🎾 Recreation Committee 8-11-25 AI Recap

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.

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🎾 Recreation Meeting Summary – August 11, 2025

📍 Location: Reading Town Hall meeting room & Zoom
🎙️ Chair: Rich Hand (newly elected)
🧭 Facilitator: James Sullivan (Recreation Administrator)

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🕯️ Memorial for Michael Coltman

🕒 1:04–3:23

• Committee acknowledged the sudden passing of longtime member Michael Coltman. 
• Memorial service scheduled for August 14 at Memorial Park (5–8 PM). 
• James Sullivan assisting Judy Coltman with arrangements. 
• Reflections shared on Michael’s legacy and contributions to the town.

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🗳️ Election of Chair and Vice Chair

🕒 3:23–7:25

• Chair Nomination: Rich Hand nominated and unanimously elected. 
• Vice Chair Nomination: Bob Weiden nominated and unanimously elected. 
• Committee expressed appreciation for outgoing Chair Eric Gaffen’s leadership.

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📋 Meeting Minutes

🕒 7:32–8:16

• No minutes available for approval. 
• Committee discussed reinstating a rotating schedule for minute-taking. 
• Rich Hand volunteered to take minutes for this meeting.

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🔊 Emergency Amplified Sound Permit

🕒 8:25–9:24

• Approved for Michael Coltman’s Celebration of Life at Memorial Park on August 14 (5–8 PM). 
• Equipment: speakers, mixer, microphone. 
• Outcome: Unanimously approved.

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☀️ Solar Lighting Request – Coolidge Middle School

🕒 9:51–11:20

• Annual request for solar-powered lights for fall sports season (late August–mid-November). 
• Lights to face the school building. 
• No issues reported from previous year. 
• Outcome: Unanimously approved.

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🏙️ Master Plan Committee Update

🕒 11:20–14:24
Speaker: Eric Gaffen 

• Committee discussed readiness to nominate a representative. 
• Eric volunteered to serve. 
• Awaiting clarification from Select Board on eligibility of associate members. 
• Decision postponed pending further details.

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🏞️ Birch Meadow Phase 2 Updates

🕒 14:31–19:24
Speaker: James Sullivan 

• Construction progressing faster than expected. 
• Modular classrooms installed and painted. 
• Trees to be added for screening. 
• Playground equipment delayed; surfacing may be pushed to spring due to temperature constraints. 
• Quirk Construction praised for responsiveness and coordination. 
• Little League collaboration ongoing; majors field to be taken offline for fall maintenance.

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🏓 Pickleball & ReCAL Updates

🕒 19:30–25:12
Speaker: James Sullivan 

• Conservation Committee reviewing trail placement near pickleball courts. 
• Construction expected to begin spring 2026; courts ready by mid-fall. 
• Estimated cost: \$1.54M (includes optional 7th court and lighting). 
• Shared parking agreement with Burbank Ice Arena in progress. 
• ReCAL planning underway: operations, staffing, programming, and budget. 
• Target opening: Fall 2027.

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🏕️ Summer Program & Facility Updates

🕒 26:02–29:54
Speaker: James Sullivan 

• Summer program concluded successfully with ~150 kids/week. 
• Fieldhouse construction impacted program capacity. 
• Planning for 2026: potential move to Wood End Elementary due to Coolidge gym renovation. 
• Kilum field partially offline due to fencing and construction.

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🌲 Conservation Collaboration Proposal

🕒 29:54–35:38
Speaker: James Sullivan 

• Conservation requested \$8–9K from Recreation’s revolving fund for trail improvements. 
• Committee raised concerns about funding priorities, especially for therapeutic recreation and inclusion programs. 
• Discussion included potential lease of Mattera Cabin to a private school at low cost. 
• Committee emphasized need to prioritize internal programming needs.

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🏫 Therapeutic Recreation & Inclusion

🕒 33:49–35:38

• Updates on collaboration with RPS and Superintendent Tom Milaschewski. 
• Exploring shared role for therapeutic recreation coordinator. 
• Unified sports open to Reading residents up to age 22.

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🏟️ Facility & Field Scheduling

🕒 35:43–39:05
Speaker: James Sullivan 

• Barrows fencing and dugouts completed. 
• Tennis court resurfacing delayed to early September. 
• Field scheduling challenges due to increased participation in field hockey and cheerleading. 
• Limited field space; discussion on future need for additional community fields.

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🎶 Summer Concerts & Memorial Park Improvements

🕒 39:05–39:54

• Final summer concert held; strong attendance. 
• Proposal to add pavilion and porta-potty corral at Memorial Park.

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🗝️ Key Outcomes Summary

• ✅ Chair & Vice Chair Elected: Rich Hand and Bob Weiden
• 🔊 Amplified Sound Permit Approved: For Michael Coltman’s memorial.
• ☀️ Solar Lighting Approved: For Coolidge Middle School fall season.
• 🕯️ Tribute to Michael Coltman: Memorial planned; reflections shared.
• 🏞️ Birch Meadow Phase 2: Ahead of schedule; playground surfacing may be delayed.
• 🏓 Pickleball Courts: \$1.54M estimate; construction begins spring 2026.
• 🏛️ ReCAL Planning: Operations and programming in development; opening fall 2027.
• 🏕️ Summer Program Success: 150 kids/week; planning for new location in 2026.
• 🌲 Conservation Funding Request: Committee raised concerns; decision pending.
• ♿ Therapeutic Recreation: Collaboration with RPS underway; unified sports expanding.
• 🏟️ Field Scheduling Challenges: Increased demand; future field expansion discussed.
• 🎶 Memorial Park Improvements Proposed: Pavilion and restroom enhancements.