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School district and youth groups push $294,000 plan to repair Milliken fields after umpires cite safety issues
Summary
District staff and youth-sports representatives presented plans to renovate two Milliken fields, citing safety problems with backstops, benches and drainage. Estimated vendor quotes total about $267,100 with a 10% contingency (approx. $293,810); the committee asked for more detail on maintenance and phasing.
School-district staff and youth-sports volunteers urged the Community Preservation Committee to consider funding for a two-field renovation at Milliken, saying current field conditions pose safety and playability concerns that have led umpires to restrict play.
Keith Lavoy, assistant superintendent of operations, and Erin Tagloferi described unsafe benches, rusted backstops, poor infield surfacing and drainage that leaves surfaces like "quicksand" after small rain events. "Umpires are saying that the fields are unsafe," Lavoy told the committee, adding that adjustments to game rules have sometimes been used to reduce risk because the existing backstops and fencing do not provide adequate protection.
The presentation included vendor estimates and two options for the softball field; the combined cost for the selected options was roughly $267,100. Presenters added a 10% contingency that raises the total to about $293,810. Line items included new backstops and fencing, infield material and grading, new benches or dugouts and other safety-related work. The presenters said the athletic director and youth-sports organizations support the project and provided letters of support.
Two fifth-grade softball players, Allison and Ava, spoke to the committee. Allison said, "We would love to invite teams to come play night games in our town," and both students said having safe home fields and lights would expand opportunities for youth and middle-school teams.
Committee members asked how drainage problems would be addressed, whether the project could be phased (softball first), and who would be responsible for ongoing maintenance. Presenters said the school district would assume maintenance responsibility and that phasing and volunteer support (for non-specialized tasks) remain under consideration; fencing and technical work would likely require contractors.
Committee members asked staff to return with additional detail on drainage work, maintenance commitments and possible phasing so the committee could weigh the request against other pending requests at the January continuation of the public hearing.
