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Committee seeks recreational guidance as middle school construction reduces available fields
Summary
Committee members asked the town planner to brief the Parks & Recreation Committee on recreation elements of the 10-year comprehensive plan, citing concern that middle school construction and other development are reducing open space available for sports and programs.
The Chair asked staff to invite the town planner to a future meeting to explain what the town’s 10-year comprehensive plan includes for recreation and open space, after members expressed concern about losing local playing fields as construction proceeds.
Committee members described shrinking available space because of the middle school project and other development, and discussed options including converting some fields to artificial turf to create multipurpose surfaces that support several sports. The Chair said the committee needs clearer information about what the comprehensive plan recommends so members can plan recreation offerings over the next decade.
Scott said middle school construction has started and remains on schedule for an October completion; once finished, those facilities may free up practice and game space. Members stressed they want the town planner or appropriate staff to present details at the next meeting so the committee can assess trade-offs — including costs and maintenance requirements — before advancing any turf or redevelopment proposals.
No formal decisions or budget commitments were made; the committee directed staff to invite the planner and prepare a follow-up discussion so the committee can review recreation needs, projected space losses and possible mitigation strategies.
