Parks board approves Blackstone-Millville Regional field use at JFK complex for fall practices

The Town of Blackstone Parks and Recreation Board voted to allow Blackstone-Millville Regional School District (BMRSD) to use the JFK complex for fall after-school practices, the board announced during its Aug. 12 meeting. The district’s director of athletics and student life, Darlene Gaudette, asked for access end of August through mid-November, roughly 3–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, because the high-school field will be reserved for games.

Gaudette told the board that coaches who already use the complex are familiar with the site and offered reciprocal benefits: the recreation department could use the high-school game field for town games and the district could provide a scoreboard, tent and water as needed. Board members raised logistics concerns about pickup time conflicts at school dismissal and suggested using the back lot for arrivals and departures to avoid congestion. The board asked Gaudette to provide exact practice times in the coming weeks.

After brief discussion, a motion to approve the request passed by voice vote. The board directed staff to notify leagues and affected user groups and to coordinate with the school and DPW on parking and access. The board also asked staff to confirm insurance and scheduling details and to notify coaches and the public once times and locations are finalized.

The approval covers the fall season only and was framed as a seasonal accommodation to balance game-field preservation with practice needs; the board left open future changes pending scheduling conflicts and further coordination with the school district.