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.
- 📋 Meeting Minutes Approval
- 💬 Public Comment & Membership Updates
- 🏛️ ReCAL Policies & Procedures Presentation
- ⚾ Moscariello Field Proposal – Reading Babe Ruth
- 🏓 Pickleball & ReCAL Updates
- 🏞️ Birch Meadow Phase 2 Construction
- 💡 Driscoll Field Lighting Failure
- ♿ ARPA-Funded Inclusive Programming
- 🎨 Playground Accessibility Enhancements
- 💰 Field Fee Increase Proposal
- 🧑🤝🧑 Communication Boards Discussion
- 🏀 Program & Event Updates
- 🗝️ Key Outcomes Summary
🗓️ Recreation Meeting Summary – October 27, 2025
📍 Location: Town Hall Berger Room & Zoom
🎙️ Chair: Rich Hand
🧭 Facilitator: James Sullivan (Recreation Administrator)
📋 Meeting Minutes Approval
🕒 17:37–19:04
- Minutes from previous meeting approved with amendment to include Jenna Wood’s name.
- Bob Weiden volunteered to take minutes for this meeting.
💬 Public Comment & Membership Updates
🕒 19:22–21:01
- Jean Capuchio inquired about joining the committee.
- Jim Sullivan explained the VASC process and noted an associate member vacancy.
- Joseph officially welcomed as a full member.
🏛️ ReCAL Policies & Procedures Presentation
🕒 21:07–37:51
Speakers: Jim Sullivan, John Sasso
- Draft policies for Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) reviewed.
- Topics included: program participation, standards of independence, walking track, rentals, liability, photo consent, and membership tracking via key tags.
- Fitness room policy includes fee structure and liability waiver.
- Rental policy covers multi-purpose room, gym, and conference room with tiered pricing.
- Policies to be reviewed annually and adjusted post-opening.
- Programming strategy presentation planned for November.
⚾ Moscariello Field Proposal – Reading Babe Ruth
🕒 39:44–1:05:23
Speaker: Mike Wendolowski
- Morton Field underutilized due to high water table; only 2 games played in spring 2025.
- Proposal to turf the field to improve drainage and multi-sport usage.
- Estimated cost: ~$3M.
- Committee discussed long-term planning, conservation involvement, and potential funding through Birch Meadow Phase 3.
🏓 Pickleball & ReCAL Updates
🕒 1:06:33–1:12:44
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- ReCAL design phase 90% complete; materials reviewed at BH+A headquarters.
- ADA compliance discussed; suggestions welcomed.
- Verbal agreement reached for shared parking with Burbank Ice Arena.
- Meeting scheduled with RPA to finalize fund transfer.
🏞️ Birch Meadow Phase 2 Construction
🕒 1:12:55–1:29:20
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- Basketball courts, playground, and lighting progressing well.
- Post-tension concrete poured; drainage system functioning.
- Musco lighting installed with push-button timer and auto shutoff at 10 PM.
- Playground equipment delayed; surfacing may be postponed to spring.
- Communication board and accessible signage planned.
💡 Driscoll Field Lighting Failure
🕒 1:29:40–1:34:35
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- Three light poles fell during storm; insurance claim filed.
- Remaining poles to be inspected.
- Youth soccer and football impacted; portable lights used at Simonds.
- Replacement may require Spring Town Meeting funding.
♿ ARPA-Funded Inclusive Programming
🕒 1:34:42–1:36:39
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- Successful Canobie Lake Park trip with 42 participants.
- Adaptive Sports Day in Andover had 18 participants; plans underway to host in Reading next spring.
🎨 Playground Accessibility Enhancements
🕒 1:36:44–1:39:15
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- Visual striping added to Wood End playground for visually impaired students.
- Committee discussed expanding accessibility upgrades town-wide.
💰 Field Fee Increase Proposal
🕒 1:39:15–1:39:33
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- Proposal to raise field fees from $12 to $14–15 for grass and $14 to $18 for turf.
- Policy vote planned for next meeting.
🧑🤝🧑 Communication Boards Discussion
🕒 1:39:40–1:43:44
- Committee discussed pros and cons of playground communication boards.
- Input from parents and speech therapists encouraged.
🏀 Program & Event Updates
🕒 1:44:13–1:48:40
Speaker: Ed
- Downtown Trick-or-Treat scheduled for October 28.
- Nashoba Ski Program sold out in 13 minutes; safety concerns limit bus expansion.
- Sunday basketball strong in K–3; staff hiring underway.
- Social Skates returning with high interest.
- Outreach efforts to promote programs and projects.
🗝️ Key Outcomes Summary
✅ Minutes Approved: With amendment
✅ New Member Confirmed: Joseph
🏛️ ReCAL Policies Drafted: Reviewed; feedback requested
⚾ Morton Field Proposal: Turf recommended; estimated $3M
🏓 Pickleball Parking Agreement: Verbal agreement with Burbank Ice Arena
🏞️ Birch Meadow Phase 2: Courts poured; playground delayed
💡 Driscoll Field Lights Down: Insurance claim filed; inspections underway
♿ Inclusive Programming: Successful trip; future events planned
🎨 Playground Accessibility: Visual striping added; expansion discussed
💰 Field Fee Increase Proposed: Vote planned next meeting
🧑🤝🧑 Communication Boards: Mixed feedback; further input needed
🏀 Program Updates: Trick-or-Treat, Ski, Basketball, Social Skates active
