HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-10 Recreation Committee Minutes0�`" ° RECEIVED
�� Town of Reading TOWN CLERK
�: Meeting Minutes READING, MA,
"'"`°'°'p� 2025 SEP 17 PM 5: 06
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Recreation Committee
Date: 2025-06-10 Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Monthly Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Eric Gaffen (M), Rich Hand (M) Michael Coltman (M), Laura Noonan (M),
Kate Kaminer (M) Bob Weiden (A), Giueseppe Fodera (A)
Members - Not Present:
Matthew George (A), Kevin Leete (A), Melissa Puai (M), John Federico (A),
Eric Boemer (M).
Others Present:
Jim Sullivan - Recreation Administrator
Ed Shambo - Program Coordinator
Chuck Tirone - Conservatlon Administrator
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jim Sullivan, Recreation Administrator
Topics of Discussion:
Call to Order
Chair Eric Gaffen called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Roll Call
(Attendance as noted above.)
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
• Eric Gaffen noted that all votes in the March 11, 2025 minutes need to be corrected
from "7-0" to "5-0"
• Motion: Michael Coltman moved to approve the March 11, 2025 minutes with
corrections.
• Second: Kate Kaminer
• Vote: 6-0 in favor— Motion passed.
Public Comment
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• Kate Kaminer thanked the Recreation Committee and Recreation Division for their
support of the Reading Tennis Open, noting it was one of the most well -attended events
to date.
Agenda Item: Amplified Sound Request
• No requests submitted.
Agenda Item: Update on Formation of the Master Plan Committee
• Eric Gaffen provided background on the Recreation Master Plan, last updated in 2006.
• The Town is forming a new Master Plan Committee and is seeking a Recreation
Committee representative (full or associate member).
• Service on the committee is expected to last 1-2 years.
• Michael Coltman and Giuseppe Fodera expressed interest in serving.
• Eric will follow up to confirm whether two Recreation Committee members may be
appointed.
• Action: Item tabled pending clarification.
Agenda Item: Sturges Park Footbridge - Discussion and Vote
Presenter: Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator
• Chuck provided updates on trail maintenance at Sturges Park, including volunteer
cleanup, invasive removal, and spreading of woodchips.
• A request was made to add a new access point on the north side of Sturges Park, either
via a bridge crossing the stream (preferred) or a footpath if a bridge is not feasible.
• Wayfinding signage was also recommended.
Motion: Michael Coltman moved to approve a new access point at the north side of Sturges
Park with a bridge as the first option, or a footpath if a bridge is not possible (not both),
including wayfinding signage.
Second: Rich Hand
Vote: 6-0 in favor - Motion passed.
Agenda Item: Birch Meadow Phase II - Lighting, Signage, and Updates
• Discussion of court lighting raised at community and CPDC meetings. Neighbors
expressed concern about noise.
• Jim Sullivan reported discussions with Activitas regarding motion sensors or automated
timers.
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• Committee agreed to maintain consistency with other facilities and keep lights on until
10:00 PM.
• Signage:
o Sample signage reviewed.
o Recommended: "No pets, hockey nets/soccer nets, outside equipment, or snow
removal."
o Preferred design: Barnyard red with white lettering.
o Additional wayfinding signage suggested for courts, fields, and bathrooms.
• Timeline: Phase II anticipated completion by mid -December 2025, though playground
and court surfacing may cause delays.
Agenda Item: Pickleball / RECAL Updates
• Pickleball courts approved at Town Meeting.
• Discussion on potential monetization models: tournaments, programming fees,
membership fees, resident vs. non-resident pricing.
• Options to manage court use: key card access or monitors.
• Jim Sullivan reported that all permits and approvals for these two projects are being
coordinated with Conservation and CPDC.
• Reading Center for Active Living (RECAL) is undergoing similar approval processes.
• Eric Gaffen noted that his Town Meeting instruction motion was approved to establish a
consistent funding mechanism for adaptive programming across schools and the Town.
Agenda Item: Program Coordinator & Recreation Administrator Updates
• Hunt Park: Snack shack construction complete.
• Barrows Field: Delays on fence/dugout project due to a concrete pad error. Contractors
will re -pour pads and reset fence posts. Dugout roofing/structure delayed accordingly.
• Playgrounds: Discussion on removing rubber mulch, starting with Barrows Playground.
• Morton Field: Challenging season due to spring rain. DPW added new clay to address
dust/hardening.
• Summer Programming:
o Begins next week as school ends.
o Staff orientation for Summer Daycation scheduled for next Wednesday.
o Children's Trust Fund will present on child safety as part of training.
o Recently completed Intergenerational Archery Program was successful.
Adjournment
• Motion: Rich moved to adjourn.
• Second: Bob Weiden
• Vote: 6-0 in favor —Motion passed.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.
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