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Alton selectmen accept donation to replace Jones Field "green monster" wall
Summary
The Alton Board of Selectmen voted to accept a private donation to replace the failing wooden outfield wall at Jones Field. The Alton Youth League proposed a $73,407.56 project and asked the town to accept a donation not to exceed $78,000; the DPW will assist with demolition and the water department will open an access gate for a geotechnical survey.
The Alton Board of Selectmen on May 26 accepted a private donation to replace the failing wooden outfield wall known locally as the "green monster" at Jones Field.
Christy Wood, treasurer of the Alton Youth League, told the board the total project cost is "$73,407 dollars and 56¢," breaking that figure into $66,307.56 for the fence, $6,700 for a geotechnical survey and $400 for private utility-line identification. Wood asked the board to accept the donation "not to exceed $78,000" so the league could finalize a contract if the final quote shifts.
The move drew public support from league volunteers and Parks and Recreation leadership. A league representative said the wall "has been failing, and we wanna maintain the integrity of it," describing growth in registration and local fundraising that made the project possible. Alicia O'Rourke, vice president of the league, noted recent donations and volunteer work that helped the group present the proposal.
A motion by the presiding selectman to accept the donation for $73,407.56, not to exceed $78,000, and to authorize Department of Public Works assistance to remove the old wall and the water department to open access as needed passed on the board's voice vote.
The league said demolition and replacement work would be scheduled after the fall ball season, with the demo proposed for about Oct. 12. The DPW will coordinate timing and road/time-of-day access for the geotechnical survey; the league said the gate access would be arranged during regular working hours.
Next steps: the league will finalize the fencing contract and schedule work with town departments; the selectmen recorded the acceptance and closed the public hearing.
