[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6286408,"mediaKeyId","2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494","parentId",2560159,"title","Commission considers options after McLeod field protective pads block some wheelchair sightlines","audioSeconds",202,"startMs",4814000,"endMs",5016000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494&start=4814&end=5016","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494/thumbnail_4814000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6286408/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Commission-considers-options-after-McLeod-field-protective-pads-block-some-wheelchair-sightlines","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286408-af3487f7e8020c278493d944b7fec1b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171463&Signature=nmGrwTq0GsOrbinNriaaSpPETBKPcIoNPBCBWKYpKlfgoTbHS9cRqDE~--LFad6DT8o2WaZGg~rJSByqYx1ZmTQu0Ex6dM1IQXTu1O5yxrVRnIUkwNI2-hq6LLbPcBSBK4NPiSbQ2aJdzf7y3MBviYeUUJbYk6peerFhhPOann8pkDwvrIGneVMJ0S8iZZHo0sFr1XFuzZGbNkT7rjjvadeQ2wnDcGw94dpYEWzOqjXWHk-qCL3LeoukHVRQQp-vf4DG~VVN7JnNQ0~lx2VxjwCrFvRf2NXEGXup-PdUx7R8kPS5LfVQqkW~ydyKRA4UHFkhh8u00RfYDcHiWr8t3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Needham, MA","date","2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","article","Park and Recreation commissioners discussed complaints about sightlines and wheelchair access at McLeod field after protective padding was installed along the backstop and from dugout to dugout.

Commissioners said the padding was installed for player safety and should not be removed without considering that safety trade‑off. Several members noted the pads obstruct sightlines from lower rows and make it difficult for spectators in wheelchairs to see the batter’s box or the field without moving into higher rows.

Engineering options presented to the department range from low‑cost adjustments to raising or moving stands and low‑cost sightline changes, up to more extensive solutions that an engineer estimated could reach the low‑six‑figure range. Staff said estimated cost ranges they had seen were roughly $30,000 to $120,000 depending on the scope and the need to replace or reconfigure the protective fencing.

Department staff said they will hold an internal meeting with engineering and relevant departments to examine options, and that any capital expense would be brought back to the commission for a decision about funding source (including whether field‑specific maintenance funds could be applied). No final decision was made at the March 10 meeting.

Commissioners emphasized balancing player safety — the stated reason for the pads — with spectator access and ADA considerations and asked staff to return with a narrower set of options and cost estimates once the interdepartmental meeting is complete.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Needham: Park & Recreation Commission 03/10/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners and staff discussed access and sightline problems created by newly installed protective pads at McLeod field; engineers presented options that range from modest fixes to six‑figure reconfigurations and the department will convene an interdepartmental meeting to narrow alternatives and identify funding sources.","taxTitle","Town of Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",54445,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286412,"Commission approves several event permits; some requests deferred pending details",839,3337000,4176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494&start=3337&end=4176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494/thumbnail_3337000.jpg","/articles/6286412/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Commission-approves-several-event-permits-some-requests-deferred-pending-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286412-cfa8c1646b7537e177ac899fc719051a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171463&Signature=E7sGICMy8D8Hhq2v8uBfm~bkyulPFc6nHGeSOcMUUgrhcDEoqLZzno4HvQ2PBlaOBK9skYxhzAx4s9qkrIrHgGswi4qv4vbW6IMF2yxKnE7zjJpYSRFH7NaRqpsMsE8D2bcyyRsipYS7RHtraou9xqNFiXKvBu37UguUHfDDLp62NXzBSs9enZa9O-L2npihbDGjNY5TFyH02HYzhbJ00y0hbipzd3Kzuzz79SVZsITTWTh-rih3LuTMQbocSJOtmvU7ranL6j1-jVF01ToEWfQ19y~9dkR0HtnuuSotULQmx7Dp8AJ5kNcKik~CQ4rWAWq8ysCclFZhR5UKCrmE4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Park and Recreation Commission voted on multiple special event and field use requests at its March 10 meeting, approving several with conditions and deferring others pending more information.

What passed

- Youth summer skills clinic: The commission approved a one‑week youth skills clinic (08:30–12:15); insurance was confirmed. The item passed on a roll call vote with one abstention recorded.

- St. Joseph’s School Field Day: Approved with a contingency that the director check historical records for whether a fee was charged in prior years; the commission instructed staff to report back on past practice and, if a fee had previously applied, to return with the fee history. The commission approved the field day while reserving final direction on charging any fee.

- Annual Boy Scout event (parking/drive‑in/jamboree style): Approved; the commission noted the event historically has not been charged a fee and authorized the director to proceed without imposing an additional charge.

- Baystate Instructional Football Clinic: Approved for nonprofit rate; the director retained discretion to select fields and exclude recently upgraded surfaces (e.g., ASIN or McLeod if not appropriate). The commission required an updated insurance certificate naming the town as additional insured before final issuance.

- Shredding truck and ACAF parking requests: The commission discussed logistics and authorized staff to coordinate locations (Sedita and upper RC lot) and to work with Parking and Forestry and the Board of Health on site suitability; no vote to deny was taken.

Items deferred or needing follow‑up

- Corporate and first responder athletic competition (YMCA): The commission approved the permit contingent on receiving a clearer description of planned activities and an updated insurance certificate naming the town.

- Several organizations were asked to provide up‑to‑date insurance certificates; staff said many user groups’ insurance policies typically renew in the spring and several expirations are routine.

Procedural notes

Several permits passed unanimously by roll call; the commission used contingency approvals when additional administrative or insurance details were needed and asked staff to report back on any prior fee history for recurring events.

No capital or budgetary approvals were made as part of these permit votes.","The Park and Recreation Commission approved a batch of special event permits on March 10 — including a youth summer skills clinic, St. Joe’s Field Day, Boy Scout parking for a past event, and a Baystate football clinic — and asked for additional details or insurance updates on several other requests.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286418,"Commission hears cost drivers for Action Sports Park and Elliott playground; CPC hearing set",167,1607000,1774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494&start=1607&end=1774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494/thumbnail_1607000.jpg","/articles/6286418/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Commission-hears-cost-drivers-for-Action-Sports-Park-and-Elliott-playground-CPC-hearing-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286418-06f2e75db73ef7977073dad6a27cfd49/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171463&Signature=TCMRTDP42~deE-hRWVJCajI52OMOADiNPxBemkfIkqHc2xyun9digelTLj~2Kuf~4qMHJJF-Zts7Fxva93k14o5bRS0e-mNsI5Nnv~4miVLuXLEng2sU2O-~MWR3LF0jjiDynFdkKxUuZX0RizeWPNWHAVH8O8HqFegfCzvwfZLF~aLFln~F4asLXM-jV8SDGu~Hua3NktnE7CRHHkV8HwzrGsfKEPEMmWhTJIWNUqoTsmhNlC00dn8ursdB1CHohM2I1Chbwh6wwTg~nprsqn1d9hx3KhDW-ZxRPoKcDruIr2-5s9RS~ByVxtohdUD5hzJkT88CZR8Fe~cT9Cu0Sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners received an update on two capital projects — an Action Sports Park and Elliott School renovations including fields and playgrounds — and heard why design costs are higher than initially expected.

Staff said the feasibility estimate allocates about two‑thirds of design costs to the skate park and about one‑third to the pickleball courts, in part because there are relatively few skatepark designers in New England and those who specialize in skatepark or pump‑track design often come from farther afield. Department staff asked CHA, which produced the feasibility study, to price projects assuming that certain environmental permits (including potential reopenings with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection) might be required. That approach raised the estimate to account for worst‑case permitting costs, staff said.

The department noted the Action Sports Park site is surrounded by conservation land, and that reopening permits would add time and expense; staff said the feasibility work aimed to be conservative so the town would be prepared if permitting were necessary.

Commissioners were reminded the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) will hold a public hearing where residents can comment on the Claxton and Elliott project proposals; staff said letters and emails from nearby residents and stakeholders have been compiled and staff will attend the CPC hearing to answer questions. The CPC hearing was scheduled for the coming Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Public Works building and will be available by Zoom.

No vote or funding decision was taken at the March 10 meeting; CPC action will follow the public hearing and CPC’s internal process.","Parks staff told the commission high design costs for an Action Sports Park and pickleball courts reflect specialized skatepark designers and possible environmental permitting; the Community Preservation Committee public hearing is scheduled and staff has collated public comments.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286422,"Needham parks department warns of lifeguard shortage; pool may open early but on reduced schedule",721,493000,1214000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494&start=493&end=1214","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494/thumbnail_493000.jpg","/articles/6286422/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-parks-department-warns-of-lifeguard-shortage-pool-may-open-early-but-on-reduced-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286422-0baa10a3d9a5620355d39965dc46c7eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171463&Signature=Oks~pjsJiCKn2CG6ykY92ooxMW6Si8W1jJE3f5FIkC1xDhZYyHdBUVLHDxbKHpDdv9Ld0FK2R58WuJIyK84wxMkFpC9R0RGzd07ab1S1pJMnQzzZh~pHKJpLT3GlffeS0-ADkOG2kl5usVfFaBC~mIdkY2IV6XK8x-jqz6PnZT22-vbHh1HyZUfaaTMnbGv13znxvAfesjBq8t-KJFl0BcZQLxc3M~JTGbyhLSMei7wPgaHQzfIUrrzGJ8CJbhm0I3VlXqBFkvBjgFzRy3CfRFsfiXSjU8FpHutGt7hTRh8emO4LG-zUt1JUdsDzKlMTAWyIDV46XoWhdPFiMCvAgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks and Recreation staff told the commission on March 10 that a shortage of seasonal staff — particularly lifeguards — threatens swim lessons, pool hours and some summer programming.

Staff reported 21 confirmed lifeguards out of an anticipated 47 and said they would like to get closer to 40 before they feel comfortable with program staffing. “We will not be opening the pool full time … we are having a lifeguard shortage this year,” a Parks and Recreation official said, adding the department is considering limited lap swim starting May 17 to allow additional time for training veterans to mentor new hires.

The department said since Jan. 1 it has recorded roughly 836 registrations with combined revenue of about $67,000 and noted summer camp registration and pool membership work is imminent. Program managers said they are trying to avoid registering participants for offerings they cannot staff and are coordinating with the public schools’ extended‑year programs for staffing flexibility.

Staff and commissioners discussed pay and retention as a primary driver. The department said Needham has been the lowest paying among nearby towns for lifeguard positions over the last three years and some returning staff have declined to return for higher pay elsewhere. The department has been in discussions with Human Resources about bumping pay on the step scale and about returnee differentials; HR has an annual step schedule that will increase rates effective July 1 and the department said it has asked HR whether it can accelerate or augment step increases for returning staff.

Commissioners recommended elevating the issue to town management or the Select Board if necessary. Department staff also plan more on‑campus recruitment at the high school and additional interview sessions; they reported multiple interviews scheduled the week after the March 10 meeting.

The staffing shortage also affects programming decisions: the department said it will consider limiting or canceling swim lessons to ensure lifeguards are available for public safety duties and will prioritize lifeguard coverage over instructor coverage if required.

No formal vote was taken; staff requested the commission’s support to pursue HR options and to inform town leadership about recruitment and pay pressures.","Parks staff told the Park and Recreation Commission that lifeguard recruitment lags this year, likely reducing program and pool hours; the department plans an early May 17 pool opening for limited lap swim if staffing allows and is asking HR and town leaders about pay and retention strategies.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286427,"Parent urges town to repair Newman Elementary playground turf and rethink kindergarten area",323,57000,380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494&start=57&end=380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2560159-576babe0b2e0e0b4dabf19dd20f73494/thumbnail_57000.jpg","/articles/6286427/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Parent-urges-town-to-repair-Newman-Elementary-playground-turf-and-rethink-kindergarten-area","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286427-0cd98f9f1b3b0b1e362913731de39b2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171463&Signature=mBzBYXSaJ1LgeJWEQl-a3nAyEl10~4M8ztuutMMXm-WjUeA-Xy0XkIodg9p0bomU~e2XPI1YGytlVa6ivr7zVJMFNP9vmM0JkiurZuHVx7HwpqJIztsQnIR~0YHNQAVir3ucnY4H8w31EBN-ck1QRxvD3NvMHAVwDNI2YZUhtKJzlJ3crkTCIguJLFuje7~UAiB48GLOIxFqJvZxgqe2zzOMnBSBvrgbjGh4aG9i54WWcVvUVzyBgkui-zXjElrukxx1PtmaKo3xS5wgu7e4kfTdtVQAXKfVPLIyKuFwOynVXz0UU39XUgWkwbMmjZuADXCbuK4oQyCjDj9YlJoc-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stephanie Foreman, a Needham resident and vice president of the Newman Parent Teacher Council, told the Park and Recreation Commission on March 10 that the Newman Elementary playground needs repair and redesign.

“I went Saturday and took pictures. One was measuring 42 inches long. These are definitely trip hazards for children,” Foreman said, describing nine holes in the synthetic turf and ongoing damage from children picking at openings. She said Newman’s kindergarten class this year has 112 students and that the small, age‑marked play structure produces long lines and congestion.

Foreman also pointed to specific equipment concerns: only three swings are available, one accessible swing is not used by teachers, swing seats sit too low for children to pump, and monkey bars are only 58 inches high — near the average arm reach for a 6‑year‑old, she said, which leads children to “walk the monkey bars instead of actually challenging them to grab and swing.” She said some kindergartners are confined to a small concrete courtyard for recess because of space and a roped‑off tree, and that recess is a crucial 20‑minute period for free play.

Foreman asked the commission to “replace the turf or patch or even potentially find a different alternative,” and to consider raising swing heights and planning a reimagined kindergarten playground similar to Broadmeadow or Sunita Williams schools.

Stacy, a Parks and Recreation staff member who addressed Foreman during the meeting, said the department treats playgrounds and athletic fields as part of a recurring maintenance and replacement program and welcomed parent input. “We can definitely put this as an open agenda item and discuss it at a further time,” Stacy said, and asked Foreman to allow staff and commissioners to inspect the site in person.

The commission agreed to add Newman playground concerns to a future meeting’s discussion items for follow‑up. No formal motion or funding decision was made at the March 10 meeting.

Background: Foreman said Newman is the largest elementary school in the district and that teachers and assistants who supervise recess have also expressed concerns about capacity and safety on the kindergarten equipment.

Next steps: The commission will schedule the item for discussion at a later meeting and Parks and Recreation staff indicated they will coordinate a site visit and continue communications with the Newman PTC.","A Newman parent told the Park and Recreation Commission the school’s playground turf has multiple safety holes and the kindergarten play area is overcrowded and poorly sized; the commission agreed to add the issue to a future discussion agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission considers options after McLeod field protective pads block some wheelchair sightlines

Commission approves several event permits; some requests deferred pending details

Commission hears cost drivers for Action Sports Park and Elliott playground; CPC hearing set

Needham parks department warns of lifeguard shortage; pool may open early but on reduced schedule

Parent urges town to repair Newman Elementary playground turf and rethink kindergarten area