The meeting began with an update on the Wall-E Park spray park, where the commission decided to proceed with a neutral-colored concrete slab instead of a blue one to avoid an additional $10,000 cost in color additives. Concerns over the potential maintenance issues of painting the park blue, such as the need for reapplication every three years and possible moisture damage, were a factor in this decision. The commission also confirmed their previous vote against installing a fence around the park, opting instead for an open layout to reduce maintenance issues related to weeding.

The spray park’s operational rules were also discussed, with a proposal to keep the splash pad open from 9 AM to 7 PM, aligning with the water timer set to shut off in the evening. The commission emphasized the importance of implementing a rule against water balloons to prevent litter and confirmed that swim diapers would be mandatory for children not potty trained, mitigating potential issues with regular diapers disintegrating. The tentative opening date for the spray park was set for Memorial Day, although this could be delayed by adverse weather conditions.

As the conversation shifted to pickleball, the commission outlined the progress of the pickleball court project, which received approval during a town meeting. The focus was on creating bid specifications, with an aim to complete the asphalt work before winter, allowing for painting in the spring. There was a preference for a consolidated project approach rather than a piecemeal strategy. The maintenance staff planned to paint the two existing courts in the coming week, weather permitting, although the discussion on regulating court usage remained unresolved. There was a debate on whether to designate specific hours for senior use, a practice in neighboring Westfield, but the consensus leaned towards a flexible policy.

Adjustmentsttention was given to organizing pickleball tournaments, viewed as a potential revenue source for the town. The commission discussed the need for reservations and proper arrangements to handle the increased costs associated with these tournaments, noting that fees had risen from $20 to $80 per person. Comparisons were made with Westfield’s lower fee, which draws numerous teams and funds court improvements. The commission agreed that formalizing the reservation process would help prevent misunderstandings regarding court usage and enhance tournament management.

Maintenance of the ball fields was another issue, particularly following recent heavy rainfall. The commission expressed concerns over water pooling on the fields and the maintenance staff’s frustrations with teams attempting to clear puddles improperly. There was a recommendation to establish written guidelines for teams on appropriate methods for dealing with wet fields, as improper techniques could worsen the situation. The need for better maintenance equipment, such as leaf blowers and sump pumps, was acknowledged, alongside the use of effective drying agents to avoid unsightly patches.

The commission also reviewed a proposal for a new scoreboard that would serve both soccer and baseball fields. The estimated cost ranged between $10,000 and $11,000, with discussions on the financial implications and potential funding sources, including revenues from motocross events. The commission debated whether to submit a single application for Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding to cover both the scoreboard and its electrical work or separate requests to improve approval chances. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of drawing power from nearby electrical infrastructure, given the scoreboard’s LED technology and minimal power consumption.

Additional points of discussion included the well-utilized rail trail, with a recent count showing 645 users, and plans to apply for state grants to enhance connectivity between parks and local businesses. The board of health’s updated requirements for sanitizing test strips and a vomit and diarrhea kit were noted as part of ongoing facility improvements.

Under old business, the motocross event scheduled for the end of the month was highlighted, with discussions on volunteer needs and logistics. The importance of managing unauthorized parking and ensuring volunteer availability for various tasks was emphasized.