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Resident urges town to upgrade playing fields; council and DPW plan further review
Summary
A resident and new recreation volunteer asked the council to prioritize field upgrades at Gallagher Field, Chestnut Field and behind CDW, proposing an infield rebuild and a turf conversion to preserve weekend games and permit night or make-up play.
During public comment, resident and recreation volunteer Robert Wannat urged the borough to evaluate and plan upgrades to municipal playing fields so youth sports schedules are less vulnerable to rainouts and wear.
"So, I'm here today to ask you to review what I'm just gonna say about the playing condition of our fields," Wannat told the council, describing lost playing days in fall 2023, lack of illuminated fields and the need to resurface infields. He recommended an infield reconstruction at Gallagher Field (possibly scheduled for fall 2025), a turf conversion at Chestnut Field to allow concurrent soccer and baseball uses, and lighting where appropriate. Wannat also proposed regional coordination of booster groups and shared facilities to spread cost and improve standards.
Council members thanked him for bringing the issue forward and suggested the rec commission and DPW continue work on specifications, funding options and timing; the mayor asked Wannat to coordinate with the recreation commission and DPW supervisor for follow-up next year.
