Selectmen hear public hearing on donated batting cages, discuss recreation capital needs and tennis-court warrant article

The Greenland Board of Selectmen opened a public hearing Oct. 21 on a donation of batting cages to the town’s recreation program and spent substantial time reviewing recreation capital needs.

The chair said the recreation committee received a donation of batting cages for Crasco Field and Maloney Field “The total amount is $12,278 which was donated by Relico,” and noted the rec committee had approved the gift and brought a check to deposit in the recreation revolving account. A rec representative described planned placement and seasonal net storage, saying the cages are “definitely nice to have” and would be used by the junior‑high baseball and softball programs.

A motion to accept and expend the donation was moved during the hearing. The rec representative said bills for purchase and installation would be paid from the rec revolving account rather than the general fund.

Beyond that single donation, rec officials reviewed a range of recent community contributions and capital needs. They reported roughly $8,000–$9,000 in sponsorship revenue over the last two years, and said donations and volunteer labor have funded dugout painting and other work valued at tens of thousands of dollars. The rec representative said the organization raised about $58,000 for dugout work and related improvements and estimated total donated effort and materials could exceed $70,000 when volunteer time is counted.

Board members and rec staff discussed the deteriorating condition of the town’s tennis courts. Estimates to resurface and repair the courts varied widely depending on scope; proposals ranged from about $28,000 on the low end to proposals near $90,000 for more extensive work. Rec leaders suggested bringing a warrant article to town voters in December to authorize capital improvements and asked the board to consider contributing a portion of the cost while the rec would fundraise and seek sponsorships.

Selectmen said they were open to educating voters and to a warrant article if the rec can narrow the cost estimates and present a clear funding plan. The rec representative said the intent is to balance keeping program fees low with the town’s need to preserve assets and that some combination of sponsorships, revolving funds and a town warrant article could cover the work.

Next steps: rec staff will continue to obtain firm bids and the board asked staff to prepare required warrant language if the rec decides to move forward.