Raynham Parks & Recreation Commission Addresses Field Improvements, Rental Property, and Summer Programs
Commission discusses bent goal field irrigation upgrades, rental property interest, and approves Special Olympics permit while launching new summer activities.
July 1 - RAYNHAM - The Raynham Parks & Recreation Commission tackled field maintenance challenges, rental property updates, and summer programming during its recent meeting, with Director Tim McCrae reporting significant progress on the Bettencourt Field after installing new irrigation.
McCrae said the field shows "massive difference" since water was turned on, with the exterior areas looking "really, really good" after recent fertilization. However, the center section between hash marks remains problematic.
The commission discussed meeting with the Giants organization and a driller about installing a well, though McCrae expressed reservations about the timing and cost. He suggested holding off on well installation and instead focusing on interior field work including mold treatment, sod, and seeding.
"The more I've looked at this, I think we may be better off holding off on a well," McCrae said. "We will save them and everybody a lot of money because the field on the outside, especially after we fertilized it last week is looking really, really good."
Commission members suggested adding irrigation zones down the middle of the field as an alternative solution. McCrae indicated they would meet with the Giants next week to discuss options, noting the organization remains supportive of improvements.
The field currently receives water five days per week, with Saturday and Sunday as non-watering days. McCrae proposed shutting down the field for approximately one month in August to allow for seeding and establishment before fall sports begin.
"Early August is a good time," McCrae said, citing feedback from turf experts who recommended six to seven weeks of growth before allowing cleats on the field.
The commission also addressed ongoing challenges with unauthorized field use, with McCrae reporting incidents of children playing in sprinkler systems and adults using the field for activities like golf.
Rental Property Generates Interest
McCrae reported receiving interest in the town's rental property, conducting his first showing last week with another scheduled for Thursday. The property, featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a detached garage, is listed at $2,500 per month.
"I actually had my first attempt at being a real estate agent last week," McCrae said. "Getting some calls, getting some interest."
The property is advertised on the department's website and in town buildings. McCrae noted one question remains about pet policies, as the property has not previously allowed pets.
Fence Replacement and Field Improvements
The commission scheduled fence removal at the Merrill School softball field site for the end of next week, with new black chain link fencing throughout the complex. The project represents part of ongoing facility improvements across the park system.
McCrae also reported a burst pipe incident at Clark Field that was discovered Thursday evening and repaired Friday morning. The two-inch pipe failure near home plate flooded the entire infield before being capped and repaired.
Scholarship and Permit Approvals
The commission approved a 75 percent scholarship for a family seeking assistance with the before and after school care program. McCrae recommended the scholarship after reviewing the family's paperwork and circumstances.
Commission members unanimously approved the scholarship with Chair Chris Shaw making the motion and Riley Menconi providing the second.
The commission also approved two facility use permits. The Bridgewater Raynham Special Olympics received approval to use the RMS soccer football field inside the track from Aug. 3 through Nov. 16 on Sundays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The organization will pay the established season rate of $600, representing a policy change from previous years when no fee was charged.
"Last year we did not charge. But we did make a change in policy a couple meetings ago for the Special Olympics," McCrae said.
The commission also approved the annual Raynham Day event for Sept. 28, with an Oct. 5 rain date. The event will use tennis courts, the Borden Colony area, and multipurpose parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Summer Programs and Staff Updates
Summer programs launched this week with various activities planned including swimming on Wednesdays, field trips on Thursdays, and visits to attractions like go-kart tracks and indoor soccer facilities.
"The summer programs began yesterday. So far so good. We got a magician today," McCrae said.
The department continues promoting its free state park pass program, which allows residents to access state parks and beaches without parking fees. McCrae noted many residents remain unaware of the program's availability.
Community garden spaces remain available, with the facility currently half full. McCrae encouraged residents to sign up for remaining plots.
The commission announced a new fall program partnering with Good Call Officiating to offer the first state-certified basketball referee course through a parks and recreation department. The program will train 18 individuals in basketball officiating.
Staff recently completed various certifications, with summer staff and leadership obtaining CPR and first aid certification through the Raynham Fire Department. Two staff members also received youth mental health first aid certification.
The commission noted the cancellation of a previously approved food festival by Two Jerks BBQ, scheduled for Aug. 23, due to insufficient vendor participation.
McCrae concluded by thanking department staff and crew members who assisted with irrigation system maintenance across town facilities, particularly addressing clogged sprinkler heads caused by iron deposits from well water.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Raynham Channel.
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