambiguity during play.
Thank you for addressing this need.
Eileen Entin
104 Blosomcrest Rd
Lexington, MA
From: noreply@civicplus.com
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Date: January 14, 2025 at 16:37
To: recreationcmte@lexingtonma.gov
USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or
respond to the email unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know the
content is safe.
Contact Us - Recreation Committee
Your Name Sarah Weaver
Your Email sweaver@sciencefromscientists.org
Subject Programming with Science from Scientists
Message Hello!
I am reaching out to learn more about your after school and sum-
mer programming.
My name is Sarah Weaver and I am the Director of Operations
for Science from Scientists. We hire real scientists and engineers
who teach hands-on STEM lessons in classrooms, workshops
and camps. We currently teach in 40 schools in Massachusetts.
I am reaching out to you because we recently expanded our of-
ferings and developed several week-long camp programs, de-
signed to adapt to various ages, group sizes, times, etc. I was
wondering if you partnered with outside organizations, allowing
them to be included in your booklet/website of workshop or camp
offerings.
I would love to set up a meeting in January to learn more about
your program offerings and see if there is a way that we could
partner with you this year.
Thank you so much - I hope you have a happy new year!
Best,
Sarah
Sarah Weaver (she/her/hers) I Director of MA Operations I Sci-
ence from Scientists
203-417-0710 1 sweaver@sciencefromscientists.org
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From: Candace Foresta cforesta2@comcast.net
Subject: Pickleball lines at Adams
Date: January 14, 2025 at 18:27
To: recreationcmte@lexingtonma.gov
USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or respond to the email
unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know the content is safe.
A group of us LPC members play pickle ball at Adams playground and would greatly appreciate it if permanent pickleball lines could
be painted on the four courts there. It is difficult to call a ball in or out since the lines are black and the court is dark green. A lighter
paint color is needed. One member has been chalking the lines but inclement weather washes the chalk away.
Thanks in advance for your consideration.
Candace Foresta
Sent from my Phone
LHS BUILDING PROJECT
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS gAff
Bloom includes the new high school building, a
central office, and a rennovated fieldhouse
Current LHS R��
Track/Tenr[
"�y ✓tea Bloom Courts
WHAT IS THE
STATE OF THE PROJECT
It
Chose ' De6t
Nov
design Exclusloh
Vote '. Move-.
In
Getting MSBA approvay
N2024 2025
We are
here
ov/Dec
WHAT IS THE
TAXPAYER IMPACT?
State/Fed
Govt.
(6i) Annual property tax
increase:
$1,700 (10%) to
P, $2,400 (14%)
Lexington
Taxpayers
($508M)-78%
HOW WILL
TAXPAYER IMPACT BE
• The town will absorb $4M in MITIGATED?
debt annually from the tax /
levy
• A Capital Stabilization Fund
(CSF) currently has $32M to
alleviate the burden, and is
growing. Lexington
Taxpayers
-$470M
WILL THE NEW
Central
SCHOOL FIT INCREASED
snu ft Office
13,800
ENROLLMENT?
,�.h <'"
461,000
students
Central Office is squ.ft squ.ft
600
designed to be students
converted into
classrooms to
support up to 3000
students
Current School
Bloom
Sources:
• LHS Building Project website:
https://www.lhsp roj ect.lexi ngtonma.org/-
1215124 Presentation
KREIGER
MEMORANDUM
To: Town of Lexington
From: Mina S. Makarious
Olympia A. Bowker
ANDERSON & KREIGER LLP
Re: Process for Article 97 Land Disposition, With Pending Regulatory Changes
Date: December 5, 2024
I. Background
This memorandum distills and summarizes the steps the Town of Lexington should follow to release
Article 97 land pursuant to the Public Land Protection Act ("PLPA"), G.L. c. 3 § 5A (in effect as of
February 2023) and the proposed regulations, 310 CMR XX.00, which were released in draft form in
November 2024.
The Town of Lexington has a high school adjacent to existing playing fields. The playing fields are
protected under Article 97, while the land with the school is not. Lexington wishes to build a new high
school on the fields and later demolish the existing high school to re-create the fields on that parcel,
effectively swapping the Article 97 land. To do this, the Town must comply with the process provided in
the Public Land Protection Act ("PLPA"), G.L. c. 3 § 5A to "release" the fields from Article 97 protection
and designate replacement land.
The PLPA was signed into law on November 17, 2022, and went into effect on February 15, 2023. The
PLPA codified the process for submitting legislative petitions disposing of or authorizing alternate uses
for Article 97 land. On November 22, 2024, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
("EEA") issued draft regulations to aid public entities with the statutory requirements, 310 CMR XX.00
("Draft Regulations").' Public comments on the Draft Regulations are due to EEA by 5pm on December
23, 2024.
EEA has also issued a series of tools and guidance documents on the new PLPA administration. These
include:
• November 2024 Guidance on Implementation of An Act Preserving Open Space in the
Commonwealth, M. G.L. c. 3, § 5A ("PLPA Guidance"). PLPA Guidance available at:
https://www.mass. ovg_ /doe/guidance-on-public-lands-preservation-act-implementation-november-
2024/download.'
' https://www.mass.gov/doc/draft-open-space-act-regulations-301-cmr-5200-112224/download
z The November 2024 guidance replaced previously issued February 2023 interim guidance.
AS on ISIMS
• August 2024 Frequently Asked Questions Regarding M. G.L. c. 3, § 5A ("PLPA FAQ").' PLPA
FAQ available at hllps://www.mass.gov/doc/public-lands-preservation-act-frequently-asked-
questions-august-2024/download.
• Article 97 "Natural Resource Site Evaluation Tool".
• The EEA Portal for submissions to the EEA Secretary.
The 1998 Article 97 Policy remains in effect, although the EEA website notes that a new draft is
forthcoming.
II. Applicable Statutory Requirements
The fundamental requirement in the PLPA is that an entity proposing an Article 97 disposition must
package up certain materials and submit them to EEA before seeking legislative approval. Only once
EEA has reviewed those materials and issued its concurrence on the disposition, can a proponent file its
legislative petition. All materials shall be submitted to the EEA through the PLPA website and Portal,
available at https://www.mass.gov/forms/online-submittal-to-comply-with-mgl-c-3-ss-5a.
While Lexington must authorize the disposition at Town Meeting prior to submitting its legislative
petition, there is no requirement that this authorization occur after alternatives are analyzed, or prior to
submitting materials to EEA for approval. See PLPA FAQ, p. 8; EEA Portal. We recommending
reviewing the filing prerequisites and discussing the timing of the Town Meeting vote with counsel.
A. Prerequisites to Submitting Materials to EEA for Approval
The PLPA Statute, Regulations, and Guidance do not mandate that the below steps occur before
authorizing a disposition by Town Meeting (or other municipal) vote, so we strongly recommend the
Town of Lexington discuss the timing of these steps with counsel prior to proceeding.
The following tasks are necessary for Lexington to complete its EEA submittal.
1. Conduct an alternatives analysis "[d]emonstrating that all other options to avoid or minimize ...
the change in use have been explored and no feasible or substantially equivalent alternative
exists." G.L. c. 3 § 5A(a)(1)(A); 301 CMR XX.04(2); 301 CMR XX.06.
o The analysis may be brief, but must be in writing and:
■ Include an explanation of the proposed Art. 97 action and identify the public
purpose that it will serve;
■ Identify each alternative considered and describe why they were infeasible or not
substantially equivalent to the proposed disposition (cost difference between land
owned by the Town and privately held land cannot be the sole basis for
infeasibility);
■ Describe all efforts to avoid or minimize the impacts of the proposed Article 97
Action, including by minimizing land area, type, and degree of alteration
required; and
3 The August 2024 FAQ replaced a February 2023 "Frequently Asked Questions" document.
KREIGER
■ Describe the Article 97 interest and proposed replacement land, including
acreage, location, and boundaries of the land. 301 CMR XX.06(2)(a)-(d).
o The alternatives considered must be:
■ Owned by the Town of Lexington, or other public or private owner;
■ Appropriate for the intended use;
■ Reasonably available for acquisition at the time of the Town first considered the
Article 97 Actions; and
■ Within the Lexington. 301 CMR XX.06(3)(a)-(d).
2. Identify replacement land. G.L. c. 3 § 5A(a)(ii); 301 CMR XX.07.
o With limited exception not applicable here, the Town of Lexington must identify
Replacement Land to mitigate the impact of an Article 97 disposition.
o Qualifying replacement land must:
■ Not already be subject to Article 97;
■ Be in a comparable location to the impacted area;
■ Of the same Article 97 interest; and
■ Be equal or greater than the impacted area with respect to:
Acreage;
Monetary value as determined by an appraisal of the fair market value or
value in use, whichever is greater; and
Natural Resource Value as determined by the Secretary pursuant to 310
CMR XX.08. (The benefit the land provides the public such as clean air
and water, healthy food, climate change mitigation, wildlife habitat, or
recreation). PLPA Guidance p. 5.
Perform an appraisal of the land to be disposed, and an appraisal of the replacement land.
o Must include both fair market value, and value in use. 301 CMR XX.07(3).
o An appraisal conducted in accordance with the EEA Appraisal Guidelines, commissioned
by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, or conducted in
accordance with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (Yellow
Book) shall presumptively be valid for the purposes of 301 CMR XX.00.
■ EEA appraisal standards available at: https://www.mass.gov/doe/eea-land-
acquisition-policy-appraisals-01-06-15/download .
4. Notice the proposed disposition and publish the alternatives analysis. 301 CMR XX.05.
o Post notice of the proposed disposition on the Town's website.
■ Notification must provide "sufficient information on the current Art. 97 values
and uses of the land, the public purpose of the disposition or change in was, and
the replacement land for the public to clearly understand the proposed Art. 97
action." PLPA Guidance, at 3.
o Post the alternatives analysis of the proposed disposition on the Town's website.
o Public comment on the notice and alternatives analysis is encouraged, but not required in
this circumstance. PLPA Guidance, p. 3.
5. Draft legal descriptions of the Article 97 land to be disposed of and the proposed replacement
land.
o These descriptions must be specific enough to later be included in legislation, and must
include:
■ Acreage;
■ location; and
■ boundaries. PLPA Guidance, p. 6.
o The legal descriptions can be a deed reference, metes and bounds, or reference areas
clearly delineated on a provided site plan. PLPA Guidance, p. 6.
o Assemble base maps of the 97 land to be disposed of and the proposed replacement land.
6. Consult with EEA, draft proposed legislation for the Article 97 land swap and also draft text of
proposed municipal votes needed for the disposition, like a draft Warrant Article.
o The language of the legislation advancing the Art. 97 Action must be consistent with any
Town vote to release the land. "Reviewing examples of prior Art. 97 legislation and
Consulting Counsel, EEA, and the Legislative Research and Drafting Manual is
recommended." PLPA Guidance p. 8.
o EEA policy, legal, and legislative staff will collaboratively answer questions regarding
Art. 97 Actions, including legislative drafting.
■ A dedicated email address, Article97@mass.gov, has been established to accept
requests for assistance.
7. Submit the following to EEA via the online portal:
o Contact information for the Applying entity;
o A PDF of draft legislation for the disposition and replacement land;
o A PDF of the alternatives analysis and public comment (if applicable);
o A list of entities that must approve the Article 97 action;
o A PDF of the text of the vote or proposed vote allowing the disposition—this can be in
draft form if Town Meeting has not yet approved the disposition;
o A PDF of the local approval language, approving the disposition—this can be in draft;
o narrative information on the Replacement Land;
o Base maps of the Article 97 land and proposed replacement land;
o PDFs of the appraisals;
o PDFs of the legal descriptions of the Article 97 land and proposed replacement land;
o A PDF of the public notice of the disposition; and
o A PDF map of the proposed use of the replacement land.
8. The Town must also place the proposed replacement land on the Town Meeting Warrant, as
dedication of the "replacement land in perpetuity for Article 97 purposes" is required to satisfy
the PLPA disposition requirements. G.L. c. 3 § 5A(a)(111).
o "The language approving these votes must be consistent with the language of the
subsequent legislation advancing the Art. 97 Action. For this reason, it is important to be
clear on what is authorized without being overly limiting. Reviewing examples of prior
Art. 97 legislation and Consulting Counsel, EEA, and the Legislative Research and
Drafting Manual is recommended." PLPA Guidance p. 8.
B. Legislative Petition Requirements
EEA will review submissions to determine consistency with the Act and with EEA's Article 97 Policy.
Based on this review, the Secretary will make natural resource equivalency determinations and requested
determinations and findings on waivers, modifications, and in lieu funding proposals. EEA will post on
the Article 97 website all natural resource equivalency determinations, waivers, or modifications granted
by the Secretary, and all findings reported to 3 the Legislature on proposals to provide funding in lieu of
replacement land. PLPA Guidance, p. 2.
Once the EEA submittal is complete and the Town has voted to dispose of the land, the Town can move
forward with a petition to the general court. The PLPA requires that the petition be accompanied by the
following:
1. Documentation of public notification. PLPA Guidance, p. 8.
2. The alternatives analysis completed pursuant to G.L. c. 3 § 5A(a)(1)(A). G.L. c. 3 § 5A(c)(i);
PLPA Guidance, p. 8.
3. A description of the replacement land to be dedicated. G.L. c. 3 § 5A(c)(ii); and
4. A copy of the appraisal required by section G.L. c. 3 § 5A(a). G.L. c. 3 § 5A(c)(iii).
C. Post -Legislative Approval Requirements
Once the Legislation passes, EEA "expects to receive documentation that the replacement land or interest
in land was taken, acquired or dedicated in perpetuity by an instrument properly recorded or registered at
the Registry of Deeds or Land Court, as applicable, solely for the same Art. 97 purpose, and improved as
needed to provide for comparable use, so that the requirements of the PLPA are met and the constitutional
rights of Massachusetts residents are protected and enhanced." PLPA Guidance, p. 5.
•�IrN�
1�
Lexington
Rica IAT ION L CUMMI'NITY
renct�.I
MEMORANDUM
TO: Recreation Committee OSN� FROM: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation & Community PrograDATE: January 13, 2025
SUBJECT: FY26 Fee Schedule
The 2025 Fee Schedule reflects requests for fee adjustments for several Activity Types within
different Cost Centers and Core Program Areas as highlighted in the attached schedules.
The adjustments take into consideration market price, cost of living increases and other
expenses associated with delivering the particular service. The fees will be implemented during
the FY2026 Budget year and applied as those seasonal registrations and memberships are
available during the 2025 Calendar Year.
The overall revenue projections associated with the adjustments is $78,977.00
in the following Cost Centers:
Aquatics $ 23,555.00
Golf $ 41,842.00
Camps & Clinics $ 5,740.00
Adult Programs & Leagues $ 350.00
Youth Leagues $_7,490.00
Total $78,977.00
Attachments:
Proposed 2025 Fee Schedule
Proposed Community Center Rental Schedule
Proposed Outdoor Recreation Facilities
1.14.2025
......... --
Scanned with
® CamScanner
------------- ----------
Lexington Recreation Community Programs Annual Fee Schedule
Cost Center
Activity Type
Core Program Area
2022
2023
2024
2025
Aquatics
--
Family Pass - Non -Resident
Memberships
-
415.00
$415.00
$415.00
$
455.00
Aquatics
Individual Pass - Non -Resident
Memberships
$175.00
$175.00
$175.00
$
195.00
Aquatics
Family Pass - Resident
Memberships
$255.00
$255.00
255.00
280.00
Aquatics
Individual Pass - Resident
Memberships
$90.00
$90.00
90.00
$
100.00
Aquatics
Senior Pass - Resident
Memberships
$65.00
$65.00
$70.00
$
70.00
Aquatics
Senior Pass - Non -Resident
Memberships
$ 100.00
$
110.00
110.00
Aquatics
Replacement Card
Memberships
$5.00
$5.00
$5.00
$
5.00
Aquatics
Daily Pass - Resident
Memberships
$7.00
$7.00
$7.00
$
7.00
Aquatics
Daily Pass - Non -Resident
Memberships
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$
10.00
Aquatics
Lessons - all ages & abilities
Intro Skill Based
$80.00
$ 90.00
$
90.00
S
95.00
Aquatics
Lessons - all ages & abilities - non residents
Intro Skill Based
$80.00
$ 90.00
$
100.00
$
105.00
Aquatics
Swim Team (all 4 sessions)
Intro Skill Based
$ 240.00
$
340.00
$
360.00
Aquatics
Swim Team (all 4 sessions) - non residents
Intro Skill Based
$ 240.00
$
350.00
$
400.00
Aquatics
Swim Team 2 -week session
Intro Skill Based
70.00
90.00
95.00
Aquatics
Swim Team (2 -week session) - non residents
Intro Skill Based
70.00
100.00
105.00
Tennis / Pickleball
Lessons - all ages & abilities
Intro Skill Based
$125.00
150.00
$
150.00
5
150.00
Tennis / Pickleball
Semi -Private Lessons
Advanced Skill Based
$320.00
$ 320.00
320.00
S
320.00
Tennis / Pickleball
ID Cards - Individual - Resident
Memberships
$115.00
170.00
170.00
$
170.00
Tennis / Pickleball
ID Cards - Senior - Resident
Memberships
$75.00
100.00
$
100.00
$
100.00
Tennis / Pickleball
ID Cards - Individual Non Resident
Memberships
$150.00
215.00
$
215.00
N/A
Tennis Pickleball
Reservations -hr w ID
Memberships
Addtl Charge
ddtl Charge
cldtl Charge
ddtl Charge
Tennis / Pickleball
Reservations-hr/w/ID-lights
Memberships
20.00
20.00
20.00
$
20.00
Tennis / Pickleball
Reservations-hr/no ID
Memberships
$ 15.00
15.00
15.00
$
15.00
Tennis / Pickleball
Reservations-hr/no ID -lights
Memberships
30.00
30.00
35.00
35.00
Summer Camps
Day Camp (licensed)
Camps & Clinics
$300.00
360.00
370.00
ti
;80.00
Summer Camps
Minuteman Sports Clinics
Camps & Clinics
$225.00
260.00
270.00
$
280.00
Adult Programs & Leagues
Field House Morning Pass - Resident
Memberships
115.00
125.00
125.00
$
125.00
Adult Programs & Leagues
Field House Morning Pass - Non -Resident
Memberships
140.00
150.00
150.00
150.00
Adult Programs & Leagues
Field House Evening Pass - Resident
Memberships
75.00
75.00
75.00
75.00
Adult Programs & Leagues
Field House Evening Pass - Non -Resident
Memberships
$100.00
100.00
T
100.00
100.00
Adult Programs & Leagues
Daily Pass - Resident
Memberships
5.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
Adult Programs & Leagues
Daily Pass - Non -Resident
Memberships
6.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
Adult Programs & Leagues
Co -Ed Softball
Advanced Skill Based
500.00
500.00
500.00
>
550.00
Lexington Recreation Community Programs Annual Fee Schedule
Adult Programs & Leagues
Fitness Classes - Senior Resident
Intro Skill Based
$84.00
$
84.00
5
96.CO S
96.GO
Adult Programs & Leagues
Fitness Classes - Senior Non -Resident
Intro Skill Based
$94.00
$
94.00
5
IG6.GO 5
106.GO
Adult Programs & Leagues
Fitness Classes - all ages
Intro Skill Based
$120.00
S
120.00
5
120.00 S
120 -GO
Adult Programs & Leagues
Fitness Classes - non resident
Intro Skill Based
$130.00
$
130.00
$
130.CO S
130.00
Youth Leagues
Flag Football
Intro Skill Based
$110.00
$
125.00
5
125.GO 15
Youth Leagues
Flag Football - non resident
Intro Skill Based
$110.00
$
125.00
S
135.00
L15 s',O
Youth Leagues
Winter Youth Basketball Clinic
Advanced Skill Based
$120.00
$
125.00
S
125.CO I S
135
Youth Leagues
Winter In -Town Basketball League
Advanced Skill Based
$175.00
$
185.00
S
185.00 i5
, C0
Youth Leagues
Winter High School Basketball League
Advanced Skill Based
$155.00
$
165.00
S
165.00 ; ti
I75.ut;
Youth Leagues
Summer Youth Basketball League
Advanced Skill Based
$75.00
$
90.00
5
90.00
( 5
IC.u.CC�
Pine Meadows
ID Cards - Resident - 2 week advance tee time
Memberships
$40.00
$
40.00
5
40.00
Pine Meadows
Mon - Fri Resident (9)
Memberships
$21.00
$
22.00
5
22.00
Pine Meadows
Mon - Fri Non -Resident (9)
Memberships
$23.00
$
24.00
5
24.00
y
'_•i'i
Pine Meadows
Mon- Thurs Resident (9) Senior/Junior - before Memberships
$19.00
$
20.00
5
20.00
Pine Meadows
Mon- Thurs Non -Resident (9) Senior/Junior -be
Memberships
$20.00
21.00
S
21.00 I
j
Pine Meadows
Weekend - Resident (9)
Memberships
$23.00
25.00
S
26.00
Pine Meadows
Weekend - Non -Resident (9)
Memberships
$25.00
27.00
28.00 «
4
Pine Meadows
Golf Cart Rental 9 holes
Memberships
$22.00
24.00
S
24.OU
2t�.Ut1
Pine Meadows
Golf Cart Rental 9 holes
Memberships
$14.00
15.00
15.00
%_+
1t.Uti
Community Center
Individual Pass - Resident
Memberships
No charge
No charge
No charge
Community Center
Individual Non -Resident Senior (60+)
Memberships
515.00
15.00
5
18.00
Community Center
Individual Non -Resident Youth (under 18)
Memberships
$30.00
30.00
35.UU
Community Center
Individual Non -Resident Adult (18-59)
Memberships
$60.00
60.00
70.OU
Community Center
Family Pass - Non -Resident
Memberships
$150.00
$
150.00
175.00
Community Center
Daily Guest Pass - Non -Resident
Memberships
$6.00
6.00
lO.UU
5
10.00
Community Center
Replacement Card
Memberships
5.00
5.00
5.00
S.UU_
Community Center
Rentals
Memberships - based on
SO -$110
0- 110
0-5110
50- 110
Athletic Fields and Courts
Rentals
Permits -based on tiers
Tl, pp 15
Athletic Fields and Courts
Rentals - Special Event (Birthday, picnics, etc.)
Permits
At the discretion of the Director of Recreation and Community Programs, periodic registrations and seasonal specials such as
incentive fees for early bird, late fee and special fees may apply with certain program areas and cost centers, such as but not
limited to Golf, Summer camps, clinics and lessons.
Lexington Recreation & Community Programs Outdoor Recreation Facilities FY26 Fee Schedule
Synthetic Athletic
TIER 1
TIER 2
TIER 3
TIER 4
TIER S
Fields
Lexington Recreation & Community
95% of participants are
$80
$120
Private Clin+cs, Camas and
Definitions
Programs r & Lexington g Public Schools
g
Lexington Residents.
75% or more Lexington
50% or more Lexington
Tournaments / less roan
Programs
(Includes Lexington -based
Residents
residents
50 Y residents
HARD COURT SURFACES
_
Tier 2 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier S
Youth Sports Organizations)
Natural Grass Athletic
No Fee with $17 per
No Fee - D6 -,light Reservation
$15
$15
Fields
No Fee
participant
$40
$65
$85
Center
enter Track
No Fee
Fee with $17 per
$ 40
$65
585
545
$55
participant
No Fee - Daylight Reservation
$15
$15
Synthetic Athletic
$35
$35
$55
$75
Fields
No Fee
$35
$80
$120
$160
Athletic Lights - Fields
$35
$35
$35
$45
$55
Amenities
$35
$35
$55
$75
535
Special Events
$35/hour Res: $45/hour NonRes
$35/hour Res:
$35/hour Res:
$55/hour Res:
$75/hour Res:
_
$45/hour NonRes
$45/hour NonRes
$110/hour NonRes
5150/hour NonRrs
HARD COURT SURFACES
_
Tier 2 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier S
Tennis/ Pickleba11
No Fee - D6 -,light Reservation
$15
$15
$25
535
Courts
Athletic Lights - Tennis
520
$20
$35
545
$55
Basketball Courts
No Fee - Daylight Reservation
$15
$15
$25
$35
Athletic Lights -
$70
$20
$35
$45
$55
Basketball
Fees are based on one hour reservations unless otherwise noted
Lexington Community Center FY26 Fee Schedule
ROOM #
PRIORITY 1
PRIORTY 2
PRIORITY 3
PRIORITY 4 PRIORITY 5
Definitions
Programs, meetings or events that are sponsored
or co-sponsored by the Recreation and Community
Programs Department or the Human Services
Department.
Town departments, boards and
committees that are not charging
a fee for the program y ro ram or activity
being held at the Community
Center.
Lexington -based non-profit, civic and/or
charitable organizations that serve the
Lexington Community primarily, do not
charge a fee for the program or activity
being held at the Community Center, and
are open to the public,
Non-Le•ington based non-omf'r.
croc and/orchantable
organizations not directty All other person', gtovot,
associated vnth the Town that indivMuah or "rank" that do not 13V
serve some members of the under the der-nitfon of utictitt" t.
Lexington communitV but aha the 2. 3. ors;
wider region that may charge a fee
and are not open to the public
Room 139
No Fee
No Fee
I
No Fee
$75.00 S 110 rn
Room 006
575.00 S I 10 00
Room 242
533.00 S _�S (10
Room 237
$33.00 5", CO
Room 230
533.00 S :: On
Room 232
533.00 S, CO
Room 119
533.00 S 00
Room 217
527.50 S : t On
Room 221
527.50 S ;:: CO
Room 123
$22.00 527 0
Room 245
522.00 S27 50
Room 246
522.00 527 ,0
Courtyard
522.00 527 .0
Allee
522.00 527 10
Tent
522.00 S: 't •,o
m N
3mU,
a
rD
• Current Playground
Scope of the Project
• Project History
Overview
• Project Budget & Timeline
• Next Steps
Current Playground
• Playground consists of an ages 2-5 composite structure
with a double slide, climbing ladder, stairs and platform,
spring toys, and a 2 -bay swing set (2 tot swings & 2 belt
swings)
Installed in 2003
x t.
Current Playground
0, j
Current Playground
• Innovative Playground Services, Inc. (IPS) conducted a
series of playground audits in 2020, including Justin
• The audit stated that the playground equipment at Justin
"had minimal maintenance issues. With the minor play
area maintenance items corrected, the commercial play
equipment complies with applicable playground
standards for children 2-5 years of age. This location
has a low priority for replacement."
• While there have been no safety hazards identified with the
playground equipment in recent years, the fibar level is
monitored regularly due to the wetness of the site.
Scope of Project
• Demolition and removal of existing equipment
• Replacement of the playground equipment and swing set
• Installation of new safety surfacing
• Based on the recommendations in the , an
accessible route will be installed between the accessible parking area and
the playground
2020 Playground Audit includes:
• Playground cannot be accessed safely by a sidewalk free of standing water, gravel or
low hanging branches
s
z,t
+ Metal swing gate O
I
."There is no formal parking, \
however it is possible for \
several vehicles to park In they -
shoulder of both Bernard 8
Justin Streets near the park
entrance or on the gravel in \\
front of the n2etal swing gate. N
There is also an accessible \
0
only parking sign mounted to -
the Bernard Street sign, which ^, \
denotes an available m ,
accessible space. o
e
Stta i
ata
t�
Conservation
Land
There is at least one bench & one
picnic table located near the
playground. There are no
accessible routes that serve them.
The playground surface is slightly
lower than that of the surrounding
grass causing it to be prone to
flooding.
Project History
• Prior to being introduced in the 5 -Year Capital Plan in 2019, a presentation
regarding the Justin Playground was made at the
• Noted that Justin appears to receive minimal use
• Site is very wet, surrounded by Conservation land, and owned and managed by both
Recreation and Conservation
• Options under consideration at that time included a new ages 2-5 structure or new
ages 5-12 structure, relocating/reorienting the playground on existing site, or
completely removing the playground and investing in other capital projects
• Recreation Committee indicated that it would be important to seek community
engagement during the decision-making process
• The FY24 funding request in the amount of $155,000 was approved at the 2023
Annual Town Meeting
Project History
• Two community meetings have been held:
1. — introduction of the project and encouraged residents to
express their support at Town Meeting
2. October 16, 2023 — due to low attendance, this meeting was rescheduled for
• Attendance at each community meeting was less than 10 people
• Despite low attendance, feedback was received through the survey that
Meghan Caldera developed as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project
• Majority of respondents prefer the swings and emphasized the importance of lighting for safety reasons
• Suggestions for other park amenities included park benches, gaga pit, and '/z basketball court
• Residents stated that the playground should be safe & accessible for all ages with multiple activity options
• Landscape Structures Playbooster design was recommended - estimated
cost of $120,000, valid through end of 2023
0U6 ". %joHICry
landscape 0 & SONS
structures ME023882 • 10.4.2023 "E"E"Ts`°a"°"`"r°°'°°°a.
2023 Landscape Structures. All Rights Reserved
I&
JUSTIN ST. PLAYGROUND ► OBRIEN
landscape & SONS
structures` ME023882 • 10.4.2023 ELEMENTS FOR A GREAT OUTDOORS
Oc 2023 Landscape Structures. All Rights Reserved
Project History
• Conservation Commission meeting was held on February 12, 2024
• Given the playground's location and proximity to wetlands/Conservation
land, a wetland delineation of the site would be needed before the
playground replacement project could begin
• Wetland delineation was completed on April 24, 2024
• Staff site visit was held on August 8, 2024 to review feedback and discuss
next steps for project design, wetlands permitting, and construction
• A limited existing conditions survey and a proposed site plan would need to
be completed before submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) to ConCom
• Cost estimate from Activitas for limited existing conditions survey,
proposed site plan, NOI, bidding, construction docs & admin = $423250
Project Budget & Timeline
• Total Budget= $155,000
• Activitas = $421250
• Playground Equipment,
Demo, & Installation = $139,000
$181,250 or (-$26,250)
• Does not include funding for the installation of an accessible route from the
accessible parking area to the playground
• It would be preferable to make a decision about the project at tonight's
meeting
• Options to Consider
Next Steps
1. Vote: to move forward with the playground replacement and/or installation of the
accessible route
2. Vote: not to move forward with playground and pursue the suggestions from the
Community Meeting feedback
3. Vote: not to move forward with playground and return the $155,000 in CPA funds to
the CPC (recommended)
4. Vote: the existing playground equipment would be removed once it is deemed no
longer safe to use through regular inspections and increased maintenance
(recommended)
5. Vote: to move forward with the replacement of the playground equipment utilizing
Alternative Funding Sources such as Recreation Enterprise Retained Earnings,
pursue Grants, or the operating budget absorbing the difference between the amount
appropriated and the total cost of the project
6. Vote: to seek additional funding at a future Town Meeting to cover the shortfall and
include the installation of an accessible route from the parking area to the playground
To: Recreation Committee
From: Brian Kelley, Chair, Lincoln Park Sub -Committee
Date: January 12, 2025
Re: Lincoln Park Sub -Committee
Thank you for the opportunity to update the Recreation Committee on the work of the
Lincoln Park Sub -Committee (LPSC) all recent, and future, LPSC work. The focus of the
update will be:
• talk with the committee about the work that we do
• the funding that we utilize
• the challenges of transitioning to a more appropriate approach by going through the
public bid process while still maintaining our quality of work and keeping proper
oversight.
• to continue to partner with the Rec Committee and staff/consultants to get the work
done that we need to do.
• The fitness station project
• Brief discussion on better planning and execution at Lincoln Park, particularly the
more passive areas that the LPSC oversees.
R:ACommittees Recreation. Community. Lincoln\Lincoln Park Sub-Committee\COMMITTEE
MEETING POSTING - Lincoln.doc
January 15, 2025
D14
Tennis
&
call
Overview
anc
t
Stens
for
2025
January 15, 2025
Table
Of Contenti,
Q:21024 Tennis & Pickleballverview
acickleball Pilot Program
t Adams
a(Lexington Pickleball Club
LPC) Updates
a 'A
Survey Overview
Next Steps for 2025
2024 Tennis & Pickleball Overview
• Breakdown of 2024 memberships sold:
c, Tennis - 196 (156 adult, 40 senior)
• Pickleball - 76 (36 adult, 42 senior)
• Battle Green Tennis League - 98
• Total Memberships Sold = 370
• The total number of memberships sold in 2024
previous years.
2024 Tennis & Pickleball Overview
• 2024 Permitted Court Hours:
c) Tennis - 29,968 hours
Pickleball - 8,912 hours
o Total - 38,880 hours
• 2024 % of Permitted Court Hours:
o Tennis - 77%
o Pickleball - 23%
• 2023 Permitted Court Hours:
o Tennis - 18,987 hours
o Pickleball - 3,668 hours
o Total - 22,655 hours
• 2023 % of Permitted Court Hours:
o Tennis - 84%
o Pickleball - 16%
Pickleball Pilot Program at Adams
• Permitted use of the courts officially began for the season on
Monday, April lst.
• Between April 1st -November 24th, there were 3,605 permitted hours
of pickleball use by the public at Adams in 2024, an average of
approximately 15 reservations per day. This was up from 306
permitted hours in 2023.
Pickleball Pilot Program at Adams
• Concerns about parking were raised during the course of the year.
The limited amount of parking at Adams remains a challenge.
No Parking signs were posted by the Lexington Police Department
along the gravel access road at the top of the hill in hopes of
gaining voluntary compliance, knowing that people have been
parking in this area for a while.
o Lexington Pickleball Club (LPC) actively managed parking at
Adams, including video instruction:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6eitDmua0b/.
U Despite these efforts, No Parking signs were vandalized and had
to be replaced this fall.
Lexington Pickleball Club (LPC) Updates
• LPC membership continued to grow linearly throughout 2024.
• LPC -managed sessions were well -attended, weekend sessions at Clarke were
especially popular.
• Typical utilization averaged above 100% (4 players plus 2 waiting per court).
• Monthly open houses are well -attended, at least 50-80 people.
• In total, the LPC season ran from April 29th -October 31st and LPC used a total
of 1,914 court hours for pickleball at the Adams and Clarke Courts in 2024.
Lexington Pickleball Club (LPC) Updates
Month
Res
Non Res
Total
NR ratio
Mar -23
84
3
87
3%
Apr -23
112
4
116
3%
May -23
160
4
164
2%
Jun -23
1971
4
201
2%1
Jul -23
229
4
233
2%I
Aug -23
235
5
240
2%
Sep -23
256
5
261
2%
Oct -23
296
5
301
2%
Nov -23
317
5
322
2%
Dec -23
329
5
334
1 %
Jan -24
350
7
357
2%
Feb -24
366
9
375
2%
Mar -24
393
15
408
4%
Apr -24
426
38
464
8%
May -24
481
49
530
9%
Jun -24
533
62
595
100/0
Jul -24
565
83
648
13%
Aug -24
6031
112
715
16%
Sep -24
639
135
774
17%
Oct -24
678
154
832
19%
Nov -24
703
174
877
20%
LPC Membership Total
1000 Chert Area
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
loo0 1
11� tiR ny $ tiU tiR ti�
vs `Sad §'
■ Non Res ■ Res
Lexington Pickleball Club (LPC) Updates
LPC Sessions Court Utilization (6 players per court max)
Month
Adams
Clarke
Mav-24
110%
87%
Jun -24
106%
119%
JLII-24
106%
119%
Au -24
112°0
136%
Sep -24
112%
136°0
Oct -24
104%
110%
Avera e
108%
118°l°
LPC Court Hours Used
Month I Court Hours
Jun -241 3151
Jul -241 336
LPC Court Utilization
160 Chart Area
140%
12095
10095
801
6095
4095
20%
0l
May -24 Jun -24 Jul -24 Aug -24
■ Adams ■ Clarke
Sep -24 Oct -2Z
� Survey Overview
Tennis
• Total Respondents - 261
• Tennis - 52 (19.9%)
• Pickleball - 179 (68.6%) Picklea3«
• Both - 30 (11.5%)
Both
0% 10%
20% 30% 40% 50% 650% 70% 80% 90% V
• 45% of all tennis players play between 3 and 5 times
per week
• Gallagher is used by over 83% of all tennis players
o Down from 90% last year
• Adams is used at the lowest rate (29%)
Major Themes:
• Not enough tennis courts in town
• Opposed to charging for use of lights at Gallagher
• Afraid tennis is now secondary to pickleball to
Recreation & Community Programs Department
and Recreation Committee
.IW.
Pickleball Overview
• 48% of pickleball players play between 3 and 5
times per week
o Up from 26% last year
• 95% of pickleball players primarily use Adams
o Was under 80% last year
• Valley Courts usage increased from last year (31%)
Major Themes:
• Need for dedicated pickleball courts and desire for
more indoor opportunities (specifically during
winter)
• There are no lighted pickleball courts in Lexington
• Lexington is behind other towns in offering
dedicated pickleball to its residents
Adams Courts Pilot Program
• Total Respondents - 252
• Yes - 210 (83%) A pilot program was offered this year where the Adams Courts were
• No - 42 (17%) reservable for pickleball use only during the 2024 season. As a result,
the Adams Courts were not reservable for tennis use this year. Would
■ 2024 Pre -Season Results: you be in favor of this pilot program continuing in 2025?
■ Yes: 59%
■ No: 41%
Major Themes:
• Adams should be converted to
pickleball only
• Improvements need to be made to
Adams (repaint the lines yellow)
• Constructing brand new dedicated
pickleball facilities still desired
• Adams pilot program created a
social place for the pickleball
community
Yes
No
Adams Courts Pilot Program
• Total Respondents - 85
• Gallagher - 71 (83%)
o Clarke - 51 (60%)
(D Valley - 62 (61%)
• Most Adams users would continue
to utilize Gallagher
Major Themes:
• Tennis players would like access to
Adams with pickleball players
• Converting courts reduces tennis
players access to limited resources
• Increases difficulty of reserving
playing time on other courts
(tennis)
If the pickleball pilot program at Adams continues in 2025, would you continue to
play tennis at another location? If so, which site(s) would you play tennis at?
(check all that apply)
Gallagher
Courts
Clarke Courts
Vallee! Courts
Next Steps for 2025
• Items for Consideration:
o The Valley Courts are tentatively scheduled to be offline from April -
August 2025 for reconstruction.
o Continue to monitor/address parking concerns at Adams.
o Color of the Pickleball lines at Adams - the lines are black and the #1
complaint received is that people have a difficult time seeing the
pickleball lines.
o Potential to increase the number of pickleball courts at Adams from 4 to
6 courts by reconfiguring the fencing at the court entrance and relining
the courts.
• Convert the pickleball pilot program at the Adams Courts to standard Department
operations, allowing permitted use for tennis & pickleball at Clarke and Valley, tennis
only at Gallagher, and pickleball only at Adams.
Implications:
• Status quo with how the courts operated in 2024.
option B
• Reline the existing pickleball courts at Adams in a different color that makes the
more visible.
• Estimated cost = - $8,000
Implications:
• Courts could not be relined until weather improves, courts would come offline for 1
weeks during the season, and the operating budget would absorb this expense.
Next Steps for 2025
Option C
• Reline pickleball courts at Adams in a different color that makes
them more visible and increase the number of pickleball courts
at Adams from 4 to 6 (diagram on right).
• USTA recommends blended pickleball lines to be a shade lighter
within the same color family as the playing surface.
• USA Pickleball suggests "contrast colors on a color wheel."
Red/orange/yellow are recommended against a green court
surface.
Implications:
• Courts could not be relined until weather improves, courts would
come offline for 1-2+ weeks during the season (dependent on
fence work), more costly than relining four existing courts, and
the operating budget would absorb this additional expense.
• Allow permitted use at the courts based on how they were in 2023 and prior years with
tennis & pickleball at Adams, Clarke, and Valley, and tennis only at Gallagher.
Implications:
The 3,000+ additional permitted hours of pickleball use by the public at Adams in 2024 (as
compared to 2023), as well as the additional court utilization by LPC at the Adams Courts
in 2024, would be reduced if Adams is permitted for both tennis and pickleball use.
Option E
• Consider having tennis only hours at Adams on certain days/times of the week.
Implications:
• This would reduce the number of permitted pickleball hours while increasing the
number of permitted tennis hours at Adams in 2025.
Next Steps for 2025
Recommendations & Timeline
• Based on professional experience, recommendation is to implement Option
A and pursue Option B for the 2025 season, at a minimum.
• With the Valley Courts scheduled to be offline from April -August 2025,
unsure if this would be a practical time to redo the court layout and
associated fence work at the Adams Courts as that may cause Adams to be
closed for a longer period of time.
• Spring & summer program registration is set to begin on Tuesday, February
25th. The Recreation Committee will need to vote on which option(s) to
move forward with tonight so staff have adequate time to finalize
preparations for the 2025 season.
Memo
To: Lexington Recreation and Recreation Committee
From: Lexington Pickleball Club Board (LPC)
Date: January 10, 2025
Subject: Comments on 2025 Pickleball Facilities Planning
Shared Resources
LPC recognizes the importance of collaboration between the Pickleball and Tennis communities
to share, optimize and enhance all available courts. Incremental improvements are necessary to
meet the demands of both sports.
1:t=a, 11
Our data demonstrates a steady increase in Pickleball participation, with monthly growth figures
of 59, 45, and 44 members from October to December, and an additional 16 new members in
the first week of January. In contrast, Tennis has not shown similar growth. LPC supports
making targeted enhancements to sustain and accommodate Lexington's Pickleball expansion.
Court Usage
Pickleball courts have significantly higher utilization rates compared to Tennis courts. While a
Tennis court typically serves two players, the same court supports two Pickleball courts and
accommodates 8 to 12 players. We request the committee apply a 4 to 6 multiplier to Pickleball
usage data to accurately reflect its demand when counting court hours.
Parking at Adams
The Pickleball community does not contribute to increased parking issues at Adams. We have
proactively ensured that our members adhere to all parking regulations.
Support for Continuing Pickleball at Adams 2025
LPC fully endorses the continuation of the Pickleball program at Adams as implemented in 2024
by:
• Making courts reservable only for Pickleball to support the growing player base, while
allowing dual usage for Tennis and Pickleball when not booked.
• Maintaining similar rental agreements with LexRec for court times.
• Relining courts to accommodate six Pickleball courts and two Tennis courts using a color
scheme suitable for both sports.
• Note: Adding 2 more courts will increase revenue from LPC to LexRec by 50% for
weekdays
We appreciate your consideration and look forward to supporting the continued growth of
Pickleball in Lexington.