Parks staff to seek $625,000 CPC funding to rebuild Little League fields

Parks and Recreation staff told the commission on July 17 they plan to request about $625,000 through the Community Preservation Committee to fully rebuild both Little League fields, including backstops, perimeter fencing, dugout repairs, replacement batting cages, bleachers and a scoreboard. Charlie, speaking for Parks and Recreation operations, described replacing failing chain-link backstops with a netting system similar to the high school—s installation. The design would include a padded lower three feet on backstops to improve player safety and a removable top netting that can be lowered for winter wind exposure. Staff also proposed a black bonded perimeter fence to replace aging chain link and new bleachers and practice equipment. Staff said the field infrastructure is at the end of its useful life; the infields were improved in recent years with almost 250 tons of infield mix, but fencing, backstops and other infrastructure remain deteriorated. Charlie said repair estimates were close to replacement costs and recommended replacement. The proposal will be packaged as a capital request to CPC and then routed through CAPCOM, FINCOM and town meeting if advanced; staff asked commissioners to be prepared to support the project at those hearings. No final funding decision was made by the commission at the July 17 meeting; the item was presented for direction and to confirm project scope and cost estimates.