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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-15-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 Town of Lexington Recreation Committee Minutes of Meeting April 15, 2026 A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM at the Lexington Community Center, 39 Marrett Road , and via remote participation. Attendance Members Present: Rick DeAngelis (Chair), Claire Sheth (Vice Chair), Carl Fantasia, Weiwei Li Members Absent: Andrea Jackson, Renen Bassik, Sean Bridgeo Staff Present: Peter Coleman, Christine Dean, Laura Perry Liaisons Present: None Public Present: Nate Roberts, Yinpin A quorum was present. 1. Public Comment No public comments were offered. 2. Little League Signage at Fields Nate Roberts, President of Lexington Little League, presented a proposal to install sportsmanship signage at competitive baseball and softball fields. The signs are intended to remind spectators that:  Youth sports are for learning and enjoyment  Coaches are volunteers  Umpires are often youth  Respectful behavior is expected Mr. Roberts noted that similar signage has been implemented in other communities and is intended as a proactive measure rather than a response to specific issues in Lexington. Discussion included: 2 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421  Appropriate placement of signage on backstops and spectator areas  Whether signage should be permanent or seasonal  Potential expansion to other sports and facilities  The importance of reinforcing signage with expectations for behavior Committee members expressed strong support for the initiative. Carl Fantasia emphasized that signage should be paired with clear behavioral expectations and accountability measures. Motion: Rick DeAngelis moved to approve the sportsmanship signage as presented by Nate Roberts, President of Lexington Little League, to be permanently installed at the fields listed: Center #4, Center #2, Lincoln softball field, Estabrook, Bridge, Hastings, and the Lincoln Little League field. Claire Sheth seconded the motion. Vote: 4–0, approved. 3. LHS Girls Soccer Boosters Sponsorship Program Peter Coleman presented a request from the LHS Girls Soccer Boosters to continue the sponsorship banner program at Lincoln Field for the 2026 season. The program:  Generated approximately $5,250 in 2025  Supports team operations and programming  Includes up to eight banners  Requires banners to be installed before games and removed afterward Discussion included:  Ensuring banners are not permanently affixed  Communication with other user groups regarding signage policies  Use of barricades rather than fencing for banner placement Claire Sheth emphasized the importance of clearly communicating guidelines to all user groups to avoid inconsistencies. Motion: Rick DeAngelis moved to approve the LHS Girls Soccer Boosters sponsorship program, allowing up to eight banners at Lincoln #1. The banners will be installed and removed on game days. Weiwei Li seconded the motion. Vote: 4–0, approved. 4. Aquatics Presentation Laura Perry, Recreation Supervisor, presented an overview of aquatics operations and the upcoming 2026 season. Key highlights included:  2025 attendance: approximately 25,950 visitors at the Town Pool  Season structure: 13-week season with pre-, regular, and post-season operations  Programming: swim lessons, swim team, adult lap swim, aqua aerobics  Staffing: approximately 50–60 seasonal staff Additional updates:  Growing participation in aqua aerobics and swim team  Continued staffing challenges, particularly with lifeguard recruitment  Increased preference among staff for part-time schedules 3 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421  Ongoing need for staff training in handling difficult patron interactions Committee members commended staff for the strong program and positive impact on youth employment and community engagement. No vote was taken. 5. Community Center Furniture Update Staff presented proposed furniture replacements for the Community Center lobby and common areas. Discussion included:  Wear and deterioration of existing furniture  Cost comparison between reupholstery and replacement  Use of existing annual capital allocation for funding  Selection of more durable materials The proposal includes replacing high-use seating and redistributing usable furniture within the facility. No vote was taken. 6. Town Pool Mural Update Staff presented updated design concepts for a mural to be installed on the Town Pool shed. Discussion included:  Design iterations and visual elements  Removal of imagery inconsistent with facility rules (e.g., flotation devices)  Final design direction emphasizing color and visual appeal Work on the mural is underway, with site preparation already completed. No vote was taken. 7. LHS Building Project Update Staff provided an update on coordination with the Lexington High School construction project, including:  Timeline for Skate Park relocation (July–October)  Field closures and long-term impacts on athletic facilities  Coordination with user groups regarding equipment relocation  Construction fencing and access changes Committee members discussed impacts on programming and the importance of minimizing disruption. No vote was taken. 8. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes The Committee briefly reviewed the March 3, 2026 Recreation Committee meeting minutes and will vote to approve the minutes at the May meeting. 9. Liaison Reports Weiwei Li provided an update from the Lincoln Park Sub-Committee, noting:  Approval of funding support for boardwalk improvements  Continued use of contractors for maintenance work  Progress on fitness equipment installation 4 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 10. Recreation & Community Programs Report Staff presented departmental updates including:  Maple Street Athletic Complex bid process and funding approval  Lincoln Park Field #3 construction timeline  Center Playground demolition and reconstruction  Spring program activity and upcoming events  Recognition of staff achievements and departmental awards Additional updates included improvements at Pine Meadows Golf Course and facility operations across parks and recreation sites. 11. Adjournment Claire Sheth moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Carl Fantasia. Vote: 4–0, approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. Summary of Motions # Description Moved By Seconded By Vote 1 Approve Little League sportsmanship signage Rick DeAngelis Claire Sheth 4–0 2 Approve LHS Girls Soccer sponsorship program Rick DeAngelis Weiwei Li 4–0 3 Adjourn meeting Claire Sheth Carl Fantasia 4–0 Attachments  April 15, 2026 Recreation Committee Agenda  Little League Signage Materials  LHS Girls Soccer Boosters Proposal  Aquatics Presentation  Community Center Furniture Proposal  Town Pool Mural Designs  April 2026 Department Report (Attachments on file.) Respectfully submitted, Melinda Spencer Administrative Manager