Victory Field upgrades spark debate over safety and usage

Safety and Maintenance Take Center Stage at Watertown School Committee Meeting

During the Watertown School Committee meeting on December 2, 2024, discussions focused heavily on safety measures and maintenance for Victory Field, a vital community space for local athletes and residents. The committee emphasized the need for protective netting to enhance safety during high-traffic sports events, particularly around soccer and lacrosse areas.

Committee member Ryan Murphy highlighted the necessity of netting, stating, “We only want it behind the high scoring areas... the safety of the constituents would probably be more helpful with netting.” He noted that while there have been no significant injuries reported recently, the condition of the field has limited its use, and the anticipated increase in activity post-renovation raises concerns about potential injuries from hard lacrosse balls.

The conversation also touched on the management of field usage, with recommendations to limit outside rentals to preserve the field's condition for local teams. Murphy explained, “The more you use it, the worse condition it's gonna get,” advocating for prioritizing Watertown groups over external organizations.

Security concerns were raised regarding the installation of cameras at the field, with committee members acknowledging past incidents of vandalism and unauthorized access. However, there were reservations about ownership and privacy issues related to the footage captured.

The committee expressed a collective commitment to improving field maintenance and ensuring that Victory Field remains a safe and accessible space for the community. As the meeting concluded, members underscored the importance of collaboration with the city council to implement these recommendations effectively, aiming to enhance the experience for all users of this essential community resource.