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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-11-REC-rpt "Recreation Annual Report" 1 i/ufte i Recreation Annual Report The Lexington Recreation Department works to provide a full range of quality programs and facilities for all residents . The recreational needs and concerns of citizens are continually reviewed and considered by Director Margaret Whitesell , in conjunction with Parks Superintendent Brian Gilbert and the Recreation Committee . Because the Recreation Department is funded through a limited Enterprise Fund, fees are established which will make programs self-supporting without discouraging public participation. The Committee has gone on record with their concerns regarding the future of Recreational Programs and infrastructure which are threatened by increasing transfers of funds from the Enterprise Fund to the DPW. Pine Meadows , Lexington' s popular town-owned golf course is especially important to the Town as the major source of Enterprise Fund income for maintaining and improving our recreational facilities . Because upgrading and reconstruction of the fifth and ninth holes caused some difficulties in play this season, a discounted rate was charged. In addition to the problems created by course construction, dry weather conditions also contributed to a shortfall in revenue. A well study to examine the water supply at Pine Meadows was initiated last season. The hydrology report indicated that both pond expansion and well construction should be undertaken to address water shortages at the course . As a result of a citizen group request , a Resident Golf ID was initiated allowing Lexington residents to reserve Saturday and Sunday tee-times after 6 : 30 pm on Wednesday - which is 24 hours earlier than non-residents . The Committee agreed with the citizen group that residents should get preferential treatment in reserving the popular weekend tee-times. The group also requested a Friday night Lexington League be set up. The new league enjoyed a successful first season. The Recreation Committee and the Parks Department continues working to improve the condition, safety and accessibility of the playing fields , playgrounds and facilities . Playground work at Garfield, making it comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act , was completed last spring. Improved accessibility was achieved at the Center Playground with the addition of a new swing bank with Fibar surface , a ramped walkway and the installation of Fibar under the existing transfer platform. The ongoing efforts to make recreation programs accessible included a meeting initiated and facilitated by Committee member Pam Varrin with leaders of youth sports groups . The meeting featured a presentation from Children' s Hospital discussing inclusive approaches in recreational activities . Parks Superintendent Brian Gilbert and Recreation Committee member Rick DeAngelis are co-chairing a ballfield long-range planning sub committee . A continuing problem is the need for more soccer fields . Because of the three-season nature of youth soccer, there is a serious shortage of fields in the summer. The Committee favors include the North Lexington Hennessey land in the capital plan for soccer field development . Representatives from Youth Soccer met with the Committee on several occasions to discuss their concerns about field conditions at Harrington, Diamond, Center, and Lincoln. Discussions with Brian Gilbert, about watering and fertilizing practices and the shortage of manpower led to a cooperative effort with the League volunteering to help fund improvements. Their interest and participation is greatly appreciated. The Bridge School ballfields was moved to a drier location on the playground to reduce the soggy conditions experienced in the Spring . Brian Gilbert has stressed the importance of field rotation to extend the future use of our fields. He has estimated that the Town' s turf maintenance program costs about $20 , 000 annually. These funds come from his budget , old capital projects , Public Trust monies and donations from groups such as Lion' s Club, Youth Soccer and Babe Ruth Baseball . Fee structures of summer programs were reviewed last Spring . Studying fees of comparable towns and considering revenue projections , the Committee voted for modest increases in 1996 for swim tags, swim and tennis lessons, and preschool day camp. Also, the Senior Citizen tennis ID consistent with the Senior swim tag and Senior golf ID fee at $20 . No increase in fees for the adult leagues was enacted as they were considered to be fair. Continuing maintenance at the 16 year old Center Pool Complex will include Marcite refinishing, new covers, and improvements to the storage building and septic units. At the other popular swimming facility, the Old Res , the ongoing weed problem became serious and required a new solution. Sonar, an approved chemical treatment , was applied and seemed to be quite successful in controlling weed growth over the past summer season. Citizen input has often provided creative ideas for the Committee . At recent meeting , a citizen requested consideration for constructing a sand volleyball court at Lincoln Park. The Committee was interested in the proposal and has requested more information on the cost and process of construction. Also to be explored, the day- to-day maintenance needs and the level of citizen interest in sand volleyball . At another meeting , a group of teen-aged citizens appealed to the Committee for a safe place for skate-boarding . Because of the increased popularity of skateboarding and the relatively simple requirements for an acceptable area, the Committee gave its support to the idea. As the designated site is on school property, the group was encouraged to go to the School Committee . Pam Varrin will help the group proceed. Miscellaneous Recreation News We thank the Lions Club which donated an electronic scoreboard at the Center I Field. The Babe Ruth League also agreed to make several capital improvements at the field: a batting cage; cage dugout structures; and concession stand. All will be enjoyed by the new town team, the Lexington Blue Sox. The Committee is grateful to Minuteman Regional High and Christian Academy for permitting Youth Soccer to use their fields in the Summer. Pam Varrin was appointed to the Committee for a three-year term. Paul Keane and Pam Varrin served on the Town Manager' s Committee which interviewed candidates for Recreation Director. Ms Karen Simmons was appointed by Town Manager Rick White in December A review committee was appointed by the Town Manager to study the various bids for the 1996-98 Pine Meadows contract. The management company, G.F.M. I . , which has run Pine Meadows for six years , is seeking the contract along with three other groups. Don Chisholm and Rick DeAngelis are representing Recreation on this committee . Sandra Shaw continues to serve as liaison to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. The Committee has welcomed the spirited participation of Phyllis Rand as the liaison from the Council on Aging . The Recreation Committee wishes to sincerely thank Maggie Whitesell for her dedicated work on behalf of Lexington citizens, and wishes her well in her new assignment .