HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-30-REC-min.pdf
Town of Lexington
Recreation Committee
Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Tel: (781) 698-4800
Claire Sheth, Vice Chair Fax: (781) 861-2747
Renen Bassik
Sean Bridgeo
Carl Fantasia
Andrea Jackson
Weiwei Li
Recreation Committee
Minutes of Meeting
September 30th, 2025
A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 7:00 PM to
9:06 PM in the Parker Room at Lexington Town Hall, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA.
The meeting was held in hybrid format via Zoom.
Attendance
Members Present: Rick DeAngelis, Claire Sheth, Renen Bassik, Andrea Jackson, Weiwei Li
Members Absent: Sean Bridgeo, Carl Fantasia
Staff Present: Melissa Battite, Peter Coleman, Christine Dean, Kate DeAngelis
Public Present: Lauren, Carissa, and Juliet Black; Fay Chen; Rod Cole; Lillian Elmore; Chris and Maya
Gagnon; Wendi Hoffer; Sam Johnston; Doreen Karoll; Casey Lan; Lisa O’Brien; Collette Powell; Tom
Shiple
1. Public Comment
Public comment focused on the Center Recreation Playground replacement project. Several
community members—including Chris Gagnon, Lillian Elmore, Fay Chen, Sam Johnston, Wendy
Hoffer, Colette Powell, Casey Lan, Lauren Black, Lisa O’Brien, and others—spoke in support of
prioritizing universal accessibility through poured-in-place surfacing. Speakers highlighted the
benefits for children and adults with mobility challenges, the importance of inclusive design, and
the alignment with Lexington’s values and prior commitments to inclusion. Multiple speakers
shared personal experiences illustrating the barriers created by wood chip surfacing and urged the
Committee to fully commit to poured-in-place surfaces throughout the playground.
2. Vote on Proposed FY2027–FY2031 Capital Improvement Program
Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation, presented the proposed FY2027–FY2031 Capital
Improvement Program. The Committee discussed planned projects totaling more than $16.6 million
over five years, including Pine Meadows improvements, skate park relocation, and athletic fields at
146 Maple Street. A key discussion centered on securing a written commitment for the $280,000
contribution from the Lexington High School Building Project toward the Skate Park relocation.
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39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421
**Motion**
Rick DeAngelis moved that “The Recreation Committee approves and recommends to the Select
Board the FY2027–FY2031 Recreation Capital Improvement Program as presented tonight,
Tuesday, September 30th. In respect to Rec-CPA-1, our vote is contingent upon the Recreation
Committee receiving in writing from the Town Manager or his designee a commitment that the
additional $280,000 needed for the Skate Park project will be contributed by the LHS Building
Project in the same fiscal year, which is FY2027.” Renen Bassik seconded the motion. The
Committee voted 5–0 to approve.
3. Center Recreation Playground Replacement
Melissa Battite presented updates on the Center Recreation Playground replacement project,
including three conceptual designs developed with Play and Park Structures. The Committee
discussed surfacing options, inclusive play features, budget trade-offs, and potential funding
sources. Members and the public expressed strong support for prioritizing accessibility and
poured-in-place surfacing. Suggestions included exploring grants and phased implementation to
meet accessibility goals within budget.
4. LHS Building Project and Article 97
The Committee discussed newly surfaced information regarding Article 97 applicability to land at
the Center Recreation Complex. Town Counsel’s review of deeds raised questions about whether
Article 97 protections apply to the parcel in question. Committee members agreed on the
importance of ensuring recreation assets are replicated and protected, regardless of the legal
status. Claire Sheth will draft a letter to the Select Board expressing the Committee’s position to
ensure that recreational resources are replaced in kind, in a timely manner, and protected in
perpetuity.
**Motion**
Rick DeAngelis moved that “The Recreation Committee approves a letter to be drafted by Claire
Sheth and reviewed by Committee members which will state that the Recreation Committee advises
the Select Board to ensure the recreational resources at the Center Recreation Complex are
replaced in kind in a timely manner and protected in perpetuity regardless of the applicability of
Article 97.” Claire Sheth seconded the motion. The Committee voted 4–0 to approve.
5. Recreation & Community Programs Report
Melissa Battite highlighted upcoming events, as well as the 10-Year Celebration at the Community
Center, which was held on Friday, September 12th and saw approximately 2,800 visitors. She
commended staff for their efforts. Upcoming community meetings and program registration dates
were also shared.
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39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421
6. Adjournment
Claire Sheth moved and Renen Bassik seconded the motion to adjourn. The Committee voted 4–0 to
approve, and the meeting adjourned at 9:06 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Melinda Spencer
Administrative Manager