PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community Rowing is expanding and would like a more sightly way to store its boats at Onota Lake.

 

"I don't know if I really need to say it, but rowing is a really great community-building sport," Head Coach Becca Cadoff said.

 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved the installation of a temporary rack next to the boat ramp parking lot for the 2024 season.  BCR has operated out of Burbank Park since the late 1990s and has purchased more equipment due to the club's growth.

 

It will replace a temporary boat trailer used last year that is less aesthetically pleasing.

 

"We're in a growth period, really trying to engage the community and get particularly kids and kids who have fewer opportunities than Lenox kids to come join the club. In order to do that we need more boats that are able to accommodate younger athletes, while also providing a program to our adult athletes," Cadoff said.

 

"So we're getting more equipment, and so we are asking for permission to replace the relatively unsightly trailer with a much more streamlined, temporary, or installable and uninstalled rack that will take that space."

 

The city has granted BCR use of the old lifeguard shed and a temporary metal boathouse at the park, though the club is outgrowing them.  Since 1995, the nonprofit has assisted hundreds of people of all ages in discovering their love for the sport.

 

The boat rack will be made of wood beams with composite metal sleeves sunk into the ground, making it easy to remove at the end of the season.  The sleeves will be flush to the ground and covered during the off-season.

 

With the boats, it will cover roughly 960 square feet and will be at least 20 feet away from the parking lot fence.

 

"One of our board members is a mechanical engineer and has decades of experience working in plastics and composite engineering. He actually works for a rowing company right now so he has designed this composite sleeve that, according to his specifications, and we can get approval from you before we do anything, are safe for the environment, safe for the ground."  Cadoff explained.

 

She added that the rowing club will also work with Dig Safe to ensure that the dropped sleeves and any other construction don't interfere with utility or power lines and that spray paint isn't used in the area.

 

Once the season is over, the boats are stored at the wastewater treatment plant for the winter.

 

"I think it's it sounds like a great idea," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said.

 

"Obviously, it sounds like you've addressed the concerns and will be addressing the concerns as far as the Dig Safe in the ground and the fact that it's temporary, it's just sort of seasonal and can come down and certainly make access to your boats easier and more of them."

 

Cadoff explained that she has been with the club full-time since December and that there have only been minor issues of vandalism.

 

"The other thing that we have also talked about internally and then (Park, Open Space, and Natural Resource Program Manager James McGrath) and I discussed it briefly is using a much more aesthetically pleasing rack as community recruitment. So we want to work a little bit in the process of rebranding," she said, adding that they plan to put their logo with information and QR code on a sign near the rack.

 

"Kind of using this opportunity to improve our storage also to kind of get more community members involved."

 

The commission also approved a National Learn to Row event held by BCR, which will happen at the lake on June 1.

 

In other news, the North Adams Steeplecats have scheduled three games at Wahconah Park on June 7, June 16, and July 5.  Fireworks will be done after the July 5 game and the city is still negotiating with the Pittsfield Suns for fireworks on the Fourth of July.

 

"There will be food, alcohol, possibly music, entertainment, things like that," Recreation and Special Events Coordinator Maddy Brown explained.