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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-17-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 June 17, 2026 A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 7:00 PM to 7:49 PM via remote participation. Attendance Members Present: Claire Sheth (Vice Chair), Renen Bassik, Andrea Jackson, and Weiwei Li Members Absent: Rick DeAngelis (Chair), Sean Bridgeo, and Carl Fantasia Staff Present: Melissa Battite, Peter Coleman, and Christine Dean Liaisons Present: Doug Lucente (Select Board) Public Present: Julie-Ann Shapiro (Council on Aging), Joe Petner A quorum was present. 1. Lincoln Park Utility Box Artwork Christine Dean provided an update regarding the Lincoln Park Utility Box Artwork Project. She explained that the original utility box artwork at Lincoln Park had been removed when the utility box was replaced. After the replacement box had been in place for the required period of time, the Department partnered with the Lexington Council for the Arts to initiate a new public art project. The Lexington Council for the Arts funded and coordinated the project, engaging professional curator Lori Brogdon to oversee the artist selection process. An open call for artists generated numerous submissions from artists throughout Massachusetts. A selection panel consisting of 2 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Recreation Department staff, representatives from the Lexington Council for the Arts, a local artist, and Recreation Committee member Renen Bassik reviewed the submissions. Discussion focused on the selection process and the quality of the artist proposals received. Committee members noted the strong participation and diversity of submissions. The selected artwork features a monarch butterfly surrounded by milkweed plants and seed pods, reflecting the natural environment and ecosystem of Lincoln Park. Renen Bassik commented that the review process was productive and suggested establishing more formal selection criteria for future public art projects. Committee members expressed support for the selected design and the project moving forward. No vote was taken. 2. Annual Update from the Council on Aging Julie-Ann Shapiro, Chair of the Council on Aging (COA), presented the Council's annual update. Ms. Shapiro provided an overview of the Council's mission and responsibilities, including supporting the Senior Services Division, advocating for older adults, identifying senior needs, and serving as a liaison to other Town committees. She highlighted Lexington's designation as an AARP Age-Friendly Community and discussed the Council's ongoing work addressing priorities identified through the Town's age-friendly assessment process. Discussion included: • Housing affordability and accessibility for older adults • Transportation needs and mobility options for seniors • Aging-in-place initiatives and home modification programs • The Senior Parking Program in Lexington Center • Community outreach and engagement efforts • The Aging Place Resource Fair and other educational programs • Partnerships with the Friends of the Council on Aging and Senior Services Division Ms. Shapiro emphasized the Council's goal of ensuring that the needs and perspectives of older adults are considered in Town planning, policies, and capital projects. Melissa Battite thanked the Council on Aging, Senior Services staff, and the Friends of the Council on Aging for their continued partnership and support of programming at the Community Center. She noted the significant role seniors play in Community Center activities and the success of the collaboration between Recreation and Senior Services. No vote was taken. 3 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 3. Public Comment Joe Petner, a resident of Taft Avenue, addressed the Committee regarding signage at Sutherland Woods Playground and conservation areas. Mr. Petner expressed concerns about recently installed signage related to dog use within the park and noted that the property serves both recreation and conservation purposes. He requested clarification regarding off-leash dog policies and the distinction between athletic field areas and conservation land. Christine Dean reported that staff had previously discussed the matter with Mr. Petner and had revised the signage to better reflect the differing regulations governing recreation fields and conservation areas. She indicated that staff would revisit the site to verify the condition and placement of the signage and make any necessary adjustments. No further public comments were offered. 4. Lexington High School Building Project Update Peter Coleman provided an update regarding coordination efforts related to the Lexington High School Building Project. Discussion included: • Construction mobilization scheduled to begin in early July • Relocation of storage trailers and equipment currently located within the project area • Coordination with athletic organizations and user groups regarding equipment storage and site access • Ongoing communication with Town departments and project stakeholders • Efforts to minimize visual impacts associated with temporary trailer storage locations Melissa Battite discussed the operational impacts of construction on summer programming, particularly the need to adjust routes between Lexington High School and Center Recreation. She noted that accommodations, including the use of a golf cart, are being implemented to support campers and participants with mobility, medical, or cognitive needs. Doug Lucente noted that a public community forum regarding the Lexington High School project was scheduled for June 24, 2026 at Estabrook Hall and encouraged interested residents to attend. No vote was taken. 5. Approval of May 19, 2026 Recreation Committee Minutes The Committee reviewed the May 19, 2026 Recreation Committee meeting minutes. Committee members expressed appreciation for the level of detail included in the draft minutes. 4 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Motion: Claire Sheth moved to approve the minutes from the May 19, 2026 Recreation Committee meeting. Renen Bassik seconded the motion. Vote: 4–0, approved. 6. Liaison Reports Doug Lucente provided a Select Board update. Topics discussed included: • Recent Town referendum results related to residential trash collection • Ongoing development of implementation plans and community engagement efforts • Anticipated fiscal and budget challenges facing the Town in upcoming years • Coordination among the Select Board, School Committee, and financial committees regarding long-term planning • A proposed solar installation project at Pine Meadows Golf Course • Community soccer watch parties associated with the FIFA World Cup events being held on the Visitor Center lawn Committee members discussed the importance of continued collaboration among Town boards and committees as future budget priorities are evaluated. No vote was taken. 7. Recreation & Community Programs Report Melissa Battite, Peter Coleman, and Christine Dean provided updates regarding departmental operations, programs, staffing, facilities, and capital projects. Summer Operations Staff reported that preparations for summer programming are underway, including onboarding and training seasonal staff for camps, aquatics, athletics, and recreation programs. Staff noted continued challenges recruiting lifeguards and recognized the efforts of aquatics supervisors and staff to maintain operations. Capital Projects Lincoln Park Field #3 Construction activities have begun, and the project is progressing as scheduled. 5 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Center Recreation Playground Staff reported that construction continues, although additional underground ledge and boulders were encountered during excavation. Completion is now anticipated in early to mid-July. Staff are implementing contingency plans to accommodate summer camp operations until the playground reopens. Maple Street Athletic Complex Demolition activities at the former LPS Central Admin Building site have been completed. Staff anticipate construction mobilization beginning in the coming weeks and expressed enthusiasm for the future athletic complex. Outdoor Fitness Equipment Equipment for the new outdoor fitness area at Lincoln Park has been delivered and is expected to be installed during the summer. Recreation Programs and Facilities Additional updates included: • Strong participation at Pine Meadows Golf Course • Opening of the Town Pool and Reservoir summer season • Upcoming summer camps, clinics, and recreation programs beginning June 29, 2026 • The successful Adams Courts Pickleball ribbon-cutting ceremony held on May 31, 2026 • Preparations for the annual Lions Club Carnival and Fireworks at Hastings Park • Temporary closure of the Center Recreation track and field during carnival setup and operations Committee members discussed communication regarding the revised timeline for the Center Recreation Playground project and requested that project updates continue to be reflected on the Department website. No vote was taken. 8. Adjournment Andrea Jackson moved and Weiwei Li seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The Recreation Committee voted 4–0 to approve the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM. 6 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Summary of Motions # Description Moved By Seconded By Vote 1 Approve May 19, 2026 Recreation Committee meeting minutes Claire Sheth Renen Bassik 4–0 2 Adjourn meeting Andrea Jackson Weiwei Li 4–0 Attachments • June 17, 2026 Recreation Committee Agenda • Recreation & Community Programs Monthly Report • Council on Aging Annual Update Materials • Lincoln Park Utility Box Artwork Materials (Attachments on file.) Respectfully submitted, Melinda Spencer Administrative Manager