At the heart of the discussions was the potential development of a new community center designed to cater to the growing needs of Reading’s diverse population. The committee analyzed three proposed sites, weighing their pros and cons. The Oakland Road site, adjacent to the high school, was noted for its 93 parking spaces and level ground, but the presence of steep slopes and proximity to residential areas presented complications, especially for the inclusion of amenities such as pickleball courts. Moreover, the need to address the site’s fill area and bedrock, as identified by geotechnical engineers, was highlighted.

The Pleasant Street option, being within a five-minute radius of the town center and accessible for emergency vehicles, offered its own set of challenges. Concerns were raised regarding its remote location and lack of main street frontage, which could affect visibility and accessibility. The site’s history as a former Nike missile location further complicated matters, bringing forth environmental concerns necessitating extensive due diligence.

Simmons Way, situated near the ice arena, was considered for its potential to offer shared parking with the arena, but the site faced environmental hurdles, including wetlands and organic material in the soil. The committee acknowledged the need to elevate the building and parking lot to anticipate rising water levels due to global warming and mentioned low-level contaminants that require further investigation.

The committee also debated the allocation and design of space within the potential community center, especially the inclusion of a gym. While some members underscored the gym’s potential for hosting various recreational activities and larger community events, others considered the cost implications and the need for a multi-use design. The importance of a fair and thorough evaluation of the building options was stressed, with a points-based assessment system proposed to aid in objective decision-making. The target timeline set by the committee includes completing a schematic design by year-end, with a town vote anticipated in 2025 and potential construction commencement in 2026.

In addition to the community center discussions, the meeting also addressed the donation and installation of six service component flag poles in Memorial Park, proposed by Michael Terry from the Good Samaritan Lodge. The committee received support from neighbors and understood that the town manager would contact the select board for final approval. During the discussion, members considered the necessity of lighting for flags and the town’s policy on flying them at half-mast.

The committee approved amplified sound requests from the Reading Lions Club for events in 2024 and discussed the appointment of a member to the CPA committee, with Eric G nominating himself and being voted in by the committee.

Other topics included the resurfacing of the tennis courts at Birch Meadow, which have suffered from significant cracks and water accumulation. The committee explored potential grants to fund the repairs, including the US Open Legacy initiative. The progress of the restoration of the Barrows baseball field was noted, with commendations given to the Department of Public Works for their efforts.

Updates on recreational activities were also a focal point. The committee reviewed the successful pickleball program, designed to increase participation, and discussed the completion of a new trail connecting Main Street to Haal, a milestone achievement for the town’s connectivity. Upcoming summer programs were highlighted, with partnerships with high school coaches and counselor recruitment efforts underway.

Lastly, the meeting concluded on a positive note, with members expressing satisfaction with the high number of applicants for the upcoming summer camp and exchanging farewells and well-wishes.