Park and Rec unanimously determines Warner Field area may host subsurface geothermal pending Article 97 approvals

The Park and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to determine that the portion of Warner Field (described in the motion as approximately 61,000 square feet) may be used for subsurface geothermal wells and associated infrastructure to serve the Pollard Middle School project.

Chair read motion language prepared by town counsel stating the area "may be used for subsurface geothermal wells and associated infrastructure" and that the town will restore Warner Field to its recreational use at the conclusion of construction. King explained that town staff have spoken with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA); EEA’s informal guidance suggested that temporary laydown likely does not trigger Article 97 but that subsurface geothermal might. That guidance prompted the request for the commission to begin local Article 97 approvals.

King outlined the multi‑step approval path: unanimous votes by both the Park and Recreation Commission and the Conservation Commission (the conservation commission met the prior evening and gave unanimous approval), a two‑thirds (0.667) vote at a special town meeting, and a home‑rule petition requiring 0.667 approval in the Massachusetts House and Senate and the governor’s signature. King noted that EEA will weigh in on mitigation and that the town is seeking more guidance on how to value subsurface use for mitigation calculations.

Commissioners asked about what would trigger the five‑year offline period and whether "substantially complete by April 2032" means the field would be in playing condition; staff said playable timing is weather dependent and advised the field restoration could be playable by April 2032 but might be later. The motion passed by roll call with all present voting "Aye."