Adams Parks Commission to Allow More Events This Summer
ADAMS, Mass. — The Parks Commission on Monday determined, regarding the use of parks for the summer, "it is the intent of the town of Adams to restore normal use to the fields as soon as possible."
There will, however, be some restrictions due to COVID-19.
Code Enforcement Officer Mark Blaisdell noted that any large gathering in any of the parks needs a COVID safety plan. This needs to be submitted 10 days before the event occurs.
Blaisdell said restroom and concession use would be restricted because Adams is "still in the red" regarding COVID-19 cases. The town has been in the red for a month.
The commissioners asked Blaisdell for clarification, noting that visiting teams would have to use the restrooms at the fields. Blaisdell said event planners could request that bathrooms be opened, and that approval would be subject to requirements like limiting trips to the restroom to one person at a time and having an attendant enforcing that policy.
Blaisdell said he received many complaints last year regarding pet feces in parks. He requested that the Parks Commission endorse his bringing a proposal to the Board of Health that would ban pets from parks. The Parks Commission, led by Chairwoman Cynthia Bird and member Jacob Schutz, rejected this request. They asked if they could rely on an honor system instead, but Blaisdell said that the town would not be able to enforce such a restriction.
The commissioners also over the Zoom meeting heard updates on the Russell Field renovation project.
The Russell Field renovation project dates back to 2018. The project, estimated to cost $460,000, is being undertaken by Guntlow & Associates.
The commission noted that the renovation should be done sometime in June. However, the grass being put in apparently needs time to "establish," and this could potentially not happen until the fall.
But Bird suggested that Russell Field be considered for the Hoosac Valley High School senior game sometime in June
The Parks Commission acknowledged a donation made by the Lions Club as part of the ongoing renovation at Russell Field. The commissioners said they "are very grateful and appreciative to the Lions Club for their donation of $3,750 for the installation of lights at Russell Field."
Bird announced that she will not be running for her seat in May, citing "some negative issues regarding my seat." She did not immediately elaborate.
The Parks Commission's next meeting will be May 10.
Tags: parks commission, public parks,
