HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-15-REC-att.pdf611444
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Lexington
RECREATION &COMMUNITY
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Recreation and Community Programs
Department
Town of Lexington
Athletic Field and Court Use Policy
Table of Contents
1. Introduction & Authority 1
1.1 Purpose of the Policy 1
1.2 Facilities Covered 1
1.3 Permit Requirement & Definition of "Organized Use" 1
1.4 Authority of the Recreation & Community Programs Department 1-2
2. Universal Rules for All Outdoor Recreation Facilities 2
2.1 Hours of Operation 2
2.2 Prohibited Behaviors 2
2.3 Safety & Conduct Requirements 2
2.4 Restrictions Requiring Prior Written Approval 2-3
2.5 Vehicle & Equipment Restrictions 3
2.6 Insurance, CORI, and Roster Requirements 3
2.7 Responsibilities of Permit Holders 3-4
2.8 Enforcement & Consequences 4
3. Permit & Reservation Process 4
3.1 Seasonal Permit Cycles & Deadlines 4
3.2 Application Method 4
3.3 Permit Issuance Priorities 4-5
3.4 One -Time vs. Recurring Use 5
3.5 Fees & Payment Policies 5
3.6 Weather -Related Cancellations 5
4. Athletic Playing Field & Court Policies 5
4.1 Facilities Requiring Permits 5
4.2 Rules of Use 5-6
4.3 Condition Closure Criteria 6
4.4 Weather Restrictions 6
4.5 Turf -Specific Restrictions 6
4.6 Use of Department -Supplied Equipment 7
4.7 Facility Preparation Rules 7
4.8 Priority Tier System 7
4.9 Heat Index Guidelines 8-9
5. Definitions 9
6. Amendments & Review History 10
Town of Lexington Athletic Field and Court Use Policy
1. Introduction & Authority
1.1 Purpose of the Policy
The Recreation and Community Programs Department (the "Department") and the
Recreation Committee (the "Committee"), through authority granted by the Town of
Lexington ("the Town"), hereby adopts the following policy concerning the use of the Town's
athletic fields and courts.
1.2 Facilities Covered
All Town -owned athletic fields and hard -court surfaces (tennis courts, pickleball courts,
basketball courts, track) are covered by the Athletic Field and Court Use Policy. Permitting
and reservation of fields and courts is dependent on multiple factors including but not
limited to availability, scheduled maintenance and/or renovation, field/court conditions,
and safety (user and public).
1.3 Permit Requirement & Definition of "Organized Use"
Organized and/or recurring use of Town fields and courts shall require a permit or
reservation issued by the Department or a third party reservation app.
1.4 Authority of the Recreation & Community Programs Department
Although the Town fields and courts are in the public domain and thus may be used without
a permit or reservation on a casual, drop-in basis, a permit or reservation issued by the
Department is required for any and all organized use, and in all cases, the bearer of such a
permit or reservation is granted exclusive use of the field or court as indicated by the permit
or reservation.
The submission of an application for a permit/reservation for an athletic field or court
constitutes agreement by the applicant to read, understand, and comply with all rules and
policies of the Town as described herein and elsewhere including but not limited to the
Regulations of Parks and Recreation Facilities.
2. Universal Rules for All Outdoor Recreation Facilities
2.1 Hours of Operation
Fields and courts are open from dawn to dusk unless specifically permitted or reserved for
use with outdoor athletic lighting. The Town fields and courts will be closed and their use
prohibited if conditions are deemed unsafe for either the users or for public health and
safety as determined by this policy or otherwise by the Department, by the Town of
Lexington, by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or by the federal government.
2.2 Prohibited Behaviors
The following behaviors are prohibited:
• Overnight use of fields and courts.
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances, and/or marijuana and vaping on
fields and courts and in their immediate vicinity.
• Use of foul, vulgar, and/or abusive language.
• Discriminatory acts and/or language toward anyone based on race, ethnicity,
religion, ability, gender, or sexual orientation.
• Metal detecting at any Town parks or athletic fields.
• Dogs are prohibited from all athletic fields.
• Reallocation or "subletting" of a permitted or reserved field or court by the
permit/reservation holder for any reason. Permitted or reserved fields or courts that
will go unused by the permit/reservation holder should be yielded back to the
Department.
• Permitted or reserved fields or courts may not be used for public demonstration nor
for fundraising activities including but not limited to no goods may be sold, entry fee
charged, or collections taken without the prior, written approval of the Town.
2.3 Safety & Conduct Requirements
The individual named on the permit or reservation shall be held ultimately responsible for
the actions of all users and for the condition of the field or court. If at any time a dangerous
or unsafe condition is found or the conduct of participant(s) is deemed dangerous or
inappropriate, the Director of Recreation and Community Programs Department, or their
duly appointed representative, reserves the right to immediately discontinue all activities
and/or dismiss any participant(s) from the site in the interest of public safety with no further
recourse by the permit/reservation holder.
2.4 Restrictions Requiring Prior Written Approval
The following items are prohibited without prior, written approval of the Town:
• Placement of storage containers or other objects, including portable bathrooms.
• Hanging of signs, banners, fundraising, etc. (requires approval from the Recreation
Committee and the Select Board).
• Use of drones or similar electronic and/or remote-controlled devices.
• Use of amplification should be requested as part of the permit request for the specific
days and times, ie: game announcer, special event, etc. Ongoing and regular use of the
amplified sound/music must be permitted through the Recreation and Community
Programs Department. Requests and considerations for approval for such use will
include day of week, hours of day, and length of time the system will be utilized and/or
be required for the permitted use of the fields.
• Using the permitted time for activities other than games and practices, special events,
and/or tournaments/ceremonies should be reviewed with The Town.
2.5 Vehicle & Equipment Restrictions
The driving or parking of vehicles on fields or courts is prohibited.
2.6 Insurance, CORI, and Roster Requirements
The permit/reservation holder must provide the Department with written documentation
that a CORI background check has been performed as required by Massachusetts General
Law on all adults including but not limited to volunteers, staff, and vendors for activities
involving children under the age of 18. A certificate of insurance must be submitted from
the organization/applicant. The general liability coverage must be for a minimum of
$1,000,000 and the Town must be named as additionally insured.
An associated roster from the organization or league must be submitted to authenticate
the residency requirement for their proper tier. The roster should include the name, street
address, and town for all participants and must be submitted at the same time when a field
request is submitted prior to each season. A copy of a participant's driver's license or other
form of identification may be required.
2.7 Responsibilities of Permit Holders
The permit/reservation holder is responsible for the following:
• Ensuring that the field or court is clean and there is no litter or garbage left after use.
• Any damage to the field or court or the immediate vicinity that occurs during their
permitted day/time.
• Honoring any field or court closures as made by the Department, DPW, the
Department of Health, or any other Department or Board of the Town of Lexington.
A valid permit/reservation must be in the possession of the user of the permitted field or
court at the time of use and must be produced upon request of any official or employee of
the Town including but not limited to staff of DPW, DPF, or the Police Department. Failure
to do so may result in expulsion from the field or court, revocation of the permit, or other
action as determined necessary by the Town. If there is another group on the field/court
during your permitted time, please contact the Lexington Recreation & Community
Programs Department at (781) 698-4800.
2.8 Enforcement & Consequences
Violation of the rules as indicated in this Athletic Field and Court Use Policy or of other
Town rules and policies shall be grounds for immediate revocation of the
permit/reservation. No refund will be provided, and future applications/reservations may
be denied.
The field permit holder is ultimately responsible for any damage caused to a field, including
as the result of use under inclement weather or other adverse conditions regardless of
official closure or not, and will be held liable for the costs of field repairs as solely
determined by the Recreation and Community Programs Department and/or the
Department of Public Works.
3. Permit & Reservation Process
3.1 Seasonal Permit Cycles & Deadlines
Permits are issued on a seasonal basis with seasons being defined as Spring (March to
June), Summer (June to August), Fall (August to November), and Winter (November to
March), subject to change due to weather, field conditions, and other variables. The
season start dates indicated on approved permits are approximate only as they are
dependent on weather and playable field or court conditions as determined by the
Department and/or DPW.
Seasonal field permitting occurs according to the following schedule, subject to change
(*note - it is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm all due dates). Permit
applications received after the due date will only be considered if there is unallocated field
space:
Season Applications open Due Date Processed
Spring December January 1St late February
Summer April May 1St late May
Fall June July 1st early August
not typically
Winter permitted n/a n/a
3.2 Application Method
Applicants for an athletic field permit must submit a request through the MyRec website.
3.3 Permit Issuance Priorities
Approval of permits for applications competing for the same field and time will be
determined on the basis of the traditional season of the sport per Massachusetts
Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) policy, applicant priority tier (as described in
section 4.7), and prior permitting history.
3.4 One -Time vs. Recurring Use
Any recurring meeting of a group of individuals is considered organized use under this
policy and requires a permit or reservation as described in this document.
3.5 Fees & Payment Policies
The outdoor recreation facilities usage fees are as follows and must be paid before a valid
permit will be issued (unless otherwise noted in the fee schedule communicated by the
Department). The use of outdoor athletic lights, where available, carries an additional fee.
Failure to submit payment in a timely manner may result in a permit being revoked and all
future requests from an organization being declined.
3.6 Weather -Related Cancellations
A field reservation may be rescheduled or a credit may be issued at the discretion of the
Department if a permit holder cannot use a field due to inclement weather or other
conditions provided the permit holder communicates the cancellation in a timely manner
including by 3:30pm on the day of cancellation for facilities with athletic lighting permitted
and on the first business day following a cancellation made outside of regular department
office hours.
4. Athletic Playing Field & Court Policies (Natural Grass. Synthetic Turf, & Hard Court
Surfaces)
4.1 Facilities Requiring Permits
The following fields require a field use permit as described herein. The following tennis and
pickleball courts require a reservation as described herein and courts may be reserved at
www.playlocal.com.
4.2 Rules of Use
Courts are to be used for their intended use —tennis, pickleball, or basketball only. All
other uses are prohibited, including but not limited to street hockey, roller skating/blading,
bicycle riding, and skateboarding. The use of Town courts for the scheduling of,
coordinating of, or provision of paid, private lessons of any kind is prohibited.
The Gallagher Tennis Courts are for tennis use only. The Adams Courts and Clarke #3 are
reservable for only pickleball. Clarke #1 and #2 and the Valley Courts are available for both
tennis and pickleball use.
A court may be reserved for a maximum of one hour per person per day. Court reservations
may be made up to two weeks in advance and must be made at least one hour prior to use.
Court reservation fees may be refunded. To submit a refund request, please contact
PlayLocal at support(c�playlocal.com within a day of the scheduled reservation.
Reservation of the basketball courts for tournaments or other large events may, at the
discretion of the Recreation and Community Programs Department, require hiring the
Lexington Police Department for a police detail during the event and hiring the Department
of Public Works for clean-up after the event. In the event of inclement weather and/or court
closure, the reservation will be rescheduled, or a credit given.
The Center Track, located at the Center Recreation Complex, consists of 6 lanes with an 8 -
lane straightaway. All running and walking shall occur in a counterclockwise fashion
around the track (field should be on your left). Joggers are to use the three inside lanes and
walkers are to use the three outside lanes. Wheelchairs, assisted mobility devices, and
strollers are asked to use the outside lanes. Footwear is limited to sneakers or a pyramid
style 1/4" cleat. Needle footwear is prohibited. The following items are prohibited from the
track: bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, food and gum, and any beverage other than
water.
As part of the Center After Dark program during the offseason (late -November through
March), the lights at the Center Track, Farias Basketball Courts, and four of the Gallagher
Courts will be on until 9:OOpm on Monday -Thursday nights, weather permitting. If the
temperature is below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) on a given night, the lights will not
turn on at the Farias Basketball Courts and Gallagher Tennis Courts and if conditions are
unsafe due to snow, ice, or wind chill, the lights will not turn on at any of these facilities.
4.3 Condition Closure Criteria
The use of turf or natural grass athletic fields is prohibited under the following conditions,
whether the field is officially closed or not: if there is visible standing water on the field, if
the ground is soft, water-logged, or releases water when stepped on, if the footing is
unstable, slippery, or otherwise unsure, and if there is snow covering the field.
The use of any hard court surface is prohibited if there is visible standing water, if footing is
slippery or unstable, and if there is snow covering the surface.
Removal of snow from any field or court is prohibited.4.4 Weather Restrictions
The use of turf or natural grass athletic fields and hard court surfaces is prohibited if there
is visible lightning or within 30 minutes of the last audible thunder. The Department and/or
the Town reserve the right to close athletic fields, including for the weekend, in advance of,
during, or after inclement weather or other conditions that are deemed to put participants
or the fields at potential risk. Such closures will be communicated to permit holders and
posted on the Department website in a timely manner.
4.5 Turf -Specific Restrictions
Staking, driving, or otherwise penetrating anything into a synthetic turf field is prohibited.
4.6 Use of Department -Supplied Equipment
Goals or other equipment ancillary to the use of the facility may be made available by the
Department in which case the permit holder assumes all risk for the use of such
equipment, shall be responsible for any loss or damage of such equipment, shall be
responsible for returning such equipment to the designated storage location, and shall be
responsible for any damage to fields caused by the use or transport of such equipment.
4.7 Facility Preparation Rules
Field preparation including but not limited to mowing and lining is not included in the
permit fee and may not be conducted by the user without the prior, written approval of the
Department and/or DPW.
4.8 Priority Tier System
The priority tiering for facility use permit applicants is as follows:
• Tier 1 (Town organizations):
o Recreation and Community Programs Department
o Lexington Public Schools (LPS), including but not limited to high school
athletic events (games or practices), middle school athletic events (games or
practices), physical education classes, and other LPS special events
• Tier 2 (Lexington -based with minimum of 95% Lexington resident participants*):
o Lexington -based organization, e.g., youth sports organizations, whose field or
court users will comprise at least 95% Lexington residents
o Lexington residents seeking permit for a single, one-time event, e.g., birthday
party, pick-up game where at least 95% of attendees will be Lexington
residents
• Tier 3 (Lexington -based with minimum of 75% Lexington resident participants*):
o Lexington -based organization or team that participates in a regional league
with Lexington residents comprising at least 75% of official roster
o Seasonal permit for organized pick-up games, adult leagues, etc. at which at
least 75% of participants are Lexington residents
• Tier 4 (Lexington -based with minimum of 50% or more Lexington resident
participants*):
o Lexington -based organization (business, private or charter school), league, or
team with 50% or more of participants are Lexington residents
• Tier 5
o Private clinics/camps/tournaments & groups with less than 50% Lexington
residents
*Note: rosters must be submitted at the same time when a field request is submitted and
may be verified for Lexington residency. The tier a group qualifies for, based on the
residency percentage and the total number of participants in an organization, will be
reviewed prior to each season and both will be determining factors when field permits are
issued.
4.9 Heat Index Guidelines
The Lexington Recreation and Community Programs Department, in conjunction with the
Lexington Health Department, has developed the following guidelines for field permit
holders and park users regarding extreme heat. It is designed to provide park users, permit
holders, and their participants with a standard for safe play when the outdoor weather
conditions become very hot and may cause unsafe conditions.
Both the heat index and the dew point are used to help determine safe playability during
extreme heat. Heat index is a measurement of the perceived temperature rather than the
actual air temperature. It is calculated by taking into consideration the actual outdoor
temperature with the amount of humidity in the air. Dew point is the temperature the air
needs to be cooled to (at constant pressure) in order to achieve a relative humidity (RH) of
100%. To help calculate the dew point, please use the dew point calculator on
https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/dew-point.
Possible effects from being out in hot, humid, high dew point weather include dehydration
and overheating, burns and blisters if skin is exposed to sunlight or surfaces that rise in
temperature from the sun, and/or heat stroke.
Fahrenheit
Notes
80-90°F
Caution: fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity.
Continuing activity could result in heat cramps.
90-105°F
Extreme caution: heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible.
Continuing activity could result in heat stroke.
105-130°F
Danger: heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely; heat stroke is
probable with continued activity.
Over 130°F
Extreme danger: heat stroke is imminent.
Users who have a field permit will be notified through email when the temperatures are
forecasted to reach 90 degrees or higher. The message will also be posted on department
web page and social media platforms for all park users.
Please take into consideration the participants' age and condition when determining
whether or not to participate and be sure to review the dangers and effects of heat and
properly protecting oneself with sunscreen and hydration with the participants. The playing
surface will also be considered when making any determination. A natural grass field does
not create as much heat as a synthetic turf field as on a sunny day in the afternoon with
relatively no winds, a turf field could be anywhere from 20-30 degrees higher than a grass
field. This should be considered when determining the safety of the players as well.
The Lexington Recreation and Community Programs Department has defined 3 heat index
"zones". These zones are recommended guidelines published by the American College of
Sports Medicine (ACSM) for participation in sports activities during periods of extreme
heat.
The total heat index temperature is listed in the chart below and can be found at
https://www.calculator.net/heat-index-calculator.html.
temperature ('F)
80!82184 86 ' 88 90 92 94 96 9-8 1 O O 102 104 ' 1 0 6 108 110
40 30 31 33 35 88 91 94 97 101 105 109 114 119 124
45 80 82 34 87 89 93 96 100 104 109 114 119 124
50 81 33 85 88 91 95 99 103 103 113 113
81 84 36 89 93 97 101 106 112 117 124
82 84 33 91 96 100 105 110 116 123.1
82 85 89 93 93 103 108 114 121 -I
83 86 90 96 100 105 112 119 ®-I
84 38 92 97 103 109 116 124
84 89 94 100 106 113 121
35 90 96 102 110 117.1111.
--'
36 91 98 105 113 122 -- -)
36 93 100 108 117 - -,
100 87 95 103 112 121 �-�--I
Caution Et_trerrae Caution Danger
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
124
Extreme Danger
• Zone 1 (Heat Index reading: 80-90 degrees, Yellow Zone): Organizations are
encouraged to take extra steps to protect all coaches, volunteers, players, referees,
and bystanders for dehydration and overheating. Teams should not be out for more
than 5 consecutive hours a day.
• Zone 2 (Heat index reading: 91-103 degrees, Gold Zone): Requirements in Zone 1
will still apply. Permit holders are required to provide water coolers for participants
to help stay hydrated if water fountains are not easily accessible. If teams are
practicing, coaches will be instructed to keep players well-hydrated with frequent
breaks. If a contact sport is being played with additional equipment, players not
involved should remove helmets and other equipment if it does not put them in
danger. Practice length should not exceed 3 hours. A mandatory 3 -hour recovery
period between practices. 5 hours maximum practice time per day.
• Zone 3 (Heat index reading: 104+ degrees. Orange/Red Zone): Any scheduled
activities will be postponed/cancelled until the heat index drops below 104 degrees.
5. Definitions
• Town of Lexington: The Town
• Recreation and Community Programs Department: The Department
• Recreation Committee: The Committee
• Single Use Permit Requests: For a one-time, pre -reserved use of an Outdoor
Recreation Facility. Tier categories and fees apply to single use requests.
• Recurring Permit Request: Pre -Scheduled, on or in a series of same or different
times, days, weeks or months and or participation within a particular
season/timeframe.
• Organized: Group of people who have formally chosen to come together.
• MIAA: Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association
• LBO: Lexington Based Organization
• DPW: Department of Public Works
• DPF: Department of Public Facilities
• LPS: Lexington Public Schools
• CORI: Criminal Offender Record Inquiry
6. Amendments & Review History
Amended 12/18/09; Updated 2/17/14, 12/12/19, 12/13/19; 11/19/21, 8/3/22, 8/21/24, 9/10/25
Edited 12/10/25, 7/1/26
Recreation Committee voted 10/16/24, 12/15/25, 7/15/26
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FY2026-27 Select Board Goals and Goal Statements
1. Complete the Lexington High School Project (Joe Pato)
1.1 Proactively drive actions to meet planned timelines with MSBA and legislature.
1.2 Identify opportunities to lower the cost and impact on residential taxes
1.3 Engage residents to explain and address tax implications
2. Clean, Healthy, Resilient Lexington (Mark Sandeen)
2.1 Incorporate Capital Projects Solar Canopy Integration Policy into business practices
2.2 Continue decarbonizing municipal buildings and electrifying municipal vehicles
according to the High -Performance Building Policy and Fleet Electrification Policy
2.3 Reduce waste generation while increasing composting and recycling according to
the Zero Waste Plan
3. Economic and Community Vibrancy (Vineeta Kumar)
3.1 Propose options for next steps for revitalizing the center
3.2 Integrate the external equity officer position into the fabric of the community
3.3 Propose strategies for enhancing economic opportunities in all business districts
4. Fiscal Stability (Doug Lucente)
4.1 Avoid operational overrides
4.2 Identify options for revenue diversification and commercial tax base growth
4.3 Convene conversations on long-term financial challenges and policy guidance.
5. Livable Community (Jill Hai)
5.1 Evaluate a true 10% affordable housing goal
5.2 Advance the Bicycle and Pedestrian access plan and Traffic Safety Group
recommendations as a means of increasing safety and multi -modal and public
transportation
5.3 Propose strategies to enhance a sense of community and connection, taking into
consideration health, safety, and systemic barriers.
Note: Goats and goal areas are presented in no particular order, and the list does not reflect any prioritization.
Each goal was assigned to one member of the Board to move it forward. All goals will be continually
reevaluated.
December 2025
LEXINGTON EDUCATION
FOUNDATION
9 Meriam St, Suite 5, Lexington,
MA 02420
info@lexedfoundation.org 781.372.3288
Board of Directors
Kyle York
Karyn Zhao
Presidents
Keri Caron
Bhanu Harrison
Gautham Kasinath
Meghana Khanolkar
Jess Quattrocchi
Fernanda Raduan
Shana York
ex officio
Dr. Julie Hackett
School Partnership Committee
Fang Flora
Rachel Harrington
Jen Oriel
Amulya Panyam
Karyn Zhao
June 29, 2026
Recreation Committee
39 Marrett Road
Community Center
Lexington, MA 02421
Tel: (781) 698-4800
Dear Recreation Committee,
Lexington Education Foundation (LEF) is dedicated
to fostering community engagement in support of
the continued excellence of Lexington Public
Schools. In alignment with this mission, LEF seeks
to broaden its impact by increasing access to
educational reading opportunities for residents of all
ages.
The LEF Board has identified the Center Recreation
Complex as an ideal location for this initiative. As a
well -used community hub that promotes both
physical activity and mental well-being, the
complex aligns naturally with LEF's goal of
enriching the community's educational landscape.
Introducing a Little Free Library at this site would
further complement the Recreation Depai ttttent's
commitment to inclusion, community connection,
and healthy living.
LEF respectfully requests the Recreation
Committee's consideration and approval for the
installation of a Little Free Library within the
Center. Recreation Complex. Our preferred location
is the parking lot entrance near the Center Track and
Field and Town Pool, as this area experiences high
foot traffic and serves a diverse cross-section of the
community. LEF will assume full responsibility for
the design, procurement, and ongoing maintenance
of the library. The proposed dimensions are
enclosed below for your review.
We welcome the committee's guidance regarding
the most suitable placement and are fully prepared
to collaborate with the Recreation Department on
the installation timeline and determination of the
responsible party for onsite installation.
LEF greatly values the Recreation Committee's
partnership and would sincerely appreciate your
approval of this community -enhancing project.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or
recommendations.
Sincerely,
)A0-
Karyn Zhao
Co -President, LEF and Vice President for LEF
School Partnerships
Enclosure
18.5"
Approximate External Dimensions
18"
3.5" x 3.5" x 5' mounting post
21"
:166
Lexington
RECREATION & COMMUNITY
PROGRAMS
Town of Lexington
Recreation and Community Programs
Melissa Termine Battite, CPRP Tel: 781-698-4800
Director of Recreation and Community Programs Fax: 781-861-2747
Recreation & Community Programs
July 2026 Report
New Business:
------------
• FY26 — Recreation Committee Annual Report is due by September 14, 2026.
• Effective July 1, 2026, the Select Board Chair/Vice Chair will be as follows:
o Chair: Joe Pato (jpato@lexingtonma.gov)
o Vice Chair: Vineeta Kumar (vkumar@lexingtonma.gov)
• Park & Recreation Month is July; we kicked it off with a post to highlight "The Power" of Parks and Rec
has on the Community.
Save the Dates
• Tuesday, August 18th — Fall program registration begins.
Staff Updates
• Seasonal and full-time staff attended the FIFA watch party on June 19th and 26th to represent the
department and what we have to offer over the summer/year.
Community Center
o Meetings with DPF are underway on the reflooring of the Community Center. There will be two
phases from September 8-19. Carpet will be replaced with LVT on the first and second floors in
the common space and hallways.
o A new art exhibit was installed on July 1 in 242 hallway featuring safari animals. The resident
who installed is an active member of the Community Center.
Programs & Services
o STEM programs are up and running at the Community Center on a weekly basis. Program
topics range from circuitry to filmmaking and in-between.
o Summer day camps, sports clinics, and youth tennis programs began on Monday, June 29th
Summer programs are going well so far, and staff have been doing a great job, especially given
the heat during the first week.
www.lexingtonma.gov/recreation
recdept@lexingtonma.gov
39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MA 02421 (office)
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 (mall)
o The Summer 3v3 Basketball League for students in grades 4-8 is underway and will continue at
the Farias Basketball Courts over the next month.
Budget & Capital
• Fund for Lexington approved a $15K grant to support Financial Aid Scholarships.
• Center Playground Replacement Project —the installation of the new play equipment is scheduled to
be completed by Wednesday, July 15th. Then, the installation of the poured -in-place (PIP) will take
place. It is anticipated that the playground will be open on/about August 1, weather permitting.
• Maple Street Athletic Complex Project — the contractor (Argus) has mobilized and work has begun. It is
anticipated that this project will reach substantial completion in Summer 2027.
• Lincoln Park Field #3 Reconstruction Project — most of the existing turf has been removed from the
site. Project is still on schedule to be completed by Friday, August 21St
• Lincoln Softball to Little League Field Conversion Project — staff from DPW and Recreation have
reviewed the design for the conversion of the Lincoln softball field to a new Little League field. This
work will be completed this fall, and the new Little League field is scheduled to be online for the Spring
2027 season.
• Lincoln Park Fitness Equipment — Forte Construction will install the equipment during the summer.
• A contractor began installing an accessible path at Rindge Park on Thursday, July 9th and it is
anticipated that the installation will be completed within the next week, weather permitting.
• The Skate Park relocation is anticipated to take place in mid-September through late October.
Parks, Fields, & Facilities
Athletic Fields & Parks
• Recreation and DPW staff continue with the monthly playground inspections.
• It is anticipated that the fall field schedule will be finalized in early August.
Hard Court Surfaces
• The Gallagher Tennis Courts served as a host for a USTA Junior Sectional tennis tournament on
Saturday, June 20th -Monday, June 22nd.
Aquatics
• Currently, the sale of aquatic memberships is on pause. We have had multiple high heat days where
we have hit capacity and patrons have had to wait in line to enter the facility. We are continuing to
hire lifeguards with the hope that we can add additional staff to the schedule on days when heat is
expected.
• Aqua Aerobics began on July 8th after a delayed start to the season. The program will run Wednesday -
Friday from 12-1PM during the regular season. Members are welcome to come on Mondays and
Tuesdays from 12-1PM to use the equipment independently.
• The Town Pool hosted the Winchester Country Club for our first swim meet of the season on July 1St
And on Wednesday, July 22nd we'll be welcoming Sun Valley for our final home meet.
• We have had a successful start to swim lessons, both offering lessons to LexRec Day Campers in the
morning and participants in our group swim lessons in the afternoon.
Data Dashboard
• 210 reservations totaling 1138 hours.
• 560 memberships have been processed or renewed. Memberships range from Community Cener,
Swim, and Tennis and Pickleball.
• Visitation totaled 16,392.
• Online brochure view reached 1,557 reads for an average of 5 minutes.
• May e -newsletter had an open rate of 64% (10,711) and a click rate of 4% (447).
• $713 has been donated via MyRec to the Scholarship and All -abilities fund.
fP:Lio,
Lxington
RECREATTN
Date
Sum of 18sttots
Date
6/1/2026
5/1/2026
4/112026
31112026
2/1/2026
Lexington Recretaion & Community Programs Data
Dashboard
Sum of Reservations Stun of Reservation HOIIIS
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Date
1490
1395
221
235
203
224
209
Community Center Reservation
1171 1164
159
193
221
204
192
213
1157
1114 1122
235
223 221
1106
1130
206 210
3/1/2025 4/1/2025 5/1/2025 6/1/2025 7/1/2025 8/1/2025 9/112025 10/1/2025 11/1/2025 12/1/2025 1/1/2026 2/112026 3/112026 N1/2026 511/2026 6/1/2026
Community Center Visitors
um"!
ellEfE
9/111
1/1/2026 NNW
12/1/2025
11/1/2025
10/1/2025
9/1/2025
8/1/2025
7/1/2025
6/1/2025
5/3/2025
4/1/2025
3/10025
ILBLo•
MANI
W4.1=
68367
APRA
300c
011001
616/1/
10000 15000 20000 25000
Sum of C omm u n is/Center Sum of Battle Green Tennis Sum of Swim 50 0/ of Tennis& Pickletaall m of Drep-In Gym
000
500
400
300
200
100
Date
Membership Sales
1 1 11 _ • _I I MI NAL • I
is Total
3/1/2025 4/1/2020 5/1/2025 511/2025 7/1/2025 8/1/2025 9/1/2025 10/3/2025 11/1/2525 1211/2025 3/1/2028 2/1/2026 3/1/2026 4/1/2026 5/1/2026 6/1/2026
Values
• fit m 0/Community Center • Sum of Ba Me GI een Tennis it Sum of Swint s Su m of Tennis& Picklenall •Su of Drop.in Gym
Sum of Scholarshlop Donations Som of AU Abilities Donations
52.500
82.000
81,500
$1,000
Scholarship Donations
Values
• Su m of Schola rshi op Donations 111Sum of All Abilities Donations
020
3/1/2025 N1/2025 5/3/2025 6/1/2025 7/1/2025 8/1/2025 911/2025 10/1/2025 13/1/2025 12/1/2025 1/1/2026 2/1/2026
Data
3/1/2026
4/1/2026
5/1/2026
7/10/26, 12:17 PM Fw: Swim Memberships - Melissa Battite - Outlook
• Outlook
Fw: Swim Memberships
From Melissa Battite <mbattite@lexingtonma.gov>
Date Fri 7/10/2026 12:14 PM
To 'Rick' <fjdeangelisl @comcast.net>; Claire Sheth <claireshethma@gmail.com>; Weiwei Li
<Iww318@gmail.com>; Renen Bassik <rbassik@gmail.com>; Sean Bridgeo <sbridgeo@gmail.com>; Sean
Bridgeo <sbridgeo@veson.com>; Carl Fantasia <cfantasia217@gmail.com>
Cc Christine Dean <cdean@lexingtonma.gov>; Peter Coleman <pcoleman@lexingtonma.gov>; Laura Perry
<Iperry@lexingtonma.gov>
Hello, Please see the email I shared with the Town Manager's office- as Committee Members, you may
also be contacted regarding the Swim Memberships Wait List. Below provides some context to this
decision.
Thank you,
Melissa
Melissa Termine Battite,CPRP 1 Director
Town of Lexington 1 Recreation and Community Programs
A: 39 Marrett Road 1 Lexington, MA 02420
P: (781) 698-4801
https://linktr.ee/LexRecreation
Creating Community Through People, Parks & Places
I) k
FB email sig
;linkd
From: Melissa Battite <mbattite@lexingtonma.gov>
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 12:12 PM
To: Steve Bartha <sbartha@lexingtonma.gov>; Kelly Axtell <kaxtell@lexingtonma.gov>
Cc: Cathy Severance <cseverance@lexingtonma.gov>; Darah Meister <dmeister@lexingtonma.gov>
Subject: Swim Memberships
Hello,
We are receiving quite a bit of feedback on the Swim Memberships being a wait list this summer. I
anticipate that your office may soon begin to be contacted.
For some context-
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7/10/26, 12:17 PM Fw: Swim Memberships - Melissa Battite - Outlook
The Swimming Pool memberships opened for purchase on Feb 3, 2026, for residents and on Feb 17, 2026,
for non-residents. Here is a link to details on pricing, policies and procedures:
https://www.lexingtonma.gov/1681/Swim-Memberships-and-Daily-Passes
Memberships include access to the facility during open swim and the ability to sign up for swim lessons
(for additional fee) and swim team (for additional fee) as well as drop in aqua aerobics (included in
membership) held 3 times a week at noon.
The daily capacity for the pool is driven by the number of lifeguards on duty (25 swimmers per 1 guard).
Given the shortage of lifeguards (an ongoing national issue for years) and this season being more
challenging than the past few years, a wait list to purchase a membership was put into place on July 1,
2026 (facility opened June 1). This decision was made based on long lines forming (up to 70 people) on
given days, wafting to gain entry, and maintaining the safety requirements of the licensed facility. Staffing
has not improved and continuing to sell memberships is setting false expectations to the community for
access. This same process was put in place in 2022 when the memberships for Tennis/Pickleball sales
surpassed the capacity to provide ample court time which at first was met with push back and is now an
annual occurrence.
Community Members are very angry about this decision. Attendance continues to be monitored and
should staffing improve, the wait list will be opened. The aqua aerobics class seems to be the most
controversial issue at the moment for community members, again, a drop-in class provided 3x a week at
no additional charge.
Laura Perry is the Recreation Supervisor managing the Aquatics facilities and Peter Coleman is her
immediate supervisor, please send any calls our/their way should you begin to be contacted.
Please let me know of any questions.
Enjoy the weekend,
Melissa
Melissa Termine Battite,CPRP 1 Director
Town of Lexington 'Recreation and Community Programs
A: 39 Marrett Road 1 Lexington, MA 02420
P: (781) 698-4801
https://linktr.ee/LexRecreation
Creating Community Through People, Parks & Places
Lexington
Iton
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about:blank?windowld=SecondaryReadingPanel8 2/2
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Lexington
RECREATION & COMMUNITY
PROGRAMS
MEMORANDUM
TO: Naomi Martin, LPS Director of Athletics
FROM: Melissa Termine Battite, Director Recreation & Community Programs
DATE: June 22, 2026
SUBJECT: LHS summer use of Pine Meadows Golf Club
Dear Ms. Martin,
I have received your June 10, 2026, email requesting free summer play for members of the
Lexington High School Golf Team. We are happy to continue this summer program and
opportunity for the athletes, LHS and the Town to partner.
The 2026 summer program provides for playing privileges at no charge for weekday play on
Monday through Thursday between 11:OOam-2:OOpm from July 1 through August 30, subject to
availability. This is for walk on play only; tee times will not be accepted. If a golfer wants to
make a tee time to guarantee a time, they must pay the greens fee. In addition to the walk on
play, tryouts are approved during Monday, August 24th — Wednesday, August 26th. Please
provide a daily head count by gam each morning of tryouts to confirm number of tee -times.
The team is also approved for two mornings per week during the fall season at the Junior rate
of $22 per player.
Please provide John Allen, Superintendent at Pine Meadows, with an attendance sheet with the
player names. Attendance will be taken at the golf course each time the athlete plays, and this
will be given to you at the end of the summer. As in previous seasons, please have the Golf
Coach, Jason Rajotte coordinate the times for the week of tryouts.
The Town of Lexington and New England Golf Corporation support the Lexington High School
golf program and expect the golfers to follow golf etiquette and all policies that has been
established. The Town has the right to revoke this privilege at any time.
The following 15 players have been approved for the 2026 season:
• Sabrina Wu Mo Yang Ryan Kim Tevan Cautela
• Spencer Heim Audrey Feng William Dvorak Jack Hamilton
• Jiwan Kim Topher Ko Andrew Pechinsky Joseph Premerlani
• Tyler Talkowski Siyu Tao Marcus Yap
I wish the Lexington High School golf team a successful season and if you have any questions,
please feel free to contact me.
Have a great summer.
cc: New England Golf Corporation, Recreation Committee, Coach Jason Rajotte
Lexington
RECREATION &COMMUNITY
l
Town of Lexington
Recreation and Community Programs
Melissa Battite, CPRP Tel: 781-698-4800
Director of Recreation and Community Programs Fax: 781-861-2747
Date: June 18, 2026
To: Kevin Pressey and Chris Parente, Hub Softball League
From: Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation
Subject: June 17, 2026 - Incident at the Center Recreation Complex
It has come to our attention that there was an incident on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at the
Center Recreation Complex. The incident involved verbal abuse, swearing, and racial comments
made by Hub Softball League participants towards the group that was using the Center Track
Field
Prohibited behaviors are outlined in Section 2.2 of the Town of Lexington Athletic Field and
Court Use Policy. Please notify all teams and players that the behavior that was demonstrated
last night is strongly condemned by our department and will not be tolerated.
This letter serves as a warning and any additional incidents will have consequences, such as
revoking the current field permit and/or your organization losing the ability to secure field
permits in Lexington in the future.
Please sign and return this letter to Peter Coleman (pcoleman@lexingtonma.gov) by Thursday,
June 25, 2026. Your signature acknowledges that you have received a copy of this letter.
I have read and received a copy of this letter.
Signature, Kevin Pressey Date
Signature, Chris Parente Date
cc: Recreation Committee
Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation & Community Programs
6/22/26, 1:49 PM
Outlook
Important Update: Recommended Language for Hybrid Public Meeting Notices - Melissa Battite - Outlook
Important Update: Recommended Language for Hybrid Public Meeting Notices
From Mary de Alderete <mdealderete@lexingtonma.gov>
Date Mon 6/22/2026 1:43 PM
To All Committees <allcommittees@lexingtonma.gov>
Cc ALL EMPLOYEES <TOL@lexingtonma.gov>
1 attachment (157 KB)
lan Barber Esq.pdf;
Dear Board and Committee Members,
Town Counsel has alerted us to a recent Attorney General's Office (AGO) opinion issued in April (Opinion
No. OML 2026-38), which is attached for your reference. This opinion may be helpful to the Town in
managing hybrid public meetings.
In this opinion, the AGO stated that "where the language of a meeting notice clearly cautions the
public that the remote access may not function and the in-person meeting went forward regardless of
technical difficulties," the AGO found no violation of the Open Meeting Law (OML) (Id. at 3). The AGO
also cited examples of language it had previously found sufficient for this purpose.
In light of this guidance, it is recommended that all boards and committees include the following
language in meeting notices when offering a hybrid option (where members of the public may attend
either remotely or in person):
"Please note that the in-person meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems
interrupt the remote connection":
Including this statement in public meeting notices will provide flexibility to proceed with meetings even
if technical issues arise, without concern for violating the OML.
Please begin incorporating this language into all applicable meeting notices going forward.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter.
BEST REGARDS,
MARY DE ALDERETE, MMC/CMMC
LEXINGTON TOWN CLERK
mdealderete@lexingtonma.gov
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6/22/26, 1:49 PM Important Update: Recommended Language for Hybrid Public Meeting Notices - Melissa Battite - Outlook
When writing or responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined
that most email is a public record and, therefore, may not be kept confidential.
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