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Parks and Recreation seeks CPC help to install scoreboards at Florence Recreation Fields
Summary
Parks and Recreation asked the CPC to cover installation costs for two scoreboards donated by the Ray Ellerbrooke Field Fund; staff estimated installation at roughly $24,068 and said city electricians will trench the line at no charge.
Shelby Michah, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, asked the Community Preservation Committee Oct. 15 to consider funding installation costs for two electronic scoreboards at Florence Recreation Fields on Spring Street. Michah said the scoreboards themselves have been pledged by the Ray Ellerbrooke Field Fund; Parks and Recreation seeks CPC support for installation only.
Michah said Florence Fields is heavily used by youth baseball programs, Northampton High School junior varsity and freshman teams, and community leagues. ‘‘When you have a scoreboard at a field, it just makes everything a little bit easier,’’ she said, noting the boards would also support expanded programming such as adult leagues and tournaments.
Budget and logistics: Michah presented a vendor quotation and said she had been unable to obtain three firm bids for installation; the application packet lists an estimated installation cost of $24,068. She said City electrician Jim Malo has agreed to trench and run the electrical conduit from the pavilion at no charge, reducing the city’s out‑of‑pocket cost.
Why it matters: presenters and supporters told the committee the scoreboards are a modest capital investment that would increase the usability and tournament readiness of a recently improved park and could support more programming for youth and adults. Michah said the Ray Ellerbrooke family is donating the scoreboard units; the department requests CPC help for installation.
Process and next steps: Michah invited written letters of support and said public comment on all CPC proposals is scheduled for Nov. 5; no funding decision was taken Oct. 15.
