Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-19-REC-att.pdfFIELD NAMING PROPOSAL PROPOSAL Proposal to name Lexington High School's Center 1 Field, located at 80 Worthen Road, Lexington, MA, after Rick DeAngelis due to his ineffable servitude to the Town of Lexington and the Greater Boston Baseball community. SUMMARY This proposal respectfully recommends naming the field in honor of Rick DeAngelis in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, unwavering commitment, and lasting impact on the game of baseball and the community he has dedicated his life to serving. While the Board is well aware of Ricks decades of service and countless contributions, his legacy has reached a level deserving of permanent recognition. Rick's love for baseball has always been matched by his devotion to the players, families, and community that surround it. Through countless hours of volunteer service, significant personal and financial contributions, fundraising to improve facilities and support charitable causes, and his wholehearted support of the Pete Frates Foundation, he has consistently strengthened both the organization and the people within it. Beyond his service, Rick has built far more than championship teams. He has created a home for players of every age and skill level, fostering a culture of respect, mentorship, brotherhood, and opportunity. Through his coaching, camps, and leadership, he has positively influenced more than 3,000 players. His teams have captured 17 championships, and his vision helped establish a league that unites former professional players, collegiate athletes, talented high school prospects, and experienced local players into one respected and competitive baseball community. Perhaps Rick's greatest quality is that he has never sought recognition. His countless acts of generosity, mentorship, and service have always been motivated by a genuine desire to improve the lives of others and strengthen the game he loves. While no summary can fully capture the lives he has touched, the impact of his dedication is perhaps best expressed by those who have experienced it firsthand. Included with this proposal are letters from Ross Curley, Michael Kotarski, and Chris Shaw, all products of the Lexington baseball program, who share the profound influence Rick has had on their lives and the lasting impact of Rick's hard work, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the community. Naming this field in honor of Rick DeAngelis would provide a lasting tribute to a man whose legacy is defined not only by championships, but by character, selflessness, and an enduring commitment to his community. Page 1 FIELD NAMING PROPOSAL LETTER OF SUPPORT To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for renaming the Lexington baseball field in honor of Rick DeAngelis. As someone who grew up in Lexington (17 Eldred St.), this community has shaped who I am. I attended Lexington High School, where I played baseball, football, and basketball from 2003 through 2007. Baseball also gave me the opportunity to continue my education and athletic career at Bentley University. After college, I returned home and played for the Lexington Blue Sox from 2008 through 2022. Throughout those many years, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary impact Rick has had on generations of players, families, and the Lexington community. While many know Rick as a baseball coach, those of us who have spent years around him know he is much more than that. Over time, he became a mentor, role model, and close friend to me despite the difference in our ages. Like so many players, I would not have had the same opportunities in baseball—or become the person I am today—without Rick's guidance, encouragement, and unwavering belief in me. He has an incredible ability to invest in people, encouraging them not only to become better baseball players, but better individuals. Rick is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. For more than 30 years, he has been the heart of Lexington Blue Sox baseball, dedicating countless hours of his time, energy, and personal resources to ensuring the program continues to thrive. His commitment to Lexington baseball extends far beyond coaching. He has led fundraising efforts to install lights at the field, helped build the batting cages, purchased equipment, and supported the growth of Lexington's youth baseball programs. Just as importantly, Rick has quietly invested in the young people who make up the program. He has personally provided bats, balls, jerseys, and other equipment for players who couldn't afford them, and even made sure they had rides to and from the field so they never missed an opportunity to play. He has never wanted recognition for these acts—they simply reflect who he is. Much of what Lexington baseball is today exists because of Rick's unwavering generosity, vision, and belief that every child should have the opportunity to play the game. What makes Rick truly deserving of this recognition is that he has never sought it. He has always been motivated by his love for the game and his desire to provide opportunities for others. His legacy can be seen not only in the improvements to the field itself, but in the thousands of players whose lives have been positively influenced by his leadership, guidance, and example. Rick DeAngelis didn't just coach baseball in Lexington—he built opportunities, strengthened a community, and positively shaped the lives of generations of young athletes. Naming the field after him would be a fitting and lasting tribute to someone who has dedicated so much of his life to Lexington baseball and to the town he loves. Future generations who step onto that field should know the name of the man whose passion, generosity, and leadership helped make it possible. I strongly encourage the committee to approve this proposal. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. Respectfully, Ross Curley Lexington High School Class of 2007 Bentley University Class of 2011— Baseball Alumnus Lexington Blue Sox Player (2008-2022) Page 2 FIELD NAMING PROPOSAL LETTER OF SUPPORT To Whom It May Concern: I strongly support renaming the Lexington High School baseball field in honor of Rick DeAngelis. I first met Rick in 1997. I had finished playing in the minor leagues for the Yankees when Rick called me to ask if I wanted to play for him and the Lexington Blue Sox. I attended an indoor winter practice and joined the team a week later. Our team won the first of many Intercity League championships in 1998. I played for Rick and the Blue Sox from 1998 to 2010 and moved to Lexington in 2006 (31 Grove St.). I have since relocated to Virginia for work but remain part of the Lexington Blue Sox "brotherhood." I developed a very close relationship with Rick over the years. While he had a vision for building a winning program in Lexington, he is first and foremost a mentor and incredible friend to hundreds of his past and current players. I have never known a coach with more passion for the game of baseball or a greater commitment to the success of his players, both on and off the field. From Lexington's perspective, Rick has devoted the last 30 -plus years to building, promoting, and improving baseball in the town—from the premier Intercity League team that has become the winningest program in the history of the league to supporting younger teams and teaching clinics. Rick represents all that is great about baseball: building teams, developing players, winning championships, and supporting the broader community. He has provided an opportunity for hundreds of people to continue playing the game and become better teammates and human beings. There is no one more deserving of having a field, court, or stadium named after him. I was speaking with a few former teammates about this initiative and want to echo perhaps the best articulation of why the field should be named for Rick. One of my teammates said that future players should know the name of the leader, coach, mentor, and friend who so passionately built and shepherded Lexington baseball. Again, I wholeheartedly support renaming the field in honor of Rick. Sincerely, Michael B. Kotarski Mobile: (571) 334-2029 Email: mbkotarski@gmail.com Lexington Blue Sox Player and Coach 1998-2010 Former professional baseball player with the Colorado Rockies and New York Yankees Babson College MBA, 1999 Duke University, 1992 St John's Prep, Danvers, 1988 (Rick went to St. John's as well) Page 3 LETTER OF SUPPORT To Whom It May Concern, FIELD NAMING PROPOSAL I would like to request that C1 be named after Rick DeAngelis. "Rick DeAngelis Field" makes far more sense than naming it after the watering of the grass. My name is Chris Shaw. I grew up in Lexington, attended Lexington Public Schools, and played for Lexington sports teams throughout my entire childhood. I was fortunate enough to meet Rick DeAngelis when I was a little kid. My grandmother served on the Town Committee in Lexington for several decades alongside Rick, and the two built a friendship. As my baseball career was beginning to take shape, my Grammy thought Rick would be a great person for me to meet and build a relationship with. He wasn't just a good connection on my path toward my baseball dream—he was the absolute best connection. Rick got me going. I'm not exaggerating when I say that Rick helped build the confidence that ultimately carried me to achieving my childhood dream. He is a very special and rare man, and the Town of Lexington would be more than blessed to have our field named after him. C1 is Rick's backyard, and we are all lucky to have played on it under his leadership. Take a look at the Blue Sox alumni and tell me that any other person could have assembled that group in Lexington. From Major Leaguers, to World Series champions, to CEOs, to Peter Frates, Rick brought the very best to play for the Blue Sox. When I was entering my freshman year of high school, Rick reached out to ask if I wanted to join the Blue Sox for the summer. I was playing Legion, AAU, and had commitments I couldn't break, but Rick still honored his offer. He told me to come whenever I could, spend time around the older players, and simply immerse myself in what he believed was the purest form of baseball—an environment that would inspire young players. I took him up on that offer, and my dreams and love for the game multiplied in ways a 15 -year-old could never have imagined. The high school field that hosted our varsity team, which once seemed completely out of reach, suddenly became attainable. I realized I belonged at levels I had previously doubted I could reach, and I let go of those doubts because Rick believed in me first. Rick is a broker of beautiful relationships. He creates a playground for the world's greatest game. That playground for grown men attracted some truly great men. Ever heard of Peter Frates? The Ice Bucket Challenge? The man who helped raise more than a billion dollars for ALS research and ultimately changed the world? Yes—that Peter Frates. A Blue Sox player because of Rick. And ultimately my hero, role model, and mentor because of Rick. On my very first day with the team, Rick introduced me to Pete, and my life changed instantly. Pete took me under his wing, and suddenly I had somebody extraordinary looking out for me. I wasn't just a 15 -year-old playing in a men's semi-professional league with someone trying to show me the ropes—I had Peter Frates in my corner. Even before his ALS diagnosis and his incredible fight to find a cure, I knew I had hit the jackpot with my new role model. After games, Pete—having just played all nine innings—would walk through the dugout cleaning it for the grounds crew. He used to say: "Boys, I'm going to blow your mind. There are 40 of us here. We each have two hands. There are maybe 100 pieces of trash spread throughout this dugout. What if we all bent over, grabbed a piece of trash in each hand, and collectively threw it away? Think we could be enjoying some refreshments with a clean dugout in just a few minutes? Let's do it." Page 4 FIELD NAMING PROPOSAL Within minutes, the dugout would be spotless and the whole team would be enjoying refreshments together. He was the most brilliant leader I have ever been around—not because he was complicated, but because he was simple, authentic, and real. Rick gave me that kind of mentor from day one. I will never be able to express how thankful I am for that. I went on to play in the Major Leagues. The 15 -year-old watching Pete clean the dugout would never have believed that was possible. But Pete believed it, and Rick believed it too. Looking back now, I know exactly where it all started. C1 is Rick DeAngelis Field. The generations of players who have had the privilege of playing there know it. The countless lives Rick has impacted prove it. Let what should be, be. Sincerely, Chris Shaw Lexington High School, Class of 2012 Boston College 1st Round Draft Pick, San Francisco Giants Page 5 FIELD NAMING PROPOSAL LOCATION OF HEADSTONE 80 Worthen Road Lexington, MA 02421 Behind the backstop, to the left of the "Matt Santosuosso" Memorial Coordinates: 42.444389, -71.236353 Page 6 FIELD NAMING PROPOSAL PROPOSED HEADSTONE STYLE AND MATERIALS EXAMPLE Page 7 FIELD NAMING PROPOSAL HEADSTONE PLAQUE LANGUAGE RICK DEANGELIS "A true champion of baseball, community, and the generations fortunate enough to play the game beside him. Rick built far more than championship teams, he built a family. Through his leadership, he shaped a culture of respect, character, brotherhood, and pride, giving generations of players room to grow both on the field and off f it. He lifted players in times of need, believed in them beyond the game, and stood as a mentor and leader to countless athletes. His vision united generations while preserving the traditions and values that make this game special. His legacy is measured not in championships alone, but in the thousands of lives he touched, and the many who proudly call him coach. mentor. leader. friend." THESE BASEBALL FIELDS ARE NAMED IN HONOR OF RICK DEANGEL-,S COACH • MENTOR • FRIEND Page 8 Go gle Maps Pine Meadows Imagery ©2026 Google, Imagery ©2026 Airbus, Maxar Technologie., Map data ©2026 Google 200 ft Proposed Tower Location Outlook Public Comment From Doreen Karoll (LPC) <doreen@lexingtonpickleballclub.org> Date Tue 8/18/2026 5:45 PM To Peter Coleman <pcoleman@lexingtonma.gov>; Melissa Battite <mbattite@lexingtonma.gov> USE CAUTION: This email came from outside the Town of Lexington. Do not click links, open attachments or respond to the email unless you recognize the sender, you are expecting the communication and you know the content is safe. This is the public comment I would like 2 minutes to read this tomorrow evening at the Rec Cmte meeting: The Lexington Pickleball Club continues to expand its impact in building a welcoming, active community around Pickleball. As of today, LPC maintains a membership of 1560 members (having formally started counting in March of '23). Of that number, 1100 are Lexington residents. We pay for Lexington public court time to provide —35 play sessions/week involving approximately 420 active players. We are enjoying the extra court space at Adams and regularly invite NON -LPC players to join our ranks. Thanks to Peter Coleman for showing up at our rainy Adams Rededication ceremony in May. You can watch the interview he gave to Lex Media at the event on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/watch/? v=4552170035063364). Advertised at the library, Community Center and all courts, LPC runs an Open House at Clarke once a month where 30-90 players show up for 3* of fun. Among them are 10-30 new players who have come for the free lesson taught by a PPR certified LPC coach. Yes, LPC is still experiencing linear growth as a club. In May, when LPC was only 1390 members, we distributed a Health and Wellness survey written by a physician and 2 nurse researchers. With a 16% response rate OF ALL MEMBERS/ 40% of active members, early findings include a 70% improvement in respondents' sense of well-being, sense of belonging and physical activity since joining. And importantly, 40% feel less lonely. 80% have expanded their social group and age -based friendships and 60% have a new friend they can count on in hard times. We look forward to sending you the survey summary in September. As pickleball and LPC organized play continues to grow we continue to explore options to expand and improve the pickleball infrastructure in Lexington. We thought we'd provide this update to help guide you in pickleball and hard -court based decision making. Thank you. Recreation Committee FY26 Annual Report Role: Responsible for the planning and administration of public parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and recreational facilities in the Town. It is charged with administering, expanding, and promoting recreation, leisure activities, play, sports, physical fitness, and education for all citizens. Appointed by the Town Manager to 3 -years terms, the membership as of August 19, 2026: Rick DeAngelis (Chair), Claire Sheth (Vice Chair), Carl Fantasia, Renen Bassik, Weiwei Li, Andrea Jackson, Sean Bridgeo Liaisons: Doug Lucente (Select Board), Larry Freeman and Mona Roy (School Committee), Rod Cole (Capital Expenditures Committee), Julie Ann Shapiro (Council on Aging), Sanjay Padaki (Appropriation Committee). Sub -Committee: Lincoln Park. Brian Kelley (Chair), Robert Pressman, Joanne Shorter, Paul Earsy, Weiwei Li (liaison) HIGHLIGHTS Participation & Usage • Aquatics Centers: 64,000+ visits • Community Center: 186,000+ visits • Pine Meadows Golf Course: 49,000+ rounds played • Therapeutic Recreation: 74 programs, 130 unique participants, 424 registrations • CAN WE GET A NUMBER OF RACKET SPORT HOURS DIVIDED BY TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL MAYBE? Facility Improvements & Projects • Completed Lincoln Park Field #2 Reconstruction ribbon cutting in Fall 2025 • Mobilized Lincoln Park Field #3 Reconstruction Project — expanded sustainability initiatives with organic infill • The pilot Pickleball Program at the Adams Courts was converted into an annual program for the 2026 season and going forward at the March 2026 Recreation Committee meeting. Accepted a donation from the Lexington Pickleball Club (LPC) of relining the pickleball courts/increasing the number of pickleball courts from four courts to six courts and fencing upgrades at the Adams Courts in Spring 2026 • Accepted a donation from Lexington Little League (LLL) for fencing and dugout upgrades at the Lincoln Little League Field. • Mobilized the Maple Street Field Park project with anticipated substantial completion in Summer 2027 • Mobilized the Center Recreation Complex Playground with completion in August 2026. • Mobilized the Maple Street Field Park project with anticipated substantial completion in Summer 2027 • Completed the Pine Meadows Golf Clubhouse renovation Ongoing Maintenance & Operations • Supported Pine Meadows Golf Course with proactive grounds maintenance and equipment replacement plan 8/18/2026 2:35 PM Planning & Strategic Initiatives • Athletic Playing Surfaces Working Group — continued engagement during Lincoln Park Field #3 planning • Ongoing participation in LHS Building Project discussions (temporary and permanent impacts to Center Recreation Complex) • Incorporated findings from Recreation Facilities & ADA Compliance Study (2017), Community Needs Assessment (2020), Athletic Fields Feasibility Study (2022), and Lincoln Park Master Plan into capital planning 8/18/2026 2:35 PM August 18, 2026 Town of Lexington Recreation & Community Programs To: Recreation Committee Fr: Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation Re: Proposed FY2028-FY2032 5 -Year Capital Plan c�Y Lexington AI IONS CON1,11 \1I1 Attached to this memo is a draft of the Recreation & Community Programs FY2028-FY3032 Capital Summary sheet. This memo will provide an overview of the changes, revisions, and additions that have been made to the 5 -year capital plan to date. The projects listed in the 5 -year capital plan are broken into three categories: Recreation Enterprise Capital Programs, Recreation Capital Projects, and Recreation CPA Projects. Recreation Enterprise Capital Programs are paid for out of the Recreation Enterprise Fund retained earnings and include two types of projects at the golf course — Pine Meadows Improvements and Pine Meadows Equipment. The Recreation Capital Projects section includes projects that are one-time projects and projects that are funded by the General Fund or multiple funding sources. For example, Rec-CPA-4 (Center Recreation Complex — Track & Athletic Field Resurfacing) is listed in this section because in FY31, a request for $835,000 from the General Fund and $755,000 in CPA funds will be made for the replacement of the playing surfaces at the Center Track and Center Track Field, which were both installed in 2020. Funding for the design associated with the Lincoln Park parking lot project was approved at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and construction is tentatively scheduled for FY31. The third section listed on the summary sheet is Recreation Community Preservation Fund Projects. Rec-CPA-1 (Park Improvements — Athletic Fields) includes a renovation of the Garfield Little League Field and the purchase of new athletic lighting for the Maple Street Athletic Complex ($430,000). The construction funding associated with the Maple Street Athletic Complex project was appropriated at previous Town Meetings. Under Rec-CPA-3 (Park Improvements — Hard Court Surfaces), the request of $380,000 in FY28 is supplemental funding for the Valley Courts reconstruction project. It should also be noted that the funding request under Rec-CPA-3 in FY29 calls for the complete reconstruction of the tennis/pickleball courts and basketball courts at Adams Park. Rec-CPA-6 (Aquatics Improvements) was added to the capital plan in FY26 and these projects will include such items as replacing the lockers and bathroom partitions in the Pool bathhouse, repaving and installing new lighting and security cameras at the Town Pool parking lot, dredging of the Old Reservoir, and addressing infrastructure concerns at the Town Pool that become apparent. It is anticipated that a substantial amount will be invested in these projects over the next five years. A new project title of Rec-CPA-7 (Park Improvements — ADA Enhancements) was added to the capital plan last year. In recent years, ADA enhancements that were initially scheduled for several projects (Rindge, Valley, Fiske, Harrington, and pending the field renovation at Bridge) have not been completed due to budgetary constraints. The purpose of Rec-CPA-7 is to request funding that will 39 MARRETT ROAD • LEXINGTON, MA • 02420 enable the outstanding ADA upgrades to be completed at various parks. This is tentatively scheduled for FY30 and the amount in that year represents the total for all the ADA upgrades from past projects that remain uncompleted. The 5 -Year Capital Plan remains fluid as the LHS Building Project mobilized on July 6, 2026. The Center #4 Fitzgerald Little League field will be relocated to Lincoln Park when the Lincoln softball field is converted to a Little League field this fall. The new Lincoln Little League field is anticipated to be open for the Spring 2027 season. The softball field that had been at Lincoln, which was previously used by the LHS JV softball team, will be relocated to the Center Recreation Complex during the LHS Building Project. Additionally, construction on the new Skate Park is underway. It will be relocated next to the Center Playground, and the new Skate Park will open later this fall. There will be significant impact on the athletic fields at the Center Recreation Complex over the next five years and as a result, the athletic field renovations scheduled during this timeframe have been scaled back. It will continue to be imperative that all Recreation funding requests associated with the various aspects of the LHS Building Project be included in the appropriate fiscal year in the capital plan going forward. Staff have been in contact with consultants and vendors in recent weeks to review the scope for the projects listed in the capital plan and to receive updated estimates. Staff will continue to modify and finalize the 5 -Year Capital Plan in the coming weeks. The finalized plan, including the summary sheets and individual project descriptions, will be distributed prior to the September Recreation Committee meeting and the plan is for the Recreation Committee to vote on the FY28-FY32 5 -Year Capital Plan at that meeting. 39 MARRETT ROAD • LEXINGTON, MA • 02420 Recreation & Community Programs FY2028-32 Capital Summary w O 69 69 6.9 0 0 O 69 O O O 00 69 O O O O 69 O O O O 69 O O O O 69 O O O O 69 N W O O O O N 69 O O O O 00 69 O O O O O N 69 00 N O O O O 69 69 O O O O 69 Program Name Pine Meadows Improvements Pine Meadows Equipment 4t Total Recreation Enterprise Capital Programs Funding Source General Fund Recreation Enterprise Retained Eamings General Fund, CPA General Fund, CPA FY2032 1 1 1 I 69 69 69 69 FY2031 0 1 $ 835,000 0 00M l 69 O 69 d' 69 $ 755,000 N 69 69 69 O enO I I I I N rzi 0 O vN M 69 E, 1 69 0 O N 69 1 69 1 69 69 69 69 69 N 0 O O O -. 69 $ 380,000 I 69 $ 300,000 O 1 69 O O v-: 00 N 69 CPA Project Name Park Improvements - Athletic Fields N Park Improvements - Hard Court Surfaces Center Recreation Complex - Track & Athletic Field Resurfacing Lincoln Park Boardwalks Aquatics Improvements Park Improvements - ADA Enhancements 69 69 69 69 N d' U R $ 75,000 000`SL $ $ O N r�^ 61.1 69 Project Name Lincoln Park Parking Lot Pine Meadows Master Plan Rec- Center Recreation Complex - Track & Athletic CPA -4 Field Resurfacing Total Recreation Capital Projects Rec-27-1 N i It A (..) UU r Funding Source General Fund, CPA CPA CPA General Fund, CPA CPA CPA CPA FY2032 1 69 1 69 1 09 1 69 1 69 1 69 1 69 r.M O N I 69 l 69 © v-1 lin N 69 69 69 69 $ 755,000 O M co) N O O O kr) M 69 O O O kin M,--1 69 1 69 11 69 69 O O O 69 $ 425,000 O O vi CA N 69 FY2029 0 O vN M 69 E, 1 69 0 O N 69 1 69 1 69 0 N -� 69 1 69 0 O O v1 (-1.- 69 CIO N O el Wi $ 680,000 0 O O O -. 69 $ 380,000 I 69 $ 300,000 O O kr; N 69 1 69 O O v-: 00 N 69 CPA Project Name Park Improvements - Athletic Fields Park and Playground Improvements Park Improvements - Hard Court Surfaces Center Recreation Complex - Track & Athletic Field Resurfacing Lincoln Park Boardwalks Aquatics Improvements Park Improvements - ADA Enhancements Total Recreation CPA Projects It A Rec-CPA-1 N U t(.) U Rec-CPA-3 d' U R Rec-CPA-5 Rec-CPA-6 Rec-CPA-7 Printed October 01, 2026 Recreation - Page 1 Lexington RECREATION & COMMUNITY PRoCR,as .1111a - 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 August 2026 Report New Business: • FY26 — Recreation Committee Annual Report is due by September 14, 2026. • Excited to share that the August NRPA Magazine includes an article on Tennis and includes the Gallagher Tennis Courts at the Center Recreation Complex: https://parksandrecmag.mydigitalpublication.com/august-2026/page-30 • Staff have been contacted by a resident of South Rindge Avenue requesting an accessible path be installed from the park to connect to the Arlington Reservoir trail. Staff will be meeting with staff from Arlington to understand what steps may be needed. • Community Meetings for the Lincoln Playground replacement project will take place this fall in preparation of the annual capital planning and request for funding at the 2027 Annual Town Meeting. Community Center • The Community Center will be getting a face lift this September 8 - 19! This will be the first phase of a capital project to replace the carpets throughout the building with a more durable, vinyl product that is easier to maintain. Work will begin in the hallway leading from the front lobby to the stairway down to the fitness level. Work in that area is expected to take 3 days, during which access with be impacted. • Beginning the week of September 14, work will take place on the lobby stairs and the 2nd level rotunda and hallways. During this time there will be no access to the 2nd floor, please plan accordingly. Programs & Services • Youth programs at the Community Center are still going strong with the final week of programs August 17-21. Over 300 children participated in Community Center programs this summer. • Summer camps and programs at the Center Recreation Complex ended on Friday, August 14th. In total, approximately 900 children participated in day camp, sports clinics, and youth tennis programs offered by the department this summer. • Drop-in pickleball will be offered on Thursday (advanced) and Friday (intermediate) nights at the Diamond gym this fall. People will be able to register and pay on a nightly basis vs. having to register for the entire 12 -week session. This will hopefully increase the number of participants on these nights. www.lexi ngtonm a.gov/recreation recdept@lexingtonma.gov 39 MARRETT ROAD, LEXINGTON, MA 02421 (office) 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 (mail) Staff Updates • Melissa Termine Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, Town of Lexington, MA has been elected as a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), one of the highest professional honors in the parks, recreation and conservation field. Melissa will be formally inducted during the Academy's Annual Networking Reception and Awards Dinner on September 30, 2026, held in conjunction with the 2026 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Induction to the Academy recognizes distinguished leaders whose careers have demonstrated exceptional service, visionary leadership, and lasting contributions in parks, recreation and conservation, and the outstanding service to the communities they serve. Academy Fellows represent the profession's most accomplished practitioner, educators, urban directors and advocates who have significantly advanced the quality of life through parks, recreation and conservation in communities across the nation. Membership is determined through a rigorous nomination and peer-review process and is limited to 150 active members. Candidates must demonstrate a distinguished record of professional achievement, leadership, service to the profession, and meaningful contributions that have strengthened parks, recreation, conservation, tourism, sports management or related fields. Melissa has been in public service for over 33 years, leading municipal park and recreation agencies in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, the NRPA Director's Schools and has maintained professional certification throughout this time. Melissa is an active member of the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) and the NRPA, including Executive Board roles, including President of MRPA. Melissa has presented at local, regional and national conferences and workshops and was most recently named one of America's 250 Public Service Champions by the National Academy of Public Administration as well as being inducted into the Hanscom Air Force Base Honorary Commander and Director Program. Melissa has dedicated her career to creating partnerships, promoting collaborations and providing access to all ages and abilities through dedication to inclusivity. The full press release can be found here: https://Iexingtonma.Rov/DocumentCenter/View/18135/Melissa-Battite-American- Academy-for-Park-and-Recreation-Administration-Press-Release-New-Member-2026 Save the Dates • Tuesday, August 18th — Fall program registration began. • During the Month of August — Sports Equipment Collection: Jamie Donahue is currently on track to complete her Gold Award for Girl Scouts, and her project is to have residents donate gently used sports equipment that can then be reused by other children in town. Please bring your donations to the Community Center during hours of operation. The first event for people to pick up equipment will be August 29th here at the Lexington Community Center from 9:30-4:30pm. The target age for equipment donation is 13 and under. She has put together a website https://the-sport-swap.my.canva.site/ with all the info needed. Please help spread the word to any organization, person, or if you have old gently used equipment in your attic, garage, or under the stairs in the basement. Let's all help Jamie fill the bin many times. • September 3rd — Center Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 5:00pm. • September 8th — The Community Center will be closed to the public for the mobilization of the interior flooring improvement project led by the Dept. of Public Facilities. Parks, Fields, & Facilities Athletic Fields & Parks • The fall field schedule has been finalized. • DPW is currently prepping the fields for the fall season. The outfield fence between Center #1/#2 will be taken down this week as Center #7 (both Center #1/#2) will be used for 11v11 soccer this fall. LHS fall sports begin on August 24th and the fall seasons for LUSC and LYL will begin on September 8th • There have been numerous incidents reported of individuals riding bikes/electric bikes/scooters on the Center Track and Center Track Field this summer. Staff have been communicating with the Lexington Police Department and there have been increased patrols at the complex in recent weeks. • An accessible pathway connecting the playground and the basketball court and Rindge Park was installed in early July. Hard Court Surfaces • The fall tennis/pickleball court schedule has been finalized and will be from September 1St -November 22nd Aquatics • The swimming season at the Old Reservoir ended on Sunday, August 16th We look forward to hosting MassWildlife at the Old Res on Wednesday, September 2nd from 5-7PM for their annual fall fishing clinic. • The Town Pool will be open for reduced hours the last 2 weeks of August, weekdays from 3:30-8:OOpm and weekends from 11:OOam-7:OOpm. We will be welcoming the LHS Girls Swim Team the week of August 24th for their pre -season practices. The Town Pool's 13 -week season will conclude on Sunday, August 30th • Weston & Sampson will begin post -season operations/winterization at the Town Pool the week of September 28th Data Dashboard • 131 reservations totaling 1011 hours. • 99 memberships have been processed or renewed. Memberships were from Community Center and Swim. • Visitation totaled 14,184. • Online brochure view reached 971 reads for an average of 3 minutes. • May e -newsletter had an open rate of 65% (12,416) and a click rate of 7% (1,258). • $360 has been donated via MyRec to the Scholarship and All -abilities fund. Lexington 1.4 603.4335 vxn 1313 thei Lexington Recretaion & Community Programs Data Dashboard 1431 3. 33,3 443 344 oar Community Center Reservation 3164 31. 434 Community Center VI sitars wu MIRA 1113.114311, .014/3 .10 41.4141311034 .644 .10 341. 431, tr • olCaalea."00010 Sena .. b.«.w..a wwuwea,. Membership Sates a.L. is--.L__a _II a —I __■-- •--i_._L_ _. _W1,ai. ■1 s,. nM, TIM . am ,u a n rhe Uva RM. 41,24 .v, .322143 Scholarship Donations Budget & Capital • Staff are currently working on the FY28 operating budget and the FY28-FY32 5 -Year Capital Plan. The operating budget is due on September 30th, and the capital budget is due on October Stn • Center Playground Replacement Project — the new playground opened on Monday, August 10th • Lincoln Park Field #3 Reconstruction Project — the new turf was delivered on Friday, August 14th. Turf installation is ongoing and the field is scheduled to be lined on Saturday, August 22nd so it is playable when the LHS fall sports season begins on Monday, August 24th • The Skate Park closed as of Wednesday, July 29th. Work on the new Skate Park has started and it is anticipated that the new Skate Park will open in October. • Maple Street Athletic Complex Project — Argus continues to make good progress as a substantial amount of clearing has taken place over the past few weeks. • Lincoln Softball to Little League Field Conversion Project — this project will take place this fall so the new Little League field is online for the Spring 2027 season. • Lincoln Park Fitness Equipment — Forte Construction will install the equipment this fall. • Pine Meadows Solar Project — This project will be led by the Department of Public Facilities in coordination with the Recreation & Community Programs Department and the New England Golf Corporation. Tentative Timeline which targets to get the majority of the work completed in the golf off-season November 2026 - April 2027 (pending Eversource approval and steel being ordered/lead times not changing) 1016 • 4a0.4•0•00:0•2016 :-• fyeltm Cos>u0rti.. e. Car6moa010•••e