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Bedford commission prefers Wilson site for second turf field; Springs Brook Park master plan headed to Select Board
Summary
Commissioners reviewed field projects (bathrooms, C‑Field regrading), discussed a six‑month second‑turf‑field site analysis that identified Wilson Field as the preferred site, and set a Select Board presentation for the Springs Brook Park master plan with Weston & Sampson available to answer technical questions.
At its Jan. 6 meeting, the Town of Bedford Recreation Commission reviewed ongoing field projects and a recently completed site analysis for a potential second turf field.
Staff reported that two new bathrooms are nearly complete and expected to open in March; the buildings are insulated but unheated. The commission heard that existing turf showed no issues after fall use and that C‑Field (softball) was regraded in October; fence work remains and is scheduled for March because the ground had been frozen. Facilities will manage trash barrels at the site.
The commission funded and reviewed a six‑month site analysis covering five candidate locations for a second turf field: JGMS, Springs Road, South Road, Wilson Field and Liljegren Field. Commissioners discussed site issues including lighting; the analysis and discussion led staff and commissioners to identify Wilson Field as the preferred location. Staff noted competing needs for indoor versus outdoor space and said the turf field study will be posted to the town website and shared with local media.
On the Springs Brook Park master plan, staff said the final plan is ready to present to the Select Board. The meeting record notes an explanation for removal of the plan's first phase and the related financial impact. Engineering consultant Weston & Sampson is expected to attend the Select Board presentation to answer technical questions; Recreation Department staff said they will wait for Select Board member Bopha Malone's scheduling feedback.
Nikki Taylor, Recreation Department staff, pressed for more smaller fields to expand opportunities for youth soccer at town venues. Commissioners did not take a final site vote at the Jan. 6 meeting; the next steps are publication of the turf field study and scheduling the Springs Brook Park presentation with the Select Board.
Why it matters: a second turf field and park master plan decisions affect field availability, user groups and capital spending priorities across town.
