HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-09-27 ad Hoc Memorial Park Use Review Committee MinutesL
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Ad hoc MEMORIAL PARK USE REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES
September 27, 2004 at Town Hall Conference Room
Attendees: Gail Wood, Board of Selectmen
Frank Driscoll, Reading Youth Softball, Recreation Committee Member
Preston Lucus, Reading Youth Baseball
Rick Shaffer, Recreation Committee Member
Margaret O'Sullivan, Resident at Large
Dan McGrath, Recreation Program Coordinator
Guest: Arlene Basner, Reading Women's Club
Meeting called to order at 7:36 PM
G. Wood handed out a packet of information to the committee.
F. Driscoll stated that he researched the deaths and births of the 7 signatures of the deed. Evidence
showed that Crocker had been alive until 1970. The Board felt that the park at that point was being
used for similar activities as today since the park was donated. If the donors were unhappy, they
could have taken it back from the Town for breech of agreement.
Arlene Basner was introduced from the Reading Women's Club. She was in attendance in place of
Sally Hoyt whom the committee had invited. Ms. Basner presented a letter from Ms. Hoyt. The
consensus of the RWC was to keep Memorial Park as a Recreation Area. The park is essential for
kid's sports. Ms. Basner stated the park should be used and doesn't feel the deed intended to
prevent kids from playing at Memorial Park.
G. Wood agreed but cautioned that the park is probably over used.
Ms. Basner stated that the RWC felt the Town needed practice space for kids and there should be no
groups restricted. G. Wood stated they would try to prioritize future usage.
F. Driscoll stated it is important to instruct groups to relocate around Memorial so one spot doesn't
get over used.
Rick Shaffer enters the meeting at 8:01 PM.
The Committee thanked Ms. Basner for coming to the meeting. She exited at 8:05 PM.
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2685
G. Wood went over the packet that was handed out at the beginning of the meeting.
September 13, 2004 at Town Hall Conference Room CON'T
F. Driscoll made a motion to accept the minutes of September 27th. R. Shaffer seconded the
motion. Motion passes 5-0-0 in favor of accepting the minutes.
G. Wood updated the Committee about her discussion with the Board of Selectmen. She stated that
the schedule was presented and she informed them of the happenings. The Board seemed happy
with the Committees progress.
F. Driscoll noted that Ben Nichols could not make the meeting due to the fact that he was not
feeling well. Mr. Nichols did state to Driscoll that he doesn't believe the deed should be changed
for the reason that if this deed gets changed other are less likely to donate to the Town.
The Committee stated they would develop one questionnaire. F. Driscoll recommended writing an
article for the newspaper to inform the Town of what has been going on for the past 80 years at
Memorial Park. F. Driscoll stated a brief history would be best.
P. Lucus felt the content of the article should include history, purpose of the Committee and the
deed situation. The Committee spoke about avenues of advertising: Advocate, Chronicle, Hand out
at Town Meeting to name a few.
The Committee discussed using the Park in a similar fashion as was done in Spring of 2004.
The Committee decided that each member would bring 5 questions to the next meeting and they
would be narrowed down to a questionnaire.
R. Shaffer made a motion to adjourn the meeting. P. Lucus seconded the motion. Motion passes in
favor of adjournment 5-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM
,,Respectfully-submitted by:
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Recreation A ministrator