The first agenda item addressed the capital projects planned for the upcoming year. The projects discussed included the hydro raking at Marshall Pond, the town beach at Willam Lake, and the redesign and survey for McNally Park. Notably, the Northfield Road survey and design was debated extensively, with members expressing differing views on the project’s timeline and priority. While some believed it should remain on the list for future consideration, it was agreed that it might not be an immediate priority for funding. Instead, a schematic design for Northfield could be developed over the next five years, potentially incorporating open spaces and fields.

The commission then turned its attention to McNally Park. There was consensus that the park required a comprehensive renovation, including the Snack Shack, which had recently seen some changes. The feasibility of adding a T-ball field was also discussed. Although the idea of having multiple ball fields in one location appealed to many, there was uncertainty about the necessity of a T-ball field, given its planned relocation. The commission ultimately prioritized hydro raking at Marshall Pond as the top priority, followed by McNally Park improvements, and lastly the Northfield Road schematic design. A motion to formalize these priorities was unanimously supported.

Recreation Director Angela Clement provided updates on various recreational programs. She reported that art classes for both children and adults were ongoing, along with a Snapology program. Participation in these programs was noted as low but sufficient to proceed. Pickleball sessions were fully booked, and there were requests for additional evening sessions, though Angela highlighted challenges in securing a coach for nighttime sessions. An upcoming science program for grades K through 5 had garnered considerable interest. Angela also proposed installing park signage featuring QR codes to make information more accessible without overcrowding the signs and discussed the viability and costs of setting up an ice rink at Wallace Courts, raising concerns about liability and the necessary manpower for maintenance.

The discussion then included the potential installation of signage at Marsh Pond, particularly near the dog park area. The signage would inform visitors of skating risks, operational hours, and emergency contact information, with a QR code directing users to more detailed information, including the dog policy. It was noted that MCN Park is the only area park with trash receptacles, which could be relevant for signage as well.

A proposal was brought forth regarding a potential partnership with the Lunenburg Business Association to organize an all-vendor Spring Fair. The idea was to collaborate with local organizations, such as the senior center, library, and Boys and Girls Club, to maximize participation and resources. Concerns about the grassy area’s condition in spring and potential conflicts with youth sports were discussed. The suggestion to hold the fair on a Sunday in May, when farmers markets typically do not start until June, was considered viable. This proposal was informed by past community events.

The commission also discussed the logistics of processing invoices related to the Marshall Park project. The finance director clarified the process, suggesting that invoices could be processed every other Tuesday, with options for bringing invoices to meetings for approval or using a docu-sign method for quicker processing. Angela described the invoice processing system as “a pretty tight like painstaking process,” emphasizing the need for a streamlined approach to enable timely payments while maintaining oversight.

Additionally, there were concerns about gymnasium access for various sports programs. The issue of gym doors being propped open or locked, requiring janitorial assistance for entry, was raised. One participant recounted receiving calls on their day off due to access issues.

The Boys and Girls Club’s plans for a Polar Plunge event were also discussed, focusing on logistics and permissions for using local beaches. The steep drop-off at the town beach compared to the gradual entry at another site was noted, with safety considerations, such as cold water rescue certifications, being paramount.

In terms of grants, the Parks Commission was tentatively awarded the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for $1 million, contingent on the approval of matching funds at an upcoming special town meeting. The commission reviewed town meeting warrant articles related to this grant and other financial matters, including the transition of the Parks revolving fund and budget considerations for fiscal year 2025.