At Wallace Park, the commission focused on the maintenance challenges, including overflowing trash and damage to facilities such as the merry-go-round and Snack Shack. The facilities director reported that while the trash had been cleaned up and the merry-go-round partially fixed, there was still waiting for an electrician to remount the lights on the building. The discussion extended to the style of lights, considering more resilient slim sconces to prevent future damage. The trash collection frequency also came under scrutiny, with the commission considering changes to the trash cans and pickup schedule to address resident complaints and ensure the park’s cleanliness.

The Recreation Director provided updates on indoor programs, noting fluctuating participation and the introduction of new adult programs such as beach yoga and resin and clay work. Attention was also given to the upcoming beach season, with emphasis on memberships and lifeguard certification. The commission inquired about the current usage of Marshall Park, expressing concerns over field conditions, portapotty presence, and potential user conflicts. Plans for summer included discussions on sports leagues, science programs, and art workshops, alongside efforts to secure lifeguard engagement.

The meeting covered the necessity for a sufficient number of lifeguards at the town beach, debating the balance between hiring adequately and ensuring fair distribution of working hours among the guards. Plans for a volunteer crew to remove carpeting and the subfloor at the beach on April 6th were mentioned, weather permitting. For Earth Day, three roadside cleanups were confirmed, with groups assigned to different town areas, and potential projects for the National Honor Society and the Girl Scouts were contemplated.

A debate arose over the proposed closure of park properties for reserve and rental use on the first Saturday of May, coinciding with the town meeting. Opinions diverged on whether this closure would encourage town meeting attendance or inadvertently push families to seek sports activities elsewhere, with implications for youth sports and civic engagement considered.

The commission also tackled the importance of meeting attendance, particularly regarding budget decisions, with suggestions to use text messages as reminders for critical votes. Outreach to youth organizations to boost participation in meetings was also discussed. The format for upcoming Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) interviews was deliberated, with preferences for in-person interviews to better assess candidates. Nevertheless, concerns about the town hall’s presentation setup prompted the suggestion of alternate venues, such as the senior center or high school.

The commissioners discussed upcoming project presentations, emphasizing the need for accessibility for remote viewers and requesting advanced submission or upload to the Rec site of the presentations. A method for discussing and aggregating project proposals was considered to streamline the decision-making process. After reviewing individual ratings for the proposals, the commission decided to invite three companies for interviews based on their experience and capability assessments.

Further discussion focused on the experience and qualifications of staff members proposed for a park project, with the commission seeking more detailed information on their past park project roles. Updates on various projects, including the Shirley Park agreement and an open space plan, were also provided. With Lunenburg being one of the fastest-growing towns in the state, addressing open space and recreation concerns was highlighted as a necessity.

During public comments, discussions emerged regarding the Shady Point agreement and the exploration of land not under the town’s custody. While some satisfaction was expressed with the agreement allowing nonmotorized boat access to Lake Shirley, there was debate over the commission’s responsiveness to community input and the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders.