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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-19-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 August 19th, 2026 A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:23 PM. Attendance Members Present: Rick DeAngelis (Chair), Sean Bridgeo, Carl Fantasia, Andrea Jackson, and Weiwei Li Members Absent: Claire Sheth (Vice Chair) and Renen Bassik Staff Present: Melissa Termine Battite, Peter Coleman, and Dorinda Goodman Public Present: Shiro Ando, Drew Brzozowski, Emma Burtenshaw, Cara, Ross Curley, Peg Driving, Dan Graham, Tim Greene, Olga Guttag, Doreen Karoll, Steve Kaufman, Matt Keough, Marcy and Ed Lidman, Sean Mahan, Ryan O'Rourke, Jenny Richlin, Kevin Scanlon, Chia Shen, Eran Strod, and Alex Voitile A quorum was present. 1. Center #1 Baseball Field Naming Proposal Rick DeAngelis recused himself from discussion and voting on this agenda item, due to the proposal involving the naming of Center #1 Baseball Field in his honor. Andrea Jackson chaired this portion of the meeting. Kevin Scanlon presented the proposal on behalf of current and former members of the Lexington Blue Sox organization. Mr. Scanlon discussed Mr. DeAngelis' more than three decades of involvement with the Blue Sox and the impact he has had on generations of players. He emphasized Mr. DeAngelis' role as a coach, mentor, and community leader and noted the 2 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 significant support for the naming proposal among former players and members of the Lexington community. Carl Fantasia also spoke in support of the proposal and discussed Mr. DeAngelis' longstanding impact on Lexington baseball and the generations of players who have benefited from his involvement. Ross Curley spoke in support of the proposal and reflected on Mr. DeAngelis' contributions to Lexington, both through baseball and through his personal commitment to helping and mentoring others. He noted that the proposal recognizes not only Mr. DeAngelis' accomplishments in baseball, but also the lasting impact he has had on individuals and the community. Melissa Termine Battite reviewed the Town's process for field dedications and explained that the proposal met the established requirements. She noted that staff would work with the proponents and the Department of Public Works to determine an appropriate location for a commemorative stone and plaque, taking into consideration safety, maintenance, and site conditions. The proposal will move forward to the Select Board for final consideration. Motion: Andrea Jackson made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee enthusiastically approves the proposal to name the Center #1 Baseball Field in honor of Rick DeAngelis as presented this evening.” Sean Bridgeo seconded the motion. Vote: 3–0, approved. Following the vote, Mr. DeAngelis thanked the Committee, former players, and members of the public for their support. He reflected on the many players who have participated in the Blue Sox program and emphasized the relationships, mentorship, and life lessons developed through baseball. 2. Pine Meadows Golf Club Cell Phone Tower Proposal Representatives from the Communications Advisory Committee and Verizon presented a proposal regarding the possible installation of a cell phone tower on Town-owned property at Pine Meadows Golf Club. The presenters explained that the Communications Advisory Committee has been evaluating opportunities to improve cellular service in areas of Lexington where residents and public safety personnel have experienced limited connectivity and dropped calls. A potential location behind the Pine Meadows maintenance building was identified. The proposed location is outside the area of play and has existing access to electrical and 3 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 telecommunications infrastructure. A future tower would require an RFP process and additional review and permitting before construction could occur. Discussion included: • The suitability of the proposed location from a recreation and golf operations perspective • The anticipated size and height of a future tower • Access to the site for construction and maintenance • Coordination with golf course operations • The Town's RFP and leasing process • Review by the Select Board and other applicable Town boards and committees • Potential zoning, conservation, and permitting requirements • Opportunities for additional community review as the project moves forward Melissa Termine Battite stated that the proposed location would not interfere with golf operations and that any future construction could be coordinated to minimize disruption. She noted that the location is preferable to other areas previously considered because access would not require travel across active portions of the golf course. Committee members agreed that the current discussion was intended to provide preliminary support for the concept and general location, with final design and citing details to be reviewed later in the process. Motion: Rick DeAngelis made the following motion: “The Recreation Committee provides preliminary approval of the location for a cell phone tower at the Pine Meadows Golf Club subject to a couple of things: one, the determination of final location and two, approval by the Select Board, in conjunction with the Recreation Committee and other applicable Town boards and committees, of the design for the tower and the surroundings.” Andrea Jackson seconded the motion. Vote: 4–0, approved. 3. Public Comment Doreen Karoll provided an update regarding the Lexington Pickleball Club. She reported that the organization has grown to approximately 1,560 members, including approximately 1,100 Lexington residents. The Club currently provides 35 organized play sessions each week involving approximately 420 active players. The Club also hosts monthly open houses that include opportunities for new players to participate in free introductory lessons. 4 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Ms. Karoll discussed preliminary results from a health and wellness survey distributed to members. Results indicated improvements in participants' sense of well-being, belonging, physical activity, and social connections. The Club anticipates providing a more complete summary of the survey results in September. Committee members congratulated the organization on its continued growth and commented on the social and community benefits associated with the program. No vote was taken. 4. Lexington High School Building Project Update Melissa Termine Battite provided an update regarding the Lexington High School Building Project and its impacts on recreation facilities at the Center Recreation Complex. Construction has been mobilized and fencing has been installed throughout portions of the site. Staff reported that a temporary delay affecting work in wetland-related portions of the project resulted in adjustments to the overall construction schedule. As part of the revised timeline, the existing Skate Park was taken offline earlier than originally anticipated. The new Skate Park is expected to be installed and open by early to mid-October. Staff also discussed impacts to the Lexington High School football program. Home games will be played outside of Lexington during construction, while practices will continue on the field located inside the Center track. The Recreation and Community Programs Department and the LHS Athletics Department are coordinating access and equipment needs to minimize impacts to the track and synthetic turf field. Melissa Battite also reported that the Little League field previously located at the Center Recreation Complex will be permanently relocated to Lincoln Park. The existing softball field at Lincoln Park will be converted into a Little League field, with construction expected to begin following completion of the Lincoln Park Field #3 project. The goal is to have the new field available for Little League play in the spring. The Department continues to provide updates to the community regarding the Lexington High School Building Project through its program guide and other communication channels. No vote was taken. 5. Approval of July 15, 2026, Recreation Committee Minutes The Committee reviewed the July 15, 2026, Recreation Committee meeting minutes. Motion: Sean Bridgeo moved to approve the minutes from the July 15, 2026, Recreation Committee meeting. 5 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Andrea Jackson seconded the motion. Vote: 3–0–1, approved. 6. Liaison Reports Committee members were invited to provide updates from their respective liaison assignments. There was no substantive liaison reports provided. The Lincoln Park Subcommittee had not met since the previous Recreation Committee meeting. No vote was taken. 7. FY2026 Recreation Committee Annual Report Melissa Termine Battite presented the draft FY2026 Recreation Committee Annual Report for review. Staff noted that most of the report is complete, although several participation and usage figures remain outstanding as year-end data continues to be finalized. The report continues the format used in recent years, which includes additional information regarding participation levels, facility usage, and the overall impact of Recreation and Community Programs Department programs and services. Committee members were invited to provide feedback prior to the final report being presented for approval at the September meeting. Rick DeAngelis suggested incorporating information from the Lexington Pickleball Club update, including membership growth and findings from the recent health and wellness survey. The Committee also discussed including annual tennis and pickleball court usage information. Staff will finalize outstanding information and bring the completed report back to the Recreation Committee for a vote in September. A Recreation Committee photograph will also be coordinated for inclusion with the annual report. No vote was taken. 8. Proposed FY2028–FY2032 Capital Improvement Plan Peter Coleman presented the preliminary FY2028–FY2032 Recreation Capital Improvement Plan. Staff have been meeting with vendors and contractors to update cost estimates for projects included in the five-year plan. The plan includes projects funded through Recreation Enterprise Fund retained earnings, the General Fund, and Community Preservation Act funds. 6 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Discussion included proposed projects associated with: • Pine Meadows Golf Club equipment and facility improvements • Athletic field renovations • Athletic lighting at the Maple Street Athletic Complex • Hard court reconstruction and improvements • Playground improvements and replacements • Aquatics facility improvements • Center Track and synthetic turf resurfacing • Lincoln Park Playground replacement • Future improvements to the Town Pool and Old Reservoir Staff discussed supplemental funding anticipated for the Valley Courts project as well as a future reconstruction of the courts at Adams Park. Aquatics improvements over the five-year period may include locker room and bathroom improvements, parking lot lighting, security cameras, and other facility upgrades. Staff noted that additional aquatics-related needs may also be brought forward separately as a one-time Program Improvement Request. Melissa Termine Battite explained that while the Recreation Committee reviews the full five- year plan, only the FY2028 projects will be presented for appropriation at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. Staff are also coordinating with other Town departments, including Public Works, Information Technology, Sustainability, and Public Facilities, to identify opportunities to coordinate projects and avoid conflicts with other planned work. Peter Coleman noted that the Department has accelerated athletic field renovations over the past several years in anticipation of the Lexington High School Building Project. Future field renovations will be reduced during the high school construction period to limit the number of recreation facilities that are offline at the same time. The final five-year Capital Improvement Plan will be presented to the Recreation Committee for a vote in September. No vote was taken. 9. Recreation & Community Programs Report Melissa Termine Battite and Peter Coleman provided updates regarding departmental programs, facilities, operations, and capital projects. Parks and Facilities 7 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Staff reported that an accessible pathway connecting the basketball courts to the playground at Rindge Park has been completed. Additional coordination is underway regarding future accessible connections near the Arlington Reservoir. Interior facility work continues at the Community Center, including improvements being coordinated through the Department of Public Facilities. Summer Programs Summer camp programs at the Center Recreation Complex recently concluded. Staff reported that more than 1,200 participants took part in summer programs across Department locations. Despite challenges associated with extreme heat, thunderstorms, construction activity, and limited access to the Center Playground for much of the summer, programs operated successfully. Staff recognized seasonal employees for their flexibility and commitment throughout the summer and noted that planning for the 2027 summer season will begin shortly. Parks, Fields, and Athletic Facilities Fall athletic field permits have been finalized, and field preparations are underway for the upcoming school and youth sports seasons. Staff continue to address concerns regarding bicycles, electric bicycles, and scooters being operated on the Center Track and synthetic turf field. The Department has been coordinating with the Police Department regarding increased patrols and enforcement. The Fall hard court schedule has also been finalized. Aquatics The Old Reservoir closed for the season on August 16. The Town Pool is operating on a reduced postseason schedule through August 30. Staff noted that the Pool is closing prior to Labor Day this year due to the availability of seasonal staff returning to school. Programs and Events Fall program registration recently opened, with several programs already reaching capacity. A community sports equipment collection and swap are also being coordinated in partnership with a local Girl Scout working toward her Gold Award. The official grand opening celebration for the new Center Playground is scheduled for September 3 at 5:00 PM. 8 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Melissa Termine Battite shared observations from the opening of the playground to summer campers and noted the importance of the new accessible design in allowing children and young adults of varying abilities to play together. Capital Projects Staff provided the following capital project updates: Lincoln Park Field #3 Installation of the synthetic turf is nearing completion. Final infill and lining work are underway. Maple Street Athletic Complex Construction continues following demolition of the former Lexington Public Schools administration building. Athletic light poles are being installed, drainage work is underway, and preparations continue for parking and pedestrian access improvements. Lincoln Park Fitness Equipment The new outdoor fitness equipment has been ordered and received. Installation is anticipated this fall. Lincoln Park Little League Field Conversion The conversion of the existing softball field into a Little League field is expected to begin following completion of the Lincoln Park Field #3 project. Pine Meadows Golf Club Solar Project Preparatory work is beginning for the solar installation at Pine Meadows Golf Club. Most of the construction is anticipated to occur during the golf course off-season. Staff also reported continued strong facility usage at the Community Center and Town Pool. Committee members thanked staff for their continued work managing the Department's programs, facilities, and extensive capital improvement program. The Committee also congratulated Melissa Battite on her recent professional recognition and appointment to a national recreation leadership organization. No vote was taken. 10. Adjournment Andrea Jackson moved and Rick DeAngelis seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The Recreation Committee voted 4–0 to approve the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM. 9 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02421 Summary of Motions # Description Moved By Seconded By Vote 1 Approve the proposal to name the Center #1 Baseball Field in honor of Rick DeAngelis Andrea Jackson Sean Bridgeo 3–0 2 Provide preliminary approval of the location for a cell phone tower at Pine Meadows Golf Club, subject to final location and design approvals Rick DeAngelis Andrea Jackson 4–0 3 Approve July 15, 2026 Recreation Committee meeting minutes Sean Bridgeo Andrea Jackson 3–0– 1 4 Adjourn meeting Andrea Jackson Rick DeAngelis 4–0 Attachments • August 19, 2026 Recreation Committee Agenda • Recreation & Community Programs Monthly Report • FY2026 Recreation Committee Annual Report Draft • FY2028–FY2032 Capital Improvement Plan Materials • Center #1 Baseball Field Naming Proposal Materials • Pine Meadows Golf Club Cell Phone Tower Proposal Materials (Attachments on file.) Respectfully submitted, Melinda Spencer Administrative Manager