Adams Parks Commission Talks Field Needs With Lassie League
ADAMS, Mass. — The Parks Commission welcomed the Lassie League softball league for opening more direct talk about their field use and needs.
Commissioner James Fassell said because of recent communication issues between the commission and the youth softball league, there have been scheduling and field concerns, however, he was glad to see league representation at Monday's meeting.
"I just think we need more communication like this from the softball league earlier on so we can do things," Fassell said. "You have greatly improved softball at the high school level and ... we want to make sure you don't get second place attention and that you will be treated equally."
Lou Moser, with the Lassie League, asked if the town could use a heavier roller to smooth out the fields' outfields when the ground is softer, specifically at Reid.
He said although it is not dangerous, he feared someone could still get hurt.
"In the outfield, you could probably turn an ankle," he said. "Nothing dramatic, there are no deep holes, but there are some waves out there that could be remedied pretty easily."
The commissioners said they thought it was a great idea and will look into it.
As for the infield, Moser said it tends to be overly hard.
Moser noted that the Little League fields were undergoing soil tests to gather information that would better the infield dirt. He asked if the town could also help out the Lassie League.
Commissioner Jay Sniezek said the Little League funded this nearly $10,000 project itself and that the Lassie League could do the same.
"The Little League raised all of the money that is being used to do that project over, I'd say, over the last five years," Sniezek said. "It has nothing to do with the town, and we aren't spending any money on that. It was all raised through fundraising and the concession stand."
The commission suggested seeking out donations from local businesses for infield material or anything else the league may need, but urged that anything for the field go through the Parks Commission.
"You want to get the material donated to the town, not to the field itself," Fassell said. "The town knows enough to mix it or to put it on straight and it becomes a much better situation than you guys just guessing."
Commissioner Jacob Schutz said the Parks Commission, alternatively, could take requests and add the improvements to its priority list, which could make next year's budget. He added this would not be a timely process.
He urged the league to keep the commission informed of smaller projects that the Department of Public Works may be able to handle.
League President Matt Witek thanked the commission for the input and said he would be in touch if a project arises.
In other business, Sniezek asked when the Renfrew Field sign will be placed back on the field.
"It's not there so I am wondering if they have it stored and just haven't put it up yet," he said. "They might want to before everything freezes."
The sign was removed during the installation of the roundabout and is currently being stored in the DPW garage.
Tags: parks commission, youth sports,
