Below is a summarized version of the Recreation Committee meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
🗓️ Recreation Meeting Summary – June 10, 2025
📍 Location: Berger Room, Reading Town Hall & Zoom
🎙️ Chair: Eric Gaffen
🧭 Facilitator: James Sullivan (Recreation Administrator)
✅ Approval of Previous Minutes
🕒 3:23–5:55
- Motion to approve March 11, 2025 minutes with amendments.
- Clarified voting member status and associate elevation.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously with amendments.
🗣️ Public Comment
🕒 6:02–7:11
Speaker: James Sullivan (Recreation Administrator)
- Update on the 34th Reading Tennis Open.
- Singles: 35 teams.
- Doubles: 70 teams (record high).
- Thanks to the committee for support and permitting.
📢 Amplified Use Permits
🕒 7:11–7:25
- No new requests.
- Town Day permit already approved in March.
🏙️ Master Plan Committee Formation
🕒 7:30–15:59
Speaker: Eric Gaffen
- Purpose: Update the 2006 Town Master Plan.
- Scope: Includes transportation, recreation, housing, schools (indirectly), etc.
- Duration: 1–2 years.
- Volunteers: Michael Coltman and Catherine Kaminer expressed interest.
- Outcome: Tabled pending clarification on associate member eligibility and rotating representation.
🌉 Sturgis Park Footbridge Proposal
🕒 15:59–33:13
Speaker: Chuck Terrone (Conservation Administrator)
- Proposal: Add a second bridge or trail extension at Sturgis Park.
- Two options:
- Bridge across Sturgis Brook.
- Trail extension along property line (pending survey).
- Funding: Available via donations and volunteer labor.
- Outcome: Approved either option with signage/wayfinding. Final decision pending survey and cost estimates.
🏀 Birch Meadow Phase 2 Updates
🕒 33:31–49:48
Speaker: James Sullivan (Recreation Administrator)
- Lighting Policy: Remains at 10 for consistency.
- Signage: New high-end signs proposed.
- Construction Timeline:
- Start: July 14, 2025
- Completion: Mid-December 2025 (may extend to spring 2026)
- Pre-bid walkthrough held with 3 contractors.
- Modular classrooms to be placed near Longfellow Road.
🏓 Pickleball & ReCAL Updates
🕒 49:52–58:39
Speaker: James Sullivan (Recreation Administrator)
- Pickleball Courts: Approved by Town Meeting (passed by 5 votes).
- Next Steps: Explore monetization, permitting, and court management.
- ReCAL (Reading Center for Active Living):
- Opening: Target 2027
- Recreation will manage programming
- Field trips to similar centers planned
♿ Adaptive Programming Funding
🕒 56:16–57:03
Speaker: Eric Gaffen
- Instructional motion passed to establish consistent funding for adaptive programs.
🏟️ Facility & Field Updates
🕒 59:16–1:08:13
Speaker: James Sullivan (Recreation Administrator)
- Hunt Park: Renovation complete.
- Barrows School:
- Dugout pads not ADA-compliant—contractor to redo at no cost.
- Rubber mulch removal planned (replaced with certified wood fiber).
- Morton Field: Improved with new clay; praised for quality.
⚾ Community Events & Programs
🕒 1:08:13–1:15:30
Speakers: James Sullivan (Recreation Administrator) & Edward Shambo (Recreation Coordinator)
- Worcester WooSox Game: June 13, open to public.
- Summer Programs:
- Start: June 23
- 5 of 7 vacation weeks sold out
- Intergenerational archery: Successful pilot
- Fall Planning: Underway, including inclusive programming coordination.
🏫 Fieldhouse Floor Project
🕒 1:14:16–1:15:30
- Start: Last week
- Completion: Expected by mid-September to October
- Impact: Some summer programs relocated to Barrows
🏁 Meeting Adjourned
🕒 7:45 PM
🗝️ Key Outcomes Summary
- ✅ Minutes Approved: March 11, 2025 meeting minutes approved with amendments.
- ✅ Sturgis Park Project: Committee approved either a new bridge or trail extension with signage.
- ✅ Master Plan Committee: Discussion held; decision tabled pending clarification on membership eligibility.
- ✅ Birch Meadow Phase 2: Lighting policy confirmed; construction to begin mid-July.
- ✅ Pickleball Courts: Approved by Town Meeting; planning for monetization and management underway.
- ✅ ReCAL Center: Target opening in 2027; field trips to similar centers planned.
- ✅ Adaptive Programming: Instructional motion passed to establish consistent funding.
- ✅ Facility Improvements: Updates on Hunt Park, Barrows School, and Morton Field shared.
- ✅ Community Engagement: Summer programs nearly full; intergenerational events well received.
- ✅ Fieldhouse Renovation: Underway, expected completion by fall.
