Hampstead commissioners press for clearer field-maintenance roles after safety reports at Depot Road and Holiday Lane

At the April 20 Hampstead Recreation meeting, commissioners and town representatives highlighted recurring field-maintenance and safety problems at Depot Road and Holiday Lane and pressed for clearer assignment of responsibilities.

Town representatives said some fields were opened for play before spring cleanup had been completed and said contract terms expect fields to be ready by April 1. Members flagged uneven base paths, holes in infields and unsafe dugouts as immediate safety concerns. A game was scheduled at Depot Road the next day at 3:30 p.m.; Matt Sullivan agreed to investigate obtaining infield mix to make a temporary repair and said he would try to get it fixed before that game.

Commissioners discussed longstanding communication breakdowns among multiple entities responsible for fields — listed in the meeting as HMSI, Recreation and the Department of Public Works — and noted that volunteer availability for maintenance has diminished since the COVID pandemic. The group discussed options including seeking quotes for repairs, hiring a dedicated maintenance worker funded through a warrant article, or reassigning duties among municipal staff.

Town representatives said they will request a non-public meeting with the Selectmen to clarify who holds decision authority for field opening and maintenance. Commissioners also asked staff to obtain quotes for spring repairs and to confirm specifications for any infield mix to ensure the temporary fix meets safety needs.

No final staffing decision was made; the commissions agreed to pursue clarification with the Selectmen and to follow up with cost estimates for necessary repairs.