HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-11-13 Board of Public Works Minutes November 13, 1974
The Board of Public Works met at 8:00 P.M. in the Auditorium
of the Community Center.
Present were Chairman Blood, Board Members Dustin, Russell
and Price and Superintendent Louanis.
Mr . Russell read Notice of Public Hearing regarding "Discus-
sion of Parks and Recreational Needs of the Town".
Approximately one hundred people attended the Hearing. Fol-
lowing a greeting from Chairman Blood and opening remarks by Mr.
Dustin group leaders and interested residents addressed their re-
marks to the Board.
Mrs. Patricia Mazzola represented the 4-H Club and requested
that the Town develop the area at Batchelder Field in order that
the children in the 4-14 age group could learn to work with animals,
horses in particular. They would like the area fenced and the
' seventy-odd children in the group proposed to keep the area clean.
Mr. W. E. Koulouris represented the Pony League and the Pop
Warner group. He stated that the present back stop at Birch Meadow
is shorter than normal and they would like a replacement: there
is a definite need for a water fountain and a further need to re-
move the overgrown brush. The Pony League can function with the
field provided at Birch Meadow but there is a need for a home for
the Pop Warner Group.
Irene Dowdy requested more and better lights on the tennis
courts and that a fabric net replace the metal link nets currently
used at the various courts.
Mr. Carroll MacMillan was not happy with the maintenance of
the basketball courts, the hoops and nets and requested that this
receive attention.
Mr. David Strong advised the Board that a new group had been
I organized with Penn Michilini as President. Boys thirteen and
fourteen years old who can not make Pony League after graduating
from Little League join this group. They are in need of a field
* Correction - Doughty
to play ball from the middle of April until June. They schedule
their play time from 6:00 P.M. until dusk.
Miss Susan Nickerson, a Reading Memorial High School stu-
dent requested just plain space for unorganized play.
One gentleman who attended the meeting observed that it
would be better to take care of what we have rather than invest
in new areas. He criticized the maintenance department, most
particularly for not watering the fields.
Mr. Kenneth Holbrook, an avid tennis player, was not happy
with the resurfacing of the tennis courts at Birch Meadow, nor
with the lighting. By way of constructive criticism he offered
that a registration center be established whereby one could pay
fifty cents and be assigned a court for a given period of time.
He also suggested that lights be placed at Washington Street
Park.
Bob Connors added his support to the 4-H group and stated
that what these young people need is a 100'x2001 ring to be
used for training their horses. They do not need a bridle path
for training purposes. ,
Marvin Rosenthal represented the Rules Committee of the
Soft Ball League. Mr. Rosenthal suggested that the fields be
watered in an effort to keep them in better condition. There
are four hundred people in his group and they would like a field
serviced with lights.
Mr. Gilbert Bulley who is connected with the Y.M.C.A. and
generally interested in young people suggested that the Town
be watchful for available land in order that there will be
sufficient space for future parks.
Mr. Frank Smith questioned, "who is going to follow
through on the various programs. "
Mr . Donald Pierce, Chairman of the Recreation Committee
addressed the audience outlining the function of his committee
and that of the Board of Public Works . Mr. Pierce expressed
a desire for additional lights at Birch Meadow and stated he
Minutes - continued November 13, 1974
felt that Reading facilities should be for Reading people, not
' outsiders.
In rebuttal , Mr. Marvin Rosenthal offered that the Rules
Committee states a person must live or work in Reading in order
to use the facilities.
Mr. Norton Nickerson of Prescott Street expressed the
thought that we do not have enough land and Paul Morris of 449
Franklin Street concurred.
Polly Cox walked to the front of the gathering and suggested
that her contemporaries, the young people of the Town, who use the
space provided by the Town help to maintain it by keeping it clean.
She was rewarded with applause.
Stan Robinson suggested a general clean-up of the Haverhill
Street Nike Site: removal of the concrete vaults etc. He felt
there should be some good use for the area.
' Mrs. Nancy Anderson, Chairman of the Conservation Committee,
pointed out the many areas in the Town controlled by the Conser-
vation Commission which aire open to the public for hiking, cross
country skiing, horseback riding and like type activity.
Bob Nordstrand, Chairman of the Board of the Y.M.C.A. stated
that the "Y" did not want to compete with the Town but rather
wished to work with it. As a possible area for future use he
suggested the Baptist Day Camp.
Mrs. Lynn Stasz commended the efforts of the Town in provid-
ing suitable Parks and Playgrounds .
Virginia Adams suggested that: Conservation land be develop-
ed for recreation: comfort stations be installed in several areas
in the Town: bike paths be developed and lastly a tow rope at
Bear Hill for skiers be provided.
Mr. Blood thanked those in attendance for contributing
ideas and suggestions. The Hearing was closed.
Meeting adjourned at 10: 15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
'A J, e' P '/& �
Secretary