Board of Parks

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING ORGANIZATION: BOARD OF PARKS DATE: WEDNESDAY July 27, 2022 TIME: 6:00PM LOCATION: CITY HALL 375 Merrimack St. MAYOR’S RECEPTION ROOM, 2ND FLOOR LOWELL, MA 01852 AGENDA recreation@lowellma.gov Meeting called to order: 6:02pm Members in attendance: Ryan Rourke, Member Melissa Desroches, Member Keith Rudy, Member Item 1 – Robin Brown (Recovery Coach Learning Community-Northeast) – Recovery Event South Common – Purtell Multipurpose Field Wednesday, August 31, 2022 2pm-6pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2 hr block = $0 - Rita Mercier represented for Robin Brown. August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. This event will be organized by their Community planners. There will be opening remarks from the Mayor and moments of silence for people who lost their lives to overdose. They will also have food (charcoal grilling only, if plans to grill), music, arts, stories to share, balloon releasing, offering/providing services to the community, and end with closing remarks. Motion was made by Keith Rudy to approve the request at no fee. Motion was seconded by Melissa Desroches. Approved Unanimously. Page | 1 Item 2 – Peter Faticanti (Lowell Recreation Department) – Tennis Tournament / Flag Football A) Shedd Park – Elmer P. Rynne Tennis Courts l, ll, lll, lV, V, Vl Shedd Park – Krysiak Courts on Boylston St. Courts l & ll Fridays September 16 and 23, 2022 2pm-8pm Saturdays September 17 and 24, 2022 8am-8pm Sundays September 18 and 25, 2022 8am-8pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block B) Anne Dean Welcome Regatta Festival Field – Multipurpose Field October 3 – October 26, 2022 (Mondays & Wednesdays) 5pm-9pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block C) Scullin Park – Greenspace October 3 – October 26, 2022 (Mondays & Wednesdays) 5pm-9pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block D) Gage Field – Whalen Senior League Baseball Field October 3 – October 26, 2022 (Mondays & Wednesdays) 4pm-8pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block E) Reilly School Community Playground – Field October 3 – October 26, 2022 (Mondays & Wednesdays) 4pm-8pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block F) Stoklosa School Park – Multipurpose Field October 4 – October 27, 2022 (Tuesdays & Thursdays) 5pm-9pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the requests at no fee. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Item 3 – The Board needs to determine a fee for the Gil Vigeant Softball tournament permits. - Tom Caunter determined and submitted a proposed total fee of $17,200 to the Board based on the total number of dates/hours for Gil’s permits. The Board voted to approve the fee 3-0. Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the proposed fee of $17,200. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Page | 2 Item 4 – Sara Tremblay – Private Party Shedd Park – Pavilion Saturday, September 10, 2022 4pm-8pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50 Custodial Fee $120/4 hour = $120 Total Fee = $170 This will be back to back with a previously approved event. - This event will be for a baby shower. They will probably bring prepared food, but were told if they plan to grill that it must be charcoal grill, no propane. Shannon said there was an ash barrel on site to dispose coals afterwards. Motion was made by Keith Rudy to approve the request for a fee of $170. Motion was seconded by Melissa Desroches. Approved Unanimously. Item 5 – Tyler Rutledge (Professional Barbers of Lowell) – Promotional/Fundraising Event Bourgeois Park – Basketball Court Saturday, September 24, 2022 1pm-3pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block = $25 They already have a previously approved permit from 3pm-7pm. They need the additional 2 hours for event set up. - Quinn Dillon (Co-Director) represented for Tyler. This will be a competitive eating competition. There will be raffles/prizes, food trucks and a vendor market. All proceeds will go to Lowell’s House of Hope. People can sign up to enter the competition at www.foodfightlowell.com. Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the request for a fee of $25. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Item 6 – Bonnie McIsaac (Lowell Philharmonic) Requesting refund/account credit for canceled permit on July 5, 2022 for $170.00. Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the request for a credited fee of $170. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Item 7 – David Surprenant – Wedding Shedd Park – Picnic Area l – In Front of Pyne School Saturday, October 22, 2022 12pm-4pm Non-Resident Adult Fee $100.00/2hr block X 2 = $200 THIS IS NOT THE PICNIC TABLES BY THE SPLASH PAD. The requestor did not show so the request was DECLINED. Page | 3 Item 8 – James O’Keefe (UTec) – Family Event Oliveria Park – Oliveria Little League Field Monday, August 8, 2022 4pm-8pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50 - This will be for a family fun event with raffles and a bouncy house. They will be giving away fresh produce, backpacks and school supplies. They will also be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs (charcoal grill only), and having popcorn and cotton candy. The Board asked James how he feels about Oliveria Park’s condition, and James said the field looks good. The Board discussed waiving the fee. Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the request at no fee. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Item 9 – Emily Rolon – Vote to amend previously approved permit Emily has a previously approved permit at Shedd Pavilion for August 6, 2022 from 12-4p, which is paid in full (including a custodian fee). They will need access to power/electricity. One of the vendors is inquiring about getting a grill for the event, so Emily would like to add that in addition to her permit. The requestor did not show so the request was DECLINED. Item 10 – Alousious Wennah (Unda Konstruction) – Community Building Basketball Tournament A) Father Maguire Playground – Basketball Courts l, ll and lll Sunday, August 21, 2022 1pm-5pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 6 = $150 B) Father Maguire Playground – Basketball Court l Sunday, August 21, 2022 5pm-7pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block = $25 Total Fee for A + B = $175 - This will be for a 16+ basketball tournament. There will be cash rewards for winners, donations, music and food (charcoal grilling only). College athletes will be involved as well. Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the request for a fee of $175. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Page | 4 Item 11 – Darcie Coleman – Girls on the Run Program McPherson Park – Basketball Court l Tuesdays Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2022 2pm-4pm Thursdays Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 2022 2pm-4pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2 hr block X 19 = $0 - Darcie is a Social Worker for Lowell Public Schools. Darcie thanked the Parks department for making playgrounds wheelchair accessible through renovations, and the Recreation department for the summer employment opportunities and great programs they offer. Girls on the run is a program to teach 3-4 graders to use running as a coping skill and develop healthy relationship skills. They would also like to use the Greenspace around the basketball courts as well, the Board approved. Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the request for no fee. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Item 12 – Rose Tune (Lowell Pop Warner) – Lowell Pop Warner Football Practice A) Cawley Memorial Stadium Complex – William J. Desmond Jr. Field August 1 – October 26, 2022 (Monday – Thursday) 6pm-10pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2 hr block = $0 Light Fee $100.00/4hr block X 44 = $4,400 Per Shannon Cohan, a custodian should be on site until 10pm. PREVIOUSLY WAIVED FEE IN THE PAST. B) Cawley Memorial Stadium Complex – Machado Field Sundays September 18, 25, October 16, 23, 2022 8am-4pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2 hr block = $0 Custodial Fee $120/4 hour X 8 = $960 Total Fee for A + B = $5,360 The requestor did not show so the request was DECLINED. Page | 5 Item 13 – Joseph Bova – Flag Football A) Anne Dean Welcome Regatta Festival Field – Multipurpose Field September 4 – November 27, 2022 (Sundays) 9am-3pm Non-Resident Adult Fee $100.00/2hr block X 3 = $300/day $300/day X 13 days = Total Fee $3,900 B) Koumantzelis Park – Koumantzelis Multipurpose Field September 4 – November 27, 2022 (Sundays) 9am-3pm Non-Resident Adult Fee $100.00/2hr block X 3 = $300/day $300/day X 13 days = Total Fee $3,900 C) Cawley Memorial Stadium Complex – Machado Field September 4 – November 27, 2022 (Sundays) 9am-1pm Non-Resident Adult Fee $400.00/4 hr block X 13 = $5,200 Custodial Fee $120/4 hour X 13 = $1,560 Total Fee = $6,760 THIS ITEM CONFLITS WITH (4) DATES IN ITEM #11. Non-Resident Adult Fee $400.00/4 hr block X 9 = $3,600 Custodial Fee $120/4 hour X 13 = $1,080 Total Fee = $4,680 - Joseph started his own Flag football league consisting of 150+ players. It’s a friendly league and they’re on their 3rd season in. He submitted multiple areas so the Board can determine the best location for their games, as they need enough space to accommodate two flag fields. He visited the fields and said although Regatta is more unleveled than he’d like, that it might be the best location based on space and parking. He asked the Board if people would be able to park at the smaller greenspace next to Regatta Field, as they do for carnivals, the Board approved. They would’ve liked Cawley Stadium, but would like to avoid date conflicts and the cost as they have other things they also pay for such as refs, videotaping the games, etc. Joseph moved out of Lowell six months ago but said majority of the players are Lowell residents and asked the Board to consider charging them a resident fee instead. The Board discussed reducing the fee to the Resident rate. Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the request for Regatta Festival Field for a reduced fee of $975. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Item 14 – Amanda Dixon – Birthday Party Shedd Park – Pavilion Saturday, August 6, 2022 6pm-10pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50 Custodial Fee $120/4 hour = $120 Total Fee = $170 The requestor did not show so the request was DECLINED. Page | 6 Item 15 – Camila Lopez (Alternative House) – World Peace Balloon Releasing/Seeds for Peace Event Fort Hill Park – Greenspace Monday, August 15, 2022 5pm-7pm Thursday, August 18, 2022 (Rain date) 5pm-7pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2= $50 PREVIOUSLY WAIVED FEE LAST MONTH. The Alternative House had a previously approved permit for July 12th, 2022 for no fee, but due to weather changes, the event was canceled. This event will allow the Lowell Community to unite and send peaceful messages out into the world. Motion was made by Keith Rudy to approve the request for no fee. Motion was seconded by Melissa Desroches. Approved Unanimously. Item 16 – Senghoun Mann – Daughter’s 2nd Birthday Party Shedd Park – Pavilion Sunday, September 4, 2022 1pm-5pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50 Custodial Fee $120/4 hour = $120 Total Fee = $170 - Tarak represented for Senghoun. This will be for their daughter’s 2nd birthday. They plan to have prepared food (if not, charcoal grill only) and 20-25 people. Inquired about the splash pad being on that day and Shannon said yes. Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the request for a fee of $170. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Item 17 – Caroline Snow (Solidarity Lowell) – Meet and Greet with Local Candidates A) North Common – Handball Court Saturday, August 27, 2022 12pm-6pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 3 = $75 B) North Common – Carney Softball Field Sunday, August 28, 2022 12pm-6pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 3 = $75 The requestor did not show so the request was DECLINED. Item 18 – Ximena Valencia – Small get together Muldoon Park – Gazebo Saturday, September 3, 2022 2pm-6pm Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50 Ximena’s close friend is getting married and moving to Lowell. This will be for a small gathering for friends/family to meet her and her husband. - Caleb Rivera represented for Ximena. Motion was made by Keith Rudy to approve the request for a fee of $50. Motion was seconded by Melissa Desroches. Approved Unanimously. Page | 7 Item 19 – Charles Oyimuke – Community Gathering North Common – Stage Saturday, September 17, 2022 2pm-10pm Non-Resident Adult Fee $100.00/2hr block X 4 = $400 This will be a family friendly community gathering to help bring different diverse groups together to celebrate different cultures as they engage in fun activities, games and music. - The idea for this event came up during Harry Kkonde’s vigil. Charles thanked the City of Lowell for being there and showing support after that tragic event. Keith suggested looking into getting a porta potty for the event, as North Common won’t have bathroom facilities because the City Council voted to renovate them and they won’t be ready by September. Ryan suggested reaching out to the Transfiguration Church to see if they’ll allow access to their space’s bathrooms for a community event. Charles also inquired about a police detail for 300+ people, they directed him to contact the Police Department. Plan on bringing prepared food (charcoal grill if they decide to grill). The Board discussed waiving the fee. Motion was made by Keith Rudy to approve the request for no fee. Motion was seconded by Melissa Desroches. Approved Unanimously. Item 20 – Hetal Patel Requesting account credit for the following canceled dates at Hovey Field for $350.00. Saturdays July 16, 23, August 6, 2022 8am-12pm Sundays July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 2022 8am-12pm Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the request for a credited fee of $350. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Item 21 – Johnson Prak (EAST Movement) – Fundraising Basketball Event Stoklosa School Park – Basketball Court l Sunday, August 21, 2022 10am-4pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0 - This will be for a school supplies giveaway. There will be basketball games and fundraising for school supplies. Motion was made by Keith Rudy to approve the request for no fee. Motion was seconded by Melissa Desroches. Approved Unanimously. Item 22 – Dan Graham (Lowell Northeast Baseball) – Playoff Games Cawley Memorial Stadium Complex – Alumni Field Thursday, July 28, 2022 5pm-9pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/4hr block = $0 - The Board discussed giving approval for LNB to work with the Board of Parks Secretary and Shannon Cohan on additional playoff dates outside of the BOP meeting. Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve the request for no fee. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Page | 8 Item 23 – Jeffrey Pomerantz (Girls Junior Roller Derby) – Vote to amend previously approved permit Shannon informed us that there are actually no lights at Highland Park Basketball courts. Jeffrey will continue using Highland Park through the end of July. The Board needs to vote to move locations to McPherson Basketball courts 1 & 2 for the remaining dates in August and September (6-10pm) so they can have lights that work. Motion was made by Melissa Desroches to approve moving the permit location for August and September to McPherson Basketball courts. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Item 24 – Paula Gouveia (Lowell Housing Authority) – Health & Wellness Fair Mulligan Park – Basketball Court Saturday, August 20, 2022 10am-2pm Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2 hr block X 2 = $0 This will be a Health & Wellness fair for the youth (5-18) who live in public housing, hosted by the Lowell Housing Authority. - Shannon Cohan represented for Paula. LHA is hosting an event for youth who live in low-income public housing in Lowell. There will be 17 youth orgs and public service departments representing tables at the event. There will also be food, music, a balloon artist, face painters and a magician. LPD, LFD and Trinity ambulance will be there with vehicles for the kids as well. Motion was made by Keith Rudy to approve the request for no fee. Motion was seconded by Melissa Desroches. Approved Unanimously. Motion to adjourn made by Melissa Desroches. Motion was seconded by Keith Rudy. Approved Unanimously. Meeting adjourned: 7:05pm Page | 9