Parks Commission votes to lock three park gates and authorize keys for maintenance and emergency access

The Town of Hubbardston Parks Commission voted unanimously on June 11 to lock three park gates and to provide keys to designated users for maintenance and emergency access.

Parks Commission member Jessica Hall moved to lock all three gates and provide keys to specified users; the motion was seconded by Parks Commission member Joshua Penny and approved by voice vote. Hall proposed limiting general driving access while preserving necessary access for maintenance and emergency services. "They don't mow the soccer fields. They don't need to have a key, but the baseball guy comes and he mows it regularly," Hall said when discussing who should retain driving access.

Commissioners discussed specific keyholders. They agreed keys should be issued to town departments that may need vehicular access, including the police, fire department and the Department of Public Works. Commissioners also said the volunteer who maintains the baseball field should retain a key for his maintenance work, and they identified Parks Commission member Hunter Young as a building contact who should have a key. Parks Commission member Jesse Alexander emphasized the need to confirm with the town administrator that all necessary agencies receive access.

The motion passed by unanimous voice vote after Hall's motion and Penny's second. The commission said it will confirm the final key list and key distribution procedure with town administrator Nate before issuing keys.

What’s next: Parks commissioners will coordinate with the town administrator to ensure keys are issued to appropriate departments and volunteers and to confirm any additional users who require access.