The five-year plan became the focal point of the meeting as the commission dissected a proposal packet from the town administrator. This comprehensive plan included ambitious projects such as enhancements for the basketball courts at Bass Clare Pond Park, new playground equipment at Clare Pond Park, and upgrades for the Ted Williams camp skate park. Members expressed a desire for further upgrades, specifically improved lighting at the baseball fields and horseshoe areas, as well as a handicapped-accessible ramp and replacement windows for the office. However, the cost of these improvements loomed large, with a member highlighting, “the town doesn’t pay for these because we’re not a department.”

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the financial viability of implementing these plans. Concerns were raised about a particularly costly proposal: an estimated $600,000 for a new bathhouse and community room at Clear Pond Park. Members acknowledged that securing such funds would likely require town support or grants, as the commission’s budget could not accommodate this expense. The discussion included smaller scale improvements, such as addressing the deteriorating condition of dugouts at the baseball field. With rotten wood and overgrown fields reported, the commission considered prioritizing these repairs with any leftover funds at the year’s end.

Revenue generation emerged as a critical theme, with members brainstorming potential activities to help finance the parks. One suggestion involved adding a new playground at Commissioner’s Field, estimated to cost between $25,000 and $200,000. This idea aimed to provide entertainment for younger siblings during games, but its financial feasibility remained uncertain. The commission noted the importance of having a solid plan, stressing that the meeting could not conclude without finalizing the five-year agenda.

Another discussion revolved around the acquisition of playground equipment, with estimates ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per piece. Budget constraints complicated the process, especially given the requirement to solicit bids for expenditures exceeding $10,000, which hindered the ability to capitalize on potential sales. It was proposed to allocate $25,000 for playground equipment at Commissioner’s Field in fiscal year 2027 and another $25,000 in 2028, allowing for an evaluation of the equipment’s popularity before committing further funds.

Field renovations also took center stage, with a particular focus on baseball fields. The commission explored the possibility of overhauling fields at a cost of around $10,000 per field, scheduling work for 2029 and 2030. The idea was to stagger renovations to keep some fields playable while others were being worked on. A consensus emerged prioritizing baseball field renovations over playground projects, given the high demand for these facilities.

The skate park was not overlooked, as limited funds had previously restricted improvements. An initial $15,000 had been used to level transitions and resurface the park, but there was a desire for a more substantial renovation with a proposed budget of $50,000. Local youth involvement in painting a mural at the skate park was suggested, fostering a sense of ownership among the community.

Long-term planning discussions stressed the importance of a comprehensive vision for the parks over the next decade. The need for safe structures to protect children during inclement weather was underscored, with existing facilities falling short of addressing safety concerns for summer programs. Ideas for a new building to host activities and generate income were floated, including maximizing Clear Pond’s use outside the swimming season.

The commission also deliberated on potential applications for community preservation act projects, with a deadline of October 9th. Proposals included adding volleyball courts, miniature golf courses, and ADA-compliant beach mats. The cost of beach mats was detailed at $2,400 each. The commission weighed the competitive nature of the funding process against the immediate need for improvements, tentatively agreeing to apply for projects including playground equipment, field overhauls, and basketball court renovations.

Beyond infrastructure, the commission addressed operational concerns, such as extending the service for a Windows 10 computer at Clear Pond Park, critical for maintaining essential operations. A motion passed to approve this expenditure. Additionally, discussions about a bunker rake at John Pond Park highlighted logistical challenges in transporting and storing equipment, with no decision reached on its management.

The meeting wrapped up with a discussion on league fees for 2026. A fair system based on actual field usage was proposed, replacing a flat fee for baseball. This necessitated a review of operational costs, with an example cited of a snack shack’s electric bill illustrating significant cost variations based on usage.