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Needham commission approves multiple summer clinics and special events; Tennis Academy paused this year
Summary
Park & Recreation approved a set of special event and summer clinic permits and conditionally approved recurring open‑play programming. Because Newman courts are offline and public health flagged asbestos concerns, the department will not run the Tennis Academy in 2025 and plans to resume after court improvements.
The Park & Recreation Commission on Jan. 27 approved a series of special event and youth clinic permits for summer 2025, and the department announced it will not run its Tennis Academy this year because the Newman courts are offline for construction and public‑health concerns related to asbestos.
Approved permits included youth lacrosse clinics, multiple Needham Soccer Club camps and clinics, the Revolution Academy soccer camp, the Exchange Club Fourth of July request, and other community events. Approvals were typically unanimous and several permits were approved contingent on receipt of an acceptable certificate of insurance. Staff noted that PTC and school‑related fundraisers historically are not charged fees, but the packet lists the fee structure when applicable. The commission also approved recurring youth open‑play programming subject to staff fee recommendation.
On tennis, staff said public health and facility owners had advised against running tennis programs where airborne asbestos cannot be reliably contained; the department also reached out to private providers who declined to operate the program. Park & Recreation staff recommended suspending the Tennis Academy for 2025 and returning in 2026 after Newman and the new courts are available. "I would prefer to not run Tennis Academy this year and then bring it back to its glory next year," a staff member said; the commission agreed.
Commissioners requested follow‑up on a pending fee discussion for the large Memorial Day soccer tournament; staff will invite the tournament organizer and provide fee‑increase scenarios at a future meeting. Several approved permits included a staff note that approvals may be contingent on properly completed certificates of insurance and custodial fees for Sunday events.
