Adams Parks Commission Takes Up Fencing, Vandalism
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ADAMS, Mass. — The Parks Commission addressed a hazardous fence located on the Valley Street Field.
The Board of Health approached the Parks Commission after a rolled-over fence was discovered at the park. The board was concerned that children who participate in the youth soccer league at the field could harm themselves on the fence.
"It is a fairly steep bank, and if you went running off there without knowing you would get hurt," Commission Chairman Todd Shafer said.
The commission contacted the Department of Public Works to inquire about why the fence is in the compromised position. They were told that the town rolled back the fence on purpose so workers could have access to balls that went over it.
The commission said the open area is big enough to drive a car through, and they felt it would be better to make the opening smaller or optimally install a gate.
Instead of asking the town for emergency money, the commission decided to ask the leagues that use the grounds if they felt the fence was hazardous. The commission felt more information on the fence was needed before making a recommendation.
"I think we should go to the people who are using the facility first before we decide to do an 11th hour repair on something they may have a better alternative for," Commission member James Fassell said. "It is going to be a tight vote on the budget and for us to put a last-minute request in for something might create problems."
The commission also addressed a graffiti issue on the Russell Field playground. Inappropriate words and symbols have been found in the play equipment and parents expressed concern.
The commission approached the DPW interim director and he said he had taken care of the issue and removed the profanity.
"Apparently it is an ongoing issue, and they [DPW] are there all the time and are aware of the issue," Shafer said. "They erase it ... and it is right back there a week or two later, but they are on top of it and following it."
Tags: ballfield, graffiti, parks commission, vandalism,
