Adams Parks Commission OKs Russell Field Use, Reorganizes
 The Parks Commission reorganized on Monday night to elect Todd Shafer as chairman. |
ADAMS, Mass. – The Parks Commission has approved the Russell Field facility request for the Youth Center for its summer program and tennis program.
The Youth Center was given permission to use the facility from July 7 to Aug. 15. The program runs for six weeks.
Director of the Youth Center Sonia DiSanti said the program is popular and continues to grow. She said they average 100 to 150 kids a day.
"It's a nice environment," DiSanti said. "Parents sit and play at the park with their younger kids while their older kids play tennis."
The director of the program and most of the councilors have been hired.
"It's a lot of kids to be responsible for so we need to have the best, most reliable, and responsible employees," she said.
Committee member James Fassel said he hopes that DiSanti hires Adams residents over people who do not live in the area.
"We have had people in the past who have taken this job who have changed the lives of some of the kids in the program and have represented us in a great way," Fassel said.
DiSanti said she interviews all the applicants and hires the most qualified person no matter where he or she is from.
"I interview everyone, and through my years of working with the youth and working with the community, I pick who can answer the questions the way I think things should happen," DiSanti said. "I tell all of the staff that all I want to see is safety and fun."
Fassel agreed with DiSanti, but asked her to consider if the employees are from Adams.
The commission then discussed the condition of the courts that will be split into 12 mini-courts for the children. Although the courts remain in a playable condition, cracks have developed that could cause future problems. The 2015 budget will not be able to sustain repairs.
"They aren't in bad shape, but if they aren't looked at soon they are going to get worse," DiSanti said.
She said there are potential grants available for tennis courts from the U.S. Tennis Association and the committee asked her to look into it.
In addition to the facility request, the committee approved Parks Commission member Todd Shafer as the new chairman with a 3-1 vote. Former Chairman Jacob Schutz abstained from voting and Fassel voted against Shafer because he preferred commission member Barbara Meczywor, who turned down his nomination.
"I appreciate the confidence given to me when voting me in as chairman, and I will do the best I can for the people of Adams and the parks of Adams," Shafer said.
The committee also welcomed Scott Cernik to the commission. The board was operating with four members prior to the last election.
Cernik said he is involved in local youth sports, coaches T-Ball and served on the Marty's T-Ball board. He also coaches youth center basketball.
"I am excited to be a part of this, and I will do whatever I can to help," Cernik said.
Tags: parks commission, sports fields, youth sports,
