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Construction and asbestos removal at Newman complicates summer tennis camp plans
Summary
Renovation work at the Newman building — including asbestos removal and HVAC and floor work — will limit indoor backup options and create a perception risk for families; staff recommended half‑day outdoor options at Mills or canceling the program if public-health or facility constraints block safe operations.
Parks staff told commissioners that renovations at the Newman building this summer will restrict indoor access and may include asbestos abatement, complicating plans for the department’s tennis day camps.
Staff described three possible responses: (1) hold an outdoor-only half‑day tennis camp (for example, 9 a.m.–noon) at Newman or Mills with contingency plans for storms and restricted parking; (2) run the camp at an alternate location (Mills) with morning-only hours, accepting the loss of some court availability for the public; or (3) cancel the program for one season if the Town’s Board of Health or construction logistics make on-site operation impractical or unsafe.
Staff said the work at Newman will include HVAC, floor and asbestos-related tasks and that contractors will stage materials and vehicles near the site; that activity could be visible to parents dropping off children, which staff said could lead to numerous parent inquiries and complaints even if public-health staff deem the activity safe. Parks staff said they will consult the Board of Health about whether running an outdoor-only, half-day program at Newman would be permissible and safe.
Commissioners discussed mitigation options including site tents, alternate bus staging, portable restrooms, and scheduling the camp at Mills from 9 a.m.–noon so families still have an option while minimizing exposure to lunch-time indoor needs. Staff said they will ask public health and the school facilities team for a parking/laydown forecast and to confirm whether staging will obstruct drop-off areas.
Ending: Staff will consult Board of Health and school facilities staff, then return to the commission with a recommended approach — outdoor half‑day at Mills, limited outdoor Newman camp, or cancellation — and any pricing or staffing implications.
