The issue of unleashed dogs, especially service animals, dominated the discussion. Concerns were raised about residents allowing their dogs to roam freely on park fields, with specific mention of McNelly Field. Photographic evidence and reports from residents highlighted repeated violations, prompting the commission to consider enforcement actions. A resident complained about frequent incidents where dogs were seen off-leash, causing fear and discomfort among park visitors. This resident shared an incident where a dog took a sentimental ball from a bucket, leading to a confrontational exchange with the dog owners. Another resident recounted hostile encounters with dog owners who allegedly allowed their pets to roam the fields, resulting in dog waste being left behind.

The commission discussed issuing fines for these violations, with General Law Chapter 40, Section 21D outlining fines for non-compliance with park rules. A $50 fine was approved for a violation by a resident named Miss Latard, who was observed with an unleashed dog in a restricted area. There was a call for clear communication with the dog owners, with a proposal to send a letter urging them to meet with town officials to discuss reasonable accommodations or adjustments to park rules.

In addition to the dog policy enforcement, the commission approved plans for the annual Polar Plunge event at the Town Beach, scheduled for November 29. The event, which had been successful the previous year, will include activities such as games and s’mores, weather permitting. The commission approved the use of a porta-potty at the beach to avoid complications with the Board of Health, as experienced last year.

The meeting also covered discussions on various park improvement projects. The commission reviewed a capital plan including regrading and surfacing Fitzgerald and McNelly Fields, adding fencing to deter snowmobiles, and repairs at Marshall Park. A particular focus was placed on Fitzgerald Field, which suffers from issues such as potholes and flooding. These conditions have forced local sports leagues to seek alternative fields in other towns. The commission emphasized the urgency of addressing these problems to ensure the field’s usability, especially for youth sports.

Concerns about lighting installations at Wallace Field were discussed, with suggestions to explore funding from the Green Communities Committee to support these projects. The commission also highlighted the need for clarity on the field adjustments required at Powell Field, following a transition from Little League to Cal Ripken baseball without prior consultation with the commission.

Financial discrepancies were another point of concern, particularly regarding a $30,000 budget entry for weed treatments. This error left the commission with a reduced budget for park projects, raising questions about the necessity of renewing contracts with project management firms. There was an ongoing discussion about aligning project planning with the corrected budget and verifying the misallocated funds with the town manager.

The commission also reviewed the master plan document from the master plan steering committee, noting that many suggested goals did not align with their responsibilities or bylaws. There was frustration over the perceived disconnect between the master plan’s goals and the commission’s actual responsibilities, particularly regarding housing and development policies.

Finally, the meeting touched on the successful completion of the Wallace Court resurfacing project and the availability of pickleball equipment for community use. Plans for installing toddler playground equipment and addressing maintenance issues at Wallace were also discussed, along with efforts to formalize operational policies and secure sponsorship opportunities for town teams.