The Bedford Town Council voted to move Article 4 — a parks and recreation bond authorizing up to $3,226,000 — to the town deliberative session but recorded a majority recommendation opposing the article.

The warrant and presentation describe a package of projects: relocating the Little League complex from the Nashua Road site (a former landfill with excavation limitations) to Swenson Field; lighting proposed baseball fields at Swenson; converting Nashua Road to an open rectangular field; replacing the skateboard park at Earl Legacy Park with a poured‑in‑place concrete facility; and construction of a concession/snack building with plumbed restrooms. Town staff told the council the skateboard component was budgeted at $800,000 of the total and that the article includes $17,121 for bond issuance costs.

Supporters and concerns raised at the public hearing
- Sean Marlow, speaking for Bedford Little League, urged support and said the league “roster[s] around 650 players” across spring, summer and fall seasons and faces field and practice constraints that could force it to turn players away if the Nashua Road fields become unsustainable.
- Daniel Fisher (Bedford Little League board) said the league is “almost entirely Bedford residents” and that moving fields would preserve play opportunities and allow hosting district events. Lauren Thibault noted the Challenger program and said plumbed restrooms are needed for participants with accessibility needs.
- Ian Moultonbury, co‑chair of the Rebuild Bedford Skatepark Committee, described the existing prefabricated ramps as deteriorating and said a poured‑in‑place concrete park would be more durable; the committee estimated $800,000 for the replacement.
- Residents expressed concerns about lighting, hours and light pollution (questions from Jane Carey and Holly Gleason) and about parking at Legacy Park and the concession building’s cost. Deputy comments and staff responses noted contemporary LED directionality and controls (including app‑controlled timers) could limit light spill and energy waste.

Funding mechanics and process
Town Manager Rick Sawyer and staff said the warrant language permits accepting donations and federal/state aid and that any private fundraising would reduce the bond amount before the town sells bonds (the town expects to sell bonds in July and can adjust the issuance amount beforehand). Several speakers urged fundraising partnerships to reduce the tax burden; the town manager confirmed donations and outside aid can reduce the bond amount prior to sale.

Council action
- Motion to move Article 4 to the deliberative session passed 7–0.
- The council then recorded a recommendation on Article 4: Councilors Strand and Gilbert and Councilor Bemis voted “yes”; Councilors Carter, Sowell, Griazo and Chair Radke voted “no.” The council’s recorded recommendation therefore is “not recommended by the council (4–3).” The article will still be considered at the Feb. 3 deliberative session and by voters on March 11.

Ending
Supporters emphasized field safety, improved scheduling and accessibility; opponents on the council cited the article’s total size and urged greater fundraising or removing the concession/snack building. The deliberative session will be the next public forum where residents can propose amendments and debate the package.