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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-17-REC-min `p13S MOLD? pQ 1775 tic m A Town of Lexington Recreation Committee 3 o a^ APRI L 19'" �FkINGT�� Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Tel: (781) 698-4800 Lisah Rhodes, Vice Chair Fax: (781) 861-2747 Lisa O'Brien Ruixi(Ray) Yuan Francesca Pfrommer Recreation Committee Minutes of Meeting October 17, 2018 A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 6:30pm in the Room 237 of the Lexington Community Center, 39 Marrett Road, Lexington. Members Present: Rick DeAngelis, Lisah Rhodes, Lisa O'Brien, and Francesca Pfrommer Members Absent: Ruixi Yuan Staff Present: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs,Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation, Christine Dean, Community Center Director, Chris Filadoro, DPW Superintendent of Public Grounds, and Dave Pinsonneault, DPW Director Others Present: Bill Babcock(27 Moreland Avenue, Lexington), Sandy Beebee (Capital Expenditures Committee liaison), Gloria Bloom(17 Loring Road, Lexington), Meg Buczynski(Architect with Activitas), Tim Clackson (14 Winthrop Road, Lexington),Pat Costello(9 Preston Road, Lexington), Ken Ford(22 Philip Road, Lexington), James Hall(37 Bigelow Street,Brighton), Eileen Jay(School Committee liaison), Doug Lucente (Board of Selectmen liaison), Dawn McKenna(9 Hancock Street, Lexington), Steve McKenna(9 Hancock Street, Lexington), Sean O'Connell (Architect with Activitas), Gerry Paul(43 Highland Avenue, Lexington), Katie Reynolds (114 Lowell Street, Lexington), Tom Shiple (18 Phinney Road, Lexington), Steve Silva(9 Volunteer Way, Lexington), and Nancy Sofen(3 Abernathy Road, Lexington) 1. Center Track and Field Reconstruction Project—Public Meeting#2(6:30-7:30pm) This was the second public meeting on the Center Track and Field reconstruction project. The meeting began with Meg Buczynski and Sean O'Connell, architects with Activitas,providing an update based on the comments and feedback that was received at the first public meeting. A playing surface comparison and characteristic considerations informational sheet has been created and posted on the Department's website. Two proposed designs and layouts of the site were presented. The first options calls for the track layout to be the same as the current layout with the straightaway and finish line at the south side of the track. The width of the field inside the track would increase from 185' to 195' and the track would widen by 17'. There would be a welcome plaza by the entrance near the Town Pool,which could cause potentially one tree to be removed. The second option calls for a similar layout and dimensions,but the straightaway would switch from the south side to the north side of the complex. This would result in the finish line being located near the welcome plaza by the Town Pool and the same tree would be potentially impacted as outlined in the first option. 2 After the initial overview was given, members in the audience commented that the first option was the desired layout. In their opinion,having the finish line by the high traffic entrance would result in this area showing wear-and-tear and taking the biggest beating,which would require regular repairs. In addition,it would not be safe to put the finish line by the parking lot. The remainder of the meeting presented the audience with the opportunity to ask questions, give positive feedback, and express concerns or issues as the project moves forward. During this portion of the meeting, the following items were raised for consideration: • Synthetic Turf vs. Hybrid Playing Surface o People indicated that hours of use needs to be a major factor during the decision-making process. o With the amount of rain that there has been this fall,how would a hybrid field perform on a rainy day? Would it still be playable when other natural grass fields are closed? A hybrid field would potentially be playable 1 hour after inclement weather. A hybrid field is a high-end, sand-based natural grass field. The synthetic fibers reinforces the soil and minimizes divots and drainage will run through almost immediately after. • Track Layout&Elements o Is there space for an 8-lane track at the site? While the budget for a 6-lane with 8-lane straightaway track has already been voted on and approved at Town Meeting,people would like proof that an 8-lane track will not fit. An 8-lane option will be drawn and presented at the next public meeting. o Currently, there is only one track in Lexington and the Center Track serves over 600 students in the Lexington Public Schools. At the same time,it was also noted that there are over 30,000 residents in Lexington and the Center Track is utilized year-round for multiple uses by multiple generations. o A conversation about the location for the throwing events. A defined shot put throwing area is slated to be at the end of the track by the tennis courts and playground. Potential locations for the other throwing events (discus,javelin, hammer) that were discussed included the Worthen Road practice field and the lower Hayden field. o Could rubber tips be used on javelin/discus so field warranty isn't Jeopardized? Yes. At the same time,the hammer can't be thrown on either playing surface and an alternative site would be needed. • Fencing o Open track vs. controlled access? Some argued that permanent fencing is a must due to safety reasons. Others stated that fencing around the entire perimeter would be disturbing. o Will fencing be installed around the entire track to ensure the safety of the users? Or will it only be located next to the straightaway and extend slightly around the curve at the far end of the track? o The typical height for a chain link fence around the perimeter is 4'. 39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02421 3 o The netting system behind the goals would be 20' high, similar to the netting systems that are currently at Lincoln Park. • Lighting & Site Amenities o Members in the audience were pleased to hear that the project will have a minimal impact on the trees that are at the park currently. Preserving the trees and increasing the amount of shade at the site is necessary. o The new lighting system currently calls for 50 footcandles. The lights at Lincoln 92 are 30 footcandles,which are more environmentally friendly and operate at lower utility costs. Is a lower footcandle being considered? o Would the track be lit at night for walkers/runners when the field isn't being used? Yes,the software would allow for just the track lights to be on if the field isn't being used and the new LED fixtures are dimmable. o The seating is a critical component, given the economic potential. It was recommended to install as much seating as possible. o The site should be designed so DPW service trucks are able to access the entire complex. The meeting concluded with an update of the tentative timeline for the project as well as what the next steps in the process will be. Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, stated that the Recreation Committee will be making final decisions and voting on the various elements and components of this project at the November and December Recreation Committee meetings. Ms. Buczynski indicated that the design phase will be completed this fall, the project will go out to bid in January 2019 with a bid opening scheduled for February 2019, the start date will be on approximately June 1,2019, and it is estimated that construction will take approximately 4 months to complete, meaning that user groups should plan on the Center Track Field not being available during the Summer 2019 and Fall 2019 seasons. Regular updates about this project will continue to be posted on the Department's capital projects webpage. The next public meeting on the Center Track and Field Reconstruction Project is scheduled to take place on Wednesday,November 28" at 6:30pm in Room 237 of the Lexington Community Center. The Center Track and Field Reconstruction Project public meeting ended at 7:30pm. Respectfully submitted, Peter Coleman Assistant Director of Recreation The following documents/exhibits distributed at the meeting are attached: • Surface Type Comparison & Characteristic Considerations Info Sheet(provided by Activitas) 39 MARRETT ROAD,LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02421