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Residents petition to name new community center for longtime recreation director Frank Desiata; board says process must follow policy
Summary
Petitioners asked the Select Board to name Westborough's new community center for Frank Desiata in recognition of decades of service. Board members praised Desiata but said the town's naming policy, historical commission review and clerk verification of signatures must be completed before a formal vote.
A group of long‑time Westborough residents presented a petition at Tuesday’s Select Board meeting asking that the new community center be named after Frank S. Desiata, the recreation director whom petitioners described as central to decades of youth and adult programming in town.
John Duffy and Rob Judge, who said they organized a five‑signer committee to collect signatures, presented a packet outlining Desiata’s service, including creation or expansion of broad participation recreational programs and a long tenure as recreation director. Judge and other petitioners told the board the petition includes the requisite number of signatures and emphasized community support and historical materials (including a Westboro TV video) showing Desiata’s longtime role.
Several Select Board members praised Desiata’s service and personal impact on local youth and families. Board member Patrick said he had been a participant and referee in Desiata’s programs and described the nomination as “very appropriate” for at least a portion of the community center. Others echoed praise while underscoring process requirements.
Town Manager Christie and other board members noted the town’s formal naming policy requires the board to announce a public naming process, have signatures verified by the Town Clerk, and obtain input from the Historical Commission before a final naming decision. Christie told petitioners the board could record an intent to name but that the official process — including verification of signatures and public notice — must be completed before a binding action.
Board action: The Select Board accepted the petition and agreed to hold the nomination on file as staff and the Historical Commission complete required reviews. Several members said the board was open to naming a part of the facility or otherwise recognizing Desiata’s service when the formal naming process is launched.
Next steps: Town staff will verify petition signatures with the Town Clerk and follow the naming policy (including Historical Commission review) before any formal board vote on a name, likely timed with community center project milestones.
