Norwood CPC hears $97,000 proposal for shade structures at Cleveland School dugouts

Mark Ryan, representing the Department of Public Works and the Recreation Department, asked the Community Preservation Committee on Jan. 14 to fund four in‑kind steel shade structures for the Jean Brown and Lower Cleveland school softball fields.

"The proposed shade structures will protect the players and their equipment from the sun and inclement weather," Ryan said, describing the design as similar to the structures already installed at the Willard ball field.

Ryan outlined the budget as roughly $20,000 per structure, four structures in total, a 15 percent contingency and $5,000 for DPW materials and services, for an estimated project cost of about $97,000. He said the town would solicit quotes in March and April, seek Town Meeting approval in May and install the structures after the softball season.

Members questioned prior funding for comparable work and whether the town would use the same vendors. Debbie Holmwood noted the Willard field project had been funded by a state grant; Ryan said the town hired a private contractor through a bidding process for that work and would pursue a similar procurement route. Committee members also discussed field ownership: Ryan said Lower Cleveland had been transferred to general government care in 2005, while Jean Brown remains technically school property but is supported by the superintendent for this project.

Several members emphasized consistency with existing installations and wind resilience. The committee did not take a final vote on the funding request at the hearing; presenters were thanked and the application will be packaged for Town Meeting materials.