Adams Parks Commission Approves BArT Field Usage
 The Parks Commission voted to allow Berkshire Arts & Technology to use Russell and Valley Street fields for free. |
ADAMS, Mass. — The Parks Commission approved Berkshire Arts & Technology Public Charter School's facility use request for Valley Street and Russell Field.
But commissioners were concerned about overuse on Valley Street Field.
During last month's meeting, the Parks Commission tabled granting BArT permission to use the fields because it was brought up that only a third of its population are from Adams and Cheshire. Commissioner James Fassell introduced the idea of BArT compensating the town.
However, Monday night the committee decided to grant use to BArT, but was still concerned about Valley Street Field seeing too much use.
"I know the field isn't being left in disarray because of BArT but I know the increase in use without additional maintenance is going to lead to the field being more run down," Commissioner Jacob Schutz said. "It is not in great shape right now; that is a concern."
He said the issue has nothing to do with BArT but reveals a "loop" in the system that does not allow the commission to recommend a fee for groups in order to maintain fields instead of asking the town for more money.
He said any Adams or Cheshire-based league had not been charged in the past but suggested possibly looking a flat seasonal fee for all leagues so the fields do not fall into ruin.
Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco said if the commission wanted to adopt new fee policy, town staff would be reviewing all fees in the near future. He said for the time being he would recommend treating BArT like any other public school in town. He said the amount of students it has from Adams and Cheshire is always in flux and it would be difficult to constantly re-evaluate whether or not there should be a fee. He said any money they were to collect probably would not be enough anyways.
Fassell said he felt if BArT wanted to be a "good neighbor" it would contribute something. He, too, was worried about the condition of Valley Street Field and said the town needs help. He added that many other leagues donate money after using the fields as a thank-you gesture.
"If you want to be a good neighbor to us we want you to help us out," Fassell said. "We want you to help us out somewhat monetarily as some sort of symbolic giving to the town so that we can give extra effort in making Valley Street good."
BArT Executive Director Julia Bowen said she felt the school was a good neighbor and has done more than what the town has ever asked of it. She said BArT students actually look after the fields they use and clean up trash and she has never received a complaint about the students' behavior or how they left the field.
"I believe we do a lot thing for his town that aren't always exactly related to parks," Bowen said. "We open up the facility for people to use and we don't charge them or the town of Adams ... we bring a lot of people to the community who spend money here, and we are very much a part of the community."
She said BArT likes to share resources with the town but if the commission decides to change policy the school will be happy to comply.
Commissioner Scott Cernik said he would be opposed to charging the school any fee.
"There is no complaints that have come up before this and I think the status quo has been sufficient," Cernik said. "I like to see the children using the fields and I think that they should have access."
The rest of the board agreed accept for Fassell, who voted against the use request. The commission did urge BArT to continue to share resources with the town and help with the fields in any way possible.
Mazzucco also recommended using old parking meters as donation boxes on the fields. He said the town can paint the meters, they will be secure, and the town can install them for free.
The commission was toying with the idea of donation boxes but did not know the best way to install them.
Tags: BArT, parks commission, playing fields,
