Needham Park and Rec Commission approves $166,000 estimate to replace McLeod Field bleachers

Needham Park and Recreation commissioners voted unanimously May 21 to proceed with a plan to replace and elevate both sets of bleachers at McLeod Field, approving an order-of-magnitude cost estimate of about $166,000 and directing staff to encumber funds so work can move forward.

The commission’s action followed a presentation by staff that laid out two broad approaches to address spectator visibility and accessible seating: lowering the concrete ADA pads that sit between the playing surface and the existing bleachers (estimated at roughly $27,000–$32,000 for the different pad options), or installing new elevated bleachers positioned closer to the backstop (estimates ranged from about $90,000 for a single elevated unit to about $166,000 to replace and elevate both stands). The commission chose the full bleacher replacement and elevation option, referred to at the meeting as “Option 2c.”

The project team said the bleacher option would place new, elevated seating closer to the backstop so wheelchair users on an accessible route would be at sightlines above the existing pads. Justin Simoniano, assistant town engineer, presented visuals and noted the existing steel supports and netting system would remain in place and that some detailing — for example, rail caps or netting to protect exposed steel — would be required. Katie King, deputy town manager, explained procurement and funding implications and said ordering metal bleachers currently carries a lead time of about 14–16 weeks.

Commissioners and staff discussed constructability and safety tradeoffs. Lowering the pads (the pad options presented as 1a and 1b) would have improved sightlines at lower cost, but would have left steel framing and required additional infill (chain-link or netting) and protective caps, and staff said the padding currently around some elements would be reduced. The elevated-bleacher approach (2c) would require procuring new bleachers, additional site work to enlarge concrete pads and walkways, and new ramps and landing pads to meet accessibility standards.

King outlined two possible funding sources: a remaining balance in a May 2024 town meeting appropriation for a fencing project (the Dafazio fencing warrant article) and the Park and Recreation Revolving Fund. Staff said the revolving fund currently contains an atypically large balance — described at the meeting as on the order of $305,000 — but that those funds must be encumbered by June 30 or will roll back to the general fund (with limited carryover rules). The commission directed staff to encumber funds before June 30 so procurement can proceed.

Commissioner Cindy Chaston moved to proceed with Option 2c at the ballpark figure presented (~$166,000); the motion was seconded and passed by roll call, 3–0. Commissioners who cast recorded votes were identified in the meeting as Chris (aye), Jim (aye) and Cindy Chaston (aye). Staff said a formal procurement for bleachers and site work would follow and that permitting with the Conservation Commission is expected to be administrative or minor.

Staff cautioned the commission that the price estimates presented were initial order-of-magnitude figures and that metal prices and installation costs can change. They recommended doing the site concrete work now in a way that anticipates possible future additions (to avoid remobilizing later). The planned schedule depended on when the town issues the order: earlier ordering improves the chance of having the work completed before the next spring season, but a firm delivery window depends on the vendor lead time and procurement schedule.

The commission’s approval establishes the direction for the McLeod Field work and instructs staff to move to procurement and encumber funds. Further design details, final contract awards, and specific construction timing will be set in subsequent administrative steps and public notices.