Board of Parks

City of Lowell • Board of Parks Recreation Department • recreation@lowellma.gov 107 Merrimack Street, 4th Floor • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674-4175 • F: 978.970.4065 • www.lowellma.gov Lowell Board of Parks Meeting Minutes DATE: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 TIME: 6:00PM LOCATION: DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT’S CONFERENCE ROOM, 50 Arcand Dr. 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 PRESENT: John Linnehan, Chairman Ryan Rourke, Vice Chairman Tom Caunter, Member Keith Rudy, Member Kah Ndi, Member Shannon Cohan, Superintendent of Parks MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: 5:59PM by Vice Chairman R. Rourke 1. FOR ACCEPTANCE: Minutes of the January 31, 2024 Meeting of the Lowell Board of Parks. Motion was made by T. Caunter to approve the minutes from the January BOP meeting. Seconded by K. Rudy. Approved Unanimously. 2. Bonnie McIsaac/Tinson Lam (Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra) – Summer Concert Shedd Park – Pavilion Sunday, July 07, 2024 10:00AM-6:00PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 4 = $100.00 Custodial Fee $120.00/4 hours X 2 = $240.00 TOTAL FEE = $340.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve the request for a fee of $340.00. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. 3. Maria Claudio (Roberto Clemente League) - Games, Practices, Tournaments/Events A. GAMES/PRACTICES North Common - Carney Softball Field April 18 - September 30, 2024 | Monday-Friday | 4:00PM-6:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 B. TOURNAMENTS/EVENTS North Common - Carney Softball Field April 20 - September 28, 2024 | Saturdays | 10:00AM-6:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve both requests for no fee. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. Page | 1 4. Nina Silva (Saint Michael School) – Field Day They will need restrooms for this event. Shedd Park – Pavilion Shedd Park – Track Shedd Park – Gresco Baseball Field Shedd Park – Krysiak Tennis/Pickle Ball Courts on Boylston St. Cts I & II Shedd Park – Edward F. Finnegan Basketball Court Shedd Park – Tennis Backboards I & II Shedd Park – Cahill-Perrin Little League Field Monday, June 03, 2024 8:00AM-2:00PM Tuesday, June 04, 2024 (Rain Date) 8:00AM-2:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 Motion was made by T. Caunter to approve the request for no fee. Seconded by K. Rudy. Approved Unanimously. 5. Tina Suech (Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church) – Grecian Festival This request is for the annual Grecian 3-day Festival. North Common – Stage Friday, May 31, 2024 3:00PM-9:00PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 3 = $75.00 Saturday, June 01, 2024 11:00AM-9:00PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 5 = $125.00 Sunday, June 02, 2024 12:00PM-6:00PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 3 = $75.00 TOTAL FEE = $275.00 Motion was made by T. Caunter to approve the request for a total fee of $275.00. Seconded by K. Rudy. Approved Unanimously. 6. Elizabeth Cheung (Elevate New England) – LHS/LCA Elevate Senior Celebration They will need access to the bathrooms and electricity. Shedd Park – Pavilion Friday, June 21, 2024 4:00PM-8:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 Custodial Fee $120.00/4 hours = $120.00 PER SHANNON COHAN, A CUSTODIAN IS ON SITE UNTIL 2:30PM. TOTAL FEE = $120.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve the request for a total fee of $120.00. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. 7. Savannah Amaral (Crossroads Community Church) – Community Outreach This request is for a non-profit organization that gives back to communities. They provide free toys/electronics, gift cards, as well as testimonials of individuals who are in recovery. They would like to use a generator, tables/chairs, and have food. South Common – Basketball Court Saturday, April 06, 2024 1:00PM-3:00PM Page | 2  Non-Resident Adult Fee $60.00/2hr block = $60.00 (Fee Waived) TOTAL FEE = $0.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve the request for no fee. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. 8. Jose Hernandez – Flag Football O’Donnell Park – Frank Ryan Senior League Baseball Field April 18 – June 13, 2024 |Thursdays| 6:00PM-10:00PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50.00 per date X 9 dates = $450.00 LIGHTS WILL NEED TO BE TURNED ON AT THIS PARK. Motion was made by T. Caunter to approve the request for a fee of $450.00. Seconded by K. Rudy. Approved Unanimously. 9. Mark Cibulski – Lowell Angels Baseball Games Cawley Memorial Stadium Complex – Alumni Field A. Thursday, July 11, 2024 7:00PM-11:00PM Resident Adult Fee $150.00/4hr block = $150.00 Lights Fee $50.00/4hr block = $50.00 PER SHANNON COHAN, A CUSTODIAN IS ON SITE UNTIL 10:00PM. Custodial OT Fee $50.00/1 hour = $50.00 TOTAL FEE = $250.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve the request for a total fee of $250.00. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. B. Sunday, July 14, 2024 1:00PM-5:00PM Sunday, July 28, 2024 1:00PM-5:00PM Sunday, August 04, 2024 4:00PM-8:00PM Resident Adult Fee $150.00/4hr block = $150.00 per date X 3 dates = $450.00 Custodial Fee $120.00/4 hours = $120.00 per date X 3 dates = $360.00 TOTAL FEE = $810.00 ($270.00 per date) Motion was made by T. Caunter to approve the request for a fee of $810.00. Seconded by K. Rudy. Approved Unanimously. TOTAL FEE FOR A + B = $1,060.00 10. Pamela Miller (Coalition for a Better Acre) – CBA Annual Community Events Yun-Ju Choi represented these requests. They are requesting to have the parks swept for any needles and trash and have the trash barrels emptied prior to the events. They will also need access to electricity during the events. THESE FEES ARE TYPICALLY WAIVED BY THE BOARD OF PARKS. A. North Common – Stage | ACRE CLEAN UP Saturday, April 27, 2024 8:00AM-4:00PM  Community event to build community engagement and pride in cleaning the city. B. North Common – Stage | ACRE FEST RESOURCE FAIR Saturday, June 08, 2024 9:00AM-5:00PM  Community event to bring the community together and share fun and resources. C. North Common – Stage | NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Tuesday, August 06, 2024 2:00PM-8:00PM Page | 3   Community event hosted with first responders to build community relationships and engagement. D. Moody St Playground – Basketball Ct | BACK TO SCHOOL BASH Thursday, August 15, 2024 12:00PM-8:00PM  Community event that provides supplies for community children for the school year. E. North Common – Stage | HARVEST FESTIVAL Saturday, October 05, 2024 8:00AM-4:00PM Sunday, October 19, 2024 (Rain Date) 8:00AM-4:00PM  Community event hosted with Tufts. Motion was made by J. Linnehan to approve all the requests for no fee. Seconded by K. Ndi. Approved Unanimously. 11. Raychel Byrne – 1st Birthday Party Shedd Park – Pavilion Saturday, April 27, 2024 1:00PM-5:00PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50.00 Custodial Fee $120.00/4 hours = $120.00 TOTAL FEE = $170.00 The requestor has withdrawn this request. 12. Gabriel Sanchez (Casa De Restauracion Un Nuevo Comienzo) – Gospel Event The requested dates will be for open air church services that are free for the public to join. North Common – Stage Sunday, June 30, 2024 4:30PM-6:30PM Sunday, July 28, 2024 4:30PM-6:30PM Sunday, August 25, 2024 4:30PM-6:30PM Sunday, September 29, 2024 4:30PM-6:30PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50.00 per date X 4 dates = $250.00 (Fee Waived) TOTAL FEE = $0.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve the requested dates for no fee. Seconded by K. Ndi. Approved Unanimously. 13. Ken Doucette (Middlesex Sheriff’s Office) – YPSA Community Day This request is for the annual youth public safety academy community day. 150 cadets ages 12- 15 will participate in multiple activities with local public safety agents. Cawley Memorial Stadium Complex – Alumni Field Wednesday, August 07, 2024 8:00AM-4:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 PER SHANNON COHAN, A CUSTODIAN IS ON SITE UNTIL 10:00PM. TOTAL FEE = $0.00 Motion was made by J. Linnehan to approve the request for no fee. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. Page | 4 14. Becky Roman – Church Services North Common – Stage May 07 – August 27, 2024 | Tues, Wed & Sat | 6:30PM-8:30PM JUNE 01, 2024 IS NOT AVAILABLE Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block = $25.00 per date X 23 dates = $575.00 (Fee Waived) TOTAL FEE = $0.00 Motion was made by K. Ndi to approve the request for no fee. Seconded by K. Rudy. Approved Unanimously. 15. Kim Koehr (Soccer Shots Ns/Nh)– Soccer Enrichment Program Soccer Shots is looking to introduce a soccer enrichment program in Lowell for youth ages 2-5. Koumantzelis Park – Koumantzelis Multipurpose Field June 16 – August 11, 2024 | Sundays | 8:45AM-12:45PM Non-Resident Youth Fee $60.00/2hr block X 2 = $120.00 per date X 8 dates = $960.00 TOTAL FEE = $960.00 ($120.00 per date) Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve the request for a fee of $960.00. Seconded by K. Ndi. Approved Unanimously. 16. Ronnie Eaton – Baseball Games Cawley Memorial Stadium Complex – Alumni Field July 08 – July 31, 2024 |Mon, Wed & Thur| 7:00PM-11:00PM Resident Adult Fee $150.00/4hr block = $150.00 X 10 dates = $1,500.00 Lights Fee $50.00/4hr block = $50.00 X 10 dates = $500.00 PER SHANNON COHAN, A CUSTODIAN IS ON SITE UNTIL 10:00PM. Custodial OT Fee $50.00/1 hour = $50.00 X 10 dates = $500.00 TOTAL FEE = $2,500.00 ($250.00 per date) Motion was made by T. Caunter to approve the request for a fee of $2,500.00. Seconded by K. Rudy. Approved Unanimously. 17. Charlie Huggins (USA Prime NE Softball) – Youth Softball Games This request is for youth softball games. They are requesting the field for two events. They would like to provide porta potties and trash barrels, as well as field maintenance for the events. A. Ventura Field – Ventura Softball Field Saturday, May 04, 2024 8:00AM-6:00PM Sunday, May 05, 2024 8:00AM-6:00PM Non-Resident Youth Fee $60.00/2hr block X 5 = $300.00 per date X 2 dates = $600.00 TOTAL FEE = $600.00 B. Ventura Field – Ventura Softball Field Saturday, July 06, 2024 8:00AM-6:00PM Sunday, July 07, 2024 8:00AM-6:00PM Non-Resident Youth Fee $60.00/2hr block X 5 = $300.00 per date X 2 dates = $600.00 TOTAL FEE = $600.00 TOTAL FEE FOR A + B = $1,200.00 The requestor did not show up to the meeting, so the request was DENIED. Page | 5 18. Sergio Alvarez Santiago – Wedding This request is for a wedding. Serigo would like to set up a tent, tables, and chairs, and have a porta potty brought in. Muldoon Park – Gazebo Saturday, October 26, 2024 3:00PM-7:00PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50.00 This request has been tabled until the next Board of Parks meeting. 19. Jessica Boulanger (Northern Middlesex Council of Governments) – Public Forum 2 Bike Rodeo Jessica is a transportation professional with NMCG. They are the regional planning agency that supports the City of Lowell and eight surrounding towns. In 2022 they were awarded a “Safe Streets and Roads for All” grant in partnership with Merrimack Valley Planning Commission. The grant is to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Under the grant program, they are developing a Regional Safety Action Plan, Greater Lowell Vision Zero. City and UMASS are actively involved in developing this plan. Once the project is completed, this will open more opportunities for federal grants to implement safety projects. As part of outreach for their plan, they are hosting two public events to engage with residents. This request would be for their second event. They are partnering with the Bike Connector to hold a transportation safety event, including a bike rodeo for their second public forum. Shedd Park – Pavilion Saturday, June 15, 2024 12:00PM-4:00PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50.00 Custodial Fee $120.00/4 hours = $120.00 TOTAL FEE = $170.00 The requestor has withdrawn this request. 20. Johnson Prak – Flag Football Tournament South Common – Purtell Multipurpose Field Saturday, April 06, 2024 9:00AM-5:00PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 4 = $100.00 Motion was made by T. Caunter to approve the request for a fee of $100.00. Seconded by K. Ndi. Approved Unanimously. 21. Michael Isola (Mill City Eagles) – Football A. Cawley Memorial Stadium Complex – Machado Field April 4 – August 29, 2024 | Thursdays | 8:00PM-11:00PM EXCLUDING THURSDAY, JULY 04, 2024. Resident Adult Fee $200.00/4hr block = $200.00 X 21 dates = $4,200.00 Lights Fee $50.00/4hr block = $50.00 X 21 dates = $1,050.00 PER SHANNON COHAN, A CUSTODIAN IS ON SITE UNTIL 10:00PM. Custodial OT Fee $50.00/1 hour = $50.00 X 21 dates = $1,050.00 TOTAL FEE = $6,300.00 ($300.00 per date) Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve the request for a fee of $6,300.00. Seconded by J. Linnehan. Approved Unanimously. Page | 6  B. Cawley Memorial Stadium Complex – William “Billy” Rizos Turf Field July 13 – August 17, 2024 | Saturdays | 5:00PM-10:00PM EXCLUDING SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2024. Resident Adult Fee $200.00/4hr block = $200.00 per date X 5 dates = $1,000.00 Custodial Fee $120.00/4 hours = $120.00 per date X 5 dates = $600.00 Custodial OT Fee $50.00/1 hour = $50.00 X 5 dates = $250.00 Lights Fee $50.00/4hr block = $50.00 X 5 dates = $250.00 TOTAL FEE = $2,100.00 ($420.00 per date) Motion was made by T. Caunter to approve the request for a fee of $2,100.00. Seconded by K. Rudy. Approved Unanimously. TOTAL FEE FOR A + B = $8,400.00 22. Karen Bostwick (Lowell Youth Soccer) – Back up Fields/Soccer Practice/League Concessions LYSA has agreed to relinquish Hovey Field and no longer needed that request. A. Scullin Park – Greenspace March 18 – November 15, 2024 | Monday – Friday | 5:00PM-9:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 B. Reilly School Community Playground – Field March 18 – November 15, 2024 | Monday – Friday | 5:00PM-9:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 C. Edwards St Park – Concession Stand March 18 – November 15, 2024 | Sunday – Saturday | 7:00AM-9:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve requests A – C for no fee. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. 23. Jennie Page (Liberians in Lowell) - Kickball/Soccer Hovey Field - Field I June 10 - September 13, 2024 | Tues, Wed & Fri | 5:00PM-7:00PM Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block = $25.00 per date X 42 dates = $1,050.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve the request for a fee of $1,050.00. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. 24. Sabeeh Eshan – Cricket Hovey Field - Field I April 11 – September 26, 2024 | Thursdays | 5:30PM-7:30PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve the request for no fee. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. Page | 7 25. Ryan Rourke (Lowell Youth Softball & Baseball) – League Concessions FIELD REQUESTS FOR LYS&B STILL NEED TO BE SUBMITTED. A. Callery Park – Concession Stand April 01 – November 01, 2024 | Sunday – Saturday | 8:00AM-10:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 B. Father Maguire Playground – Concession Stand April 01 – June 30, 2024 | Sunday – Saturday | 8:00AM-10:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 C. Gage Field – Finn Field Concession Stand April 01 – November 01, 2024 | Sunday – Saturday | 8:00AM-10:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 D. Highland Park – Loucraft Field Concession Stand April 01 – November 01, 2024 | Sunday – Saturday | 8:00AM-10:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 E. LeBlanc Park – Raymond J Boutin Concession Stand April 01 – November 01, 2024 | Sunday – Saturday | 8:00AM-10:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 F. Pawtucket Memorial Park – Montbleau Field Concession Stand April 01 – November 01, 2024 | Sunday – Saturday | 8:00AM-10:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 G. Shedd Park – Concession Stand April 01 – November 01, 2024 | Sunday – Saturday | 8:00AM-10:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 Motion was made by T. Caunter to approve requests A – G for no fee. Seconded by K. Rudy. Approved Unanimously. H. Cawley Memorial Stadium Complex – William “Billy” Rizos Turf Field Saturday, March 02, 2024 9:00AM-5:00PM Sunday, March 03, 2024 9:00AM-5:00PM Saturday, March 09, 2024 9:00AM-5:00PM Saturday, March 16, 2024 9:00AM-5:00PM Resident Youth Fee $0.00/2hr block = $0.00 Custodial Fee $120.00/4 hours X 2 = $240.00 per date X 4 dates = $960.00 TOTAL FEE = $960.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve the request for a fee of $960.00, if the fields are deemed safe and playable by S. Cohan. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. Page | 8 26. FOR APPROVAL: The Board needs to approve both cricket groups updated permit fees. Both fees have been reduced after overlapping time conflicts have been resolved. A. HETAL PATEL’S REQUEST Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50.00 per date X 14 dates = $700.00 TOTAL FEE = $700.00 B. SABEEH EHSAN'S REQUEST(S) Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 2 = $50.00 per date X 8 dates = $400.00 Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 5 = $125.00 per date X 35 dates = $4,375.00 Resident Adult Fee $25.00/2hr block X 3 = $75.00 per date X 13 dates = $975.00 TOTAL FEE = $5,750.00 Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve both group’s updated permit fees. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. 27. FOR REVIEW/UPDATES: The Board of Parks Policy Handbook Draft This item has been tabled until the next Board of Parks meeting. 28. Robert Sherbs (Lowell Kiwanis) – Spring Fling Robert was previously approved for their spring fling permit for April 6, 2024 7:00AM-3:00PM with a rain date of April 7, 2024 7:00AM-3:00PM. They are requesting to move the event back to the following weekend, April 13 and 14, 2024 both days 7:00AM-3:00PM. Their permit fee was $240.00 and would remain the same. Motion was made by K. Rudy to approve pushing the event date back a week to April 13 and 14, 2024. Seconded by T. Caunter. Approved Unanimously. Motion to adjourn by T. Caunter. Motion was seconded by R. Rourke. MEETING ADJOURNED: 8:15pm Page | 9