The most pressing topic was the town’s recreational master plan, unveiled through a survey that garnered approximately 1,300 responses. Key findings highlighted a concern over the limited availability of field space for youth athletic practices, which was seen as hindering skill development. This concern was echoed by various user groups who reported that the scarcity of practice spaces could lead to decreased participation in sports as children grow. A recurring theme in the discussion was the need for more rectangular fields and the surprising demand for pickleball courts, a sport whose popularity has risen rapidly in recent years. The board noted that 16.5% of respondents expressed a desire for more pickleball courts.

The survey results also revealed that 80% of respondents were parents or guardians of youth athletes, and 62% were residents who frequently used the town’s parks and fields. In particular, Cunningham Park was highlighted as the most utilized park, appreciated for its community pool, playground, and walking paths, contributing to its high usage. However, despite positive feedback on the maintenance of Cunningham Park, other parks like Flatly Park and Kelly Field were identified as needing improvements, especially in restroom facilities, parking, and turf care. Concerns about drainage issues at Geo Field were noted, with plans for an upcoming project to address these challenges.

This discussion led to a broader conversation about the condition of the current parks, with most responses rating them as fair to good. However, the board recognized the importance of understanding these evaluations in the context of comparisons to privately maintained spaces.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing upcoming community engagement efforts. The board planned a community meeting to present the survey findings. A timeline was proposed for this meeting, targeting a date between March 23rd and 27th. Additionally, a Zoom meeting was scheduled for April 15th with local sports groups, followed by an in-person meeting on April 16th to allow for more tailored discussions.

Legal matters surrounding the ownership and maintenance of Flatly Park were brought to the board’s attention. Although the board confirmed ownership, uncertainties regarding the deed’s terms and restrictions on installing turf or lighting were acknowledged. The board suggested involving town council to clarify these legal aspects.

An important topic was the lower turf project, where a landscape architect had reached out regarding funding recommendations from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). The board noted that while funding would not be available until July, they contemplated starting design work sooner to expedite the project. Concerns were raised about whether local sports leagues could continue to use other fields during the construction phase, with lighting requirements potentially complicating relocations. The board aimed to put the project out to bid after the May town meeting, pending funding approval.

Community Preservation Committee (CPC) projects were also discussed, with a focus on improving communication about these initiatives. The need for an updated town website was noted, as the current content was outdated. The board encouraged outreach to potential applicants for the first round of CPC funding eligibility applications due by the end of May. Suggestions for smaller projects, such as refurbishing the basketball court at Walnut and adding new dugouts for girls’ softball at Andrews, were also considered.

Finally, the meeting concluded with a personal announcement from a long-serving board member indicating their decision not to seek re-election. This prompted expressions of gratitude and acknowledgment of their contributions over the years.