The following was submitted by the Recreation Director on behalf of all who signed the document:
Dear Residents,
As Spring quickly approaches, it is becoming more and more clear that this is going to be a challenging one for everyone, especially all sport groups that wish to use outdoor athletic fields. During the past two weeks, Wayland staff has been meeting to discuss spring field schedules and the snow remaining on the playing fields.
Because of the following factors, it has been determined jointly with the School Department, DPW, Recreation Department, Facilities Department, and Conservation that plowing the turf field will not be an option at this time:
Plowing the snow with a light truck or tractor is not an option because of the 2+ ft snow pack currently on the field and the potential for damage in removal.
Snow blowing the snow onto the track is not an option because the track would then be unavailable for spring use.
Snow blowing the snow onto the grass surrounding the stadium is not an option because that area is within the Happy Hollow Well Capture Zone, and there are restrictions in the Operating & Maintenance Plan that was established with Conservation when the field was first constructed.
Having DPW haul away snow from the site is not an option because of lack of space to store snow at an alternative location, combined with limitation on staff availability and resources to haul potentially 500 truckloads of snow out of the area at this time.
Hiring an outside source to remove the snow in several weeks may be an option, but that could cost between $6,000-$10,000. To spend this much money for 2 weeks of possible play time is not viewed as a wise investment.
Because of the above factors the School Department, AD, DPW, Facilities, Conservation, and Recreation departments have all agreed that the turf field will not be plowed or snow blown at this time. Nature must run its course to allow much of the snow to melt away. In the coming weeks, all departments will work together to sort through any future options that become available. All departments are asking residents and sport organizers to understand that we will be working together this spring to get fields ready for play as soon as possible. Mike Lindeman and Jessica Brodie will be inspecting fields daily/weekly once the snow melts to open fields as soon as possible.
Thank you to all those that volunteer their time to help with town programs, events, and leagues. Think Spring!
Sincerely,
Town of Wayland Staff
Jessica Brodie, Recreation Director
Stephen Kadlik, DPW Director
Mike Lindeman, Parks Superintendent
Paul Stein, Superintendent of Schools
Stephen Cass, High School Athletics Director
Ben Keefe, Facilities Director
Pat Morris, Facilities Manager
Brian Monahan, Conservation Administrator
Nan Balmer, Town Administrator
Thurston Wright, Recreation Commission chair
