Parks & Recreation Commission

BO AR D M EM BE R S Erin Zamarro, Chair Andres Bartholomew Nick Chacharone Brian Dardy Eric Stratton Andrew Serrato PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION Nataile Turner MEETING AGENDA C ON T A CT Thursday November 20, 2025 @ 6:30 PM • 50 Officer Manny Familia Way • Worcester, MA 01605 Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Administrative Office – Meeting Room A • Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 PM 50 Officer Manny Familia Way Worcester, MA 01605 • Phone: 508-799-1190 • Email: Parks@worcesterma.gov • Website: The Parks & Recreation Commission meeting will be held in-person at the date, time and location listed above. Meeting attendees will www.worcesterma.gov/parks additionally have options to participate remotely by joining online or by phone: The Parks & Recreation Commission is committed to ensuring that its public meetings are accessible • Use the following link to join the meeting via computer: to all. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the meeting, please reach out to the 1) Go to www.team.com staff contact listed. While boards and commissions 2) Enter Meeting ID: 287 050 849 466 6 do their best to accommodate you, certain accommodation may not be available if requested 3) Enter Password: 3qJ9Ue9s within short notice of the scheduled meeting. 4) Join the meeting now Requests for American Sign Language interpretation must be made 10 business days or more in advance of the meeting. • Call 1-469-998-7682 (Access Code: 909 096 042#) Hay disponibles servicios de interpretación y otras adaptaciones con solicitud previa. Note: If technological problems interrupt the virtual meeting ‫ﺗﺘﻮﻓﺮ اﻟﺘﺮﺟﻤﺔ اﻟﻔﻮرﯾﺔ وﻏﯿﺮھﺎ ﻣﻦ وﺳﺎﺋﻞ اﻟﺘﯿﺴﯿﺮ ﻋﻨﺪ اﻟﻄﻠﺐ اﻟﻤﺴﺒﻖ‬ component, the meeting will continue in-person. अनवु ◌ाद र अ6य आवसह अ'-म अनरोधपचत ◌ु उपल5ध Application materials may be viewed by appointment at: हु6छ। Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, Interpretação e outras adaptações estão 50 Officer Manny Familia Way Worcester, MA 01605 disponíveis mediante solicitação prévia. between 8:00 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Përkthimi dhe akomodime të tjera janë në dispozicion me kërkesë paraprake. For more information concerning this meeting, please contact the Kasa nkyerɛaseɛ ɛne akwanya afoforɔ da hɔ Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, by email at ma wɔn a wɔn bɛ bisa ato hɔ. Parks@worcesterma.gov or phone at 508-799-1190. Please send Phiên dịch và các hỗ trợ khác có sẵn theo written comments 3 business days or more in advance of the meeting. yêu cầu trước. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the meeting, please reach out to the staff contact listed. While boards and commissions do their best to accommodate you, certain accommodations may not be DI V IS IO N S TA F F available if requested within short notice of the scheduled meeting. Requests for American Sign Language interpretation must be made 10 Robert C. Antonelli Jr. Commissioner business days or more in advance of the meeting. Jeffery Tomanio, Parks & Recreation Para más información sobre esta reunión, comuníquese con el Coordinator Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, Hope Cemetery Division Mily Pacheco, Staff Assistant III por correo electrónico al correo Parks@worcesterma.gov o por teléfono Melissa Richford, Principal Clerk al 508-799-1190. Envíe sus comentarios por escrito 3 días hábiles o Scott Morin, Director of Maintenance más antes de la reunión. Si necesita adaptaciones razonables para participar en la reunión, comuníquese con el contacto del personal John Grant, General Foreman indicado en la lista. Aunque las juntas y comisiones hacen todo lo 1 U P CO MI N G M EE TI N GS posible para atenderle, algunas adaptaciones podrían no estar DECEMBER 4, 2025 (TENTATIVE) disponibles si se solicitan con poca anticipación a la reunión programada. Las solicitudes de interpretación de lenguaje de señas DECEMBER 18, 2025 estadounidense deben hacerse 10 días hábiles o más antes de la reunión. JANUARY 29, 2026 FEBRUARY 26, 2026 1. Call to Order – 6:30 PM MARCH 19, 2026 2. Attendance (Roll Call) APRIL 16, 2026 MAY 14, 2026 3. Acceptance of Minutes (October 16, 2025) JUNE 11, 2026 4. Public Participation There will be a two (2) hour time limit for this meeting unless a majority of the commission members present vote to extend the allotted time. 5. Public Participation (Agenda Items); A person may speak for no more than three (3) minutes in total on any item appearing on the agenda. 6. Commissioner Report a) Request review and approval of the Parks & Recreation Rules & Regulations for 2026 b) Award of a $425,000.00 PARC Grant from the Commonwealth for South Worcester Playground 7. Old Business The individual / organization / group who has placed an item on the agenda may speak for no more than five (5) minutes in total on the item they have submitted. a) Request of Park Spirit of Worcester to discuss the attached documents (from the October 16, 2025, Agenda) as it pertains to Park Land used for non- park purposes. b) Request of Commissioner Stratton to have the Law Department review items 1, 2, 3 & 4 within three months. 8. New Business Agenda items must be submitted three (3) business days before each Commission meeting with subject line “Agenda Item” to Parks@worcesterma.gov and reply satisfactorily to any required follow-up requests sent by the Parks and Recreation Commission. 2  The individual / organization / group who has placed an item on the agenda may speak for no more than five (5) minutes in total on the item they have submitted. a) Request of District 4 City Councilor Luis A. Ojeda Sr., the Worcester City Council, Mayor Jospeh M. Petty and the Green Island Residents Group to begin the naming process of the building located in Crompton Park in honor of Lorraine M. Laurie. b) Request of the Festival of Lights Program to serve alcohol on the Worcester Common for the annual event on Friday December 5, 2025 c) Request of the Worcester Renegades Youth Street Hockey for approval to submit for a CPA Program Grant for improvements to Beaver Brook Park. d) Request of Commissioner Stratton to have status report on the William A. Richardson Park Fund. e) Request of Commissioner Dardy to discuss expectations on the $425K grant for the South Worcester Playground Renovation Phase III specifically the timing for when improvements are expected/anticipated to begin (after bids, etc.) and the total estimated amount that is required for all improvements to this park. Is there a phase 4, 5, etc.? f) Request of Commissioner Turner to reduce playing seasons at Beaver Brook Park to November 30 of each year as well as reduce evening use of the field to an earlier time during the week. g) Request of Commissioner Turner to have leagues that use the Beaver Brook Softball Field attend a Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to discuss issues related to their use h) Request of Commissioner Dardy to allow Geoffrey Killebrew to speak to the Commission regarding vending items included in the attached email. 9. Tabled Business To take an item off the table, a motion must be made by a member of the Commission, seconded and approved by a majority vote of the members present. The item can then be discussed at the next meeting. a) NA 10. Meeting Adjourned (Roll Call) 3  Department of Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery Parks & Recreation Division 50 Officer Manny Familia Way, Worcester, MA 01605 P| 508-799-1190 F| 508-799-1293 parks@worcesterma.gov City of Worcester Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery 2026 Rules & Regulations (Draft) The Department of Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery by virtue or the authority delegated to it under chapter 45 of the General Laws of Massachusetts and every other power thereto enabling, hereby makes and publishes the following rules and regulations which shall not only be limited to the following and Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery reserves the right to make additional changes or expansions without notice at any given time. Within the limit of land under the management of the City of Worcester Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, it shall be unlawful for any person/organization: 1. No group outing/picnics will be guaranteed in any park, playground, or beach under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, unless a written permit from the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery has been obtained. All reservations for the pavilions at Green Hill Park must have a permit on file for groups of 15 or greater. 2. Permit request for fields and events will be issued between 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM, Monday – Friday (Non-Holidays business days). The City of Worcester Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery has a fee schedule, policies, rules, and regulations governing all parks. The Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery reserves the right to deny permits to those individuals and organizations that have in the past shown disregard for the policies, rules & regulations. 3. All permit holders have the right to use the vendors/concessionaires of their choice. Daily vendor/concessionaire that have been assigned a park cannot vend unless written permission is given to the Parks office from the permit holder. 4. Transferring of permits: There shall be no transferring of permits from one permit holder to another. 5. Only one (1) Special Event Permit will be authorized by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery per day, per park location. If a park already has a Special Event Permit scheduled for a given date, during the same time period, no other special event will be allowed at that park on the same day. 6. All permit reservations for park pavilions must have a permit on file with the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery for groups of 15 or more. 7. Failure to have all proper documentation submitted prior to the event may incur additional cost (Fees) to the permit holder or delay the event. 8. Any sport league or organization hosting, managing, or operating a sports tournament, must submit a Sports Tournament Permit Application. 9. Any field, facility, or structure improvements that are requested by any organizations permitted to use a public park, must receive approval from The Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery and/or may need approval by the Parks and Recreation Commission. 10. In the event of inclement weather conditions on a given date, Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery may rescind a permit and restrict the use of any field or park at their determination such use will have a negative long-term effect on the facility. 11. The use of, but not limited to confetti, rice, artificial flowers, paint, balloons, etc., are not allowed at any park due to the environmental impact, safety of wildlife, and the debris that is left behind. A fine or cleanup cost may be assigned to those who disregard this regulation. 12. To deface, remove or destroy any sign or notice or protective device placed in a park facility, playground, athletic field, open space, or beach under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 13. To commit any unlawful act of violence, disturbance toward other people, or remove wildlife or plants, or commit any act of nuisance in any park facility, playground, athletic field, open space, or beach under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 14. To obstruct, hinder, or impede the movement of working employees in any public park (including boundary road thereof) or other public place (including any parkway) under the control of the Department of Parks, Recreation &  Cemetery any reasonable direction given by a City employee or by any Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery employee or contained in any notice posted by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 15. To play golf or to practice with a putter or other club or stick of any kind upon or within any public park, playground, athletic field, open space or beach, except in those areas purposely set aside for this activity or in conjunction with any organized city recreation program. 16. To play any active ball games in any park, playground, or beach except in areas set aside for such games that might impact other activities. 17. To roller blade, roller skate, skateboard, or ride a bike in any designated park area unless specially identified for this purpose. 18. To boat/float on a flotation device, motorized watercraft, or winter snow/ice vehicles (snowmobiles, etc.) are not allowed on or in any body of water (ice or snow covered) within a public park unless specifically authorized by a written permit issued by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. No boats, flotation devices except US Coast Guard approved life jackets. No motorized watercrafts shall be launched within 150’ of any public beach. 19. To ice skate on any body of water within a public park except those water bodies designated for such use. Those designated for such use are Elm Park (3 meres) and University Park Pond. At all sites the ice must be declared safe by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 20. To sell, offer, or distribute for sale, any goods or ware, or to advertise sponsorships that relate to tobacco, alcohol, political endorsements, marijuana, religious believes, drugs, or pornographic material is prohibited in any park facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 21. To commit any trespass in any public park, playground, or beach within the city between the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, or other set times. A trespass shall be any unauthorized entry in, upon, or across any property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 22. To drive any Commercial vehicle into any park is prohibited, except on business of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 23. No climbing, hanging banners, or attaching signs (flyers) to park trees under the management and jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery is prohibited. 24. No drying laundry or blankets in parks under the management and jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery is prohibited. 25. Using skateboards, roller skates, roller skis, coasting vehicles (electric or non-electric) of similar devices is prohibited in parks, except in designated areas under the management and jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery is prohibited. 26. It is prohibited to erect a booth, sleeping tent, pop-up canopy sleeping bag, inflatable, stall, camper, motor home, or other structures or to sleep/camp or lodge in any park, playground, beach, or open space. Stakeless tents, pop up canopy, inflatables, sports equipment are allowed during regular operating hours. 27. All motorized vehicles repairs, washing & cleaning of vehicles, and overnight parking is prohibited in city parks, except for emergencies under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. Such vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense, except City of Worcester equipment. 28. The removal of plants, rocks, minerals, and fossils from city parks under the management and jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery is prohibited. 29. Advertisements or sponsorship displays in any city park under the management and jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cemetery shall not include or reference to alcohol, tobacco products, drugs, sexual content, or political endorsements. 30. All vending/concessions must have been approved by the standard city process and have an official vending/concession permit. 31. Drones: Please refer to the Federal Aviation Administration Regulations (FAA). 32. Smoking: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 15- Fines and Penalties. It is unlawful and not allowed to smoke in any public park, playground, or beach under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 33. Alcoholic Beverages: Please refer to Chapter 138, Section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws. To possess, sell or drink any alcoholic beverages while on, in, or upon any park, playground, or beach or other areas under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. Except on Worcester Common as approved by the Worcester Parks & Recreation Commission and with a special liquor permit in addition to the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery permit. 34. Illegal Dumping & Public Trash Receptacles: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 8, Section (6) & (6A): No person shall deposit any litter, garbage, trash or waste, of any kind, in a public trash receptacle. The section may be enforced by civil process, criminal process or by noncriminal deposition as provided in General Laws, Chapter 40, (21D) First Violation: $50.00, Second Violation: $100.00, Third Violation: $200.00, Fourth Violation and each subsequent violation: $300.00 35. Dog Ordinance: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 8, -Public Health, Section (10 – 13): It shall be unlawful for any person to: Section 13 (8), allow any dogs, except a registered service dog, to be in in any city park, public cemetery or playground, excepting only such city park as may be designated by the parks and recreation commission as being open to on leash dog use. Dogs are allowed in City parks on leash, except, athletic fields, athletic courts, playgrounds, fitness areas, and beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Off leash dogs are allowed in the City Worcester designated Dog Parks under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 36. Excessive and Unreasonable Noice Ordinance: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Part 1, Chapter 9, Section (1A) of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 Part One-As Amended through July 2018, 2023, of the City of Worcester. Sound from activities in the public parks, playgrounds, playing fields, or public property or building of the City used under the written permission of the municipal official or body charge with the care, custody and control of said facility; provided that, any amplified sound generated by such activities shall not be plainly addible at a distance of 50 feet or more from said public park, playground, playing field, or public property or building. Snow Removal: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 15- Fines and Penalties. To place any snow or ice 37. Snow Removal: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 15- Fines and Penalties. To place any snow or ice from adjacent property from private property upon any park property, sidewalk, open spaces, roadway, parking areas or any boundary road of a public park or of any parkway under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 38. Malicious Bonfires & Inflammable Fluids: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 10, Section 3-5. No campfires are allowed in city parks under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 39. Fireworks & No Color Fireworks: Please refer to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Law; MGL Chapter 148, Section 39 regarding the use of fireworks. No fireworks or No color fireworks are allowed in City parks under the management and jurisdiction of the City of Worcester Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. Permitted and approved Fireworks are allowed for the Fourth of July Celebration by a Professional License Pyrotechnic Certified Company approved by the City of Worcester Administration and Worcester Fire Department. 40. Busking: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 12, Section 26 (H) of the Revised Ordinances of 2008- Part One-as amended. 41. Feeding or Baiting Waterfowl: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 15, Number 23, Section (9B): To feed waterfowl & animals is prohibited in any park facility, playground, athletic field, open space, or beach under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. 42. Firearms, Air Rifles and BB Guns: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 9- Public Safety, Section 8 (a). 43. Use of Personal Watercraft on Indian Lake Prohibited: Please refer to the City of Worcester Ordinance, Chapter 9 of the Revised Ordinances of 2008 is hereby amended by a new section “17.” Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery - Park Security Guards: All Parks Security Guards have been sworn-in and have taken the Oath of Office from the City Clerk Office to be authorized to issue parking citations within the boundaries of the City of Worcester.  Additional Policy for the use of the City Common: To commit any trespass between the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, except with a written permit from the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. A trespass shall be any unauthorized entry in, upon, or across the Common during these hours; Common may be used only as a walk through. No active leisure activities are permitted on the Common, including but not limited to bicycle riding, skateboarding, roller blading, roller skating, Frisbee, unless a written parks permit is obtained through the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. Closing Hours: Parks shall be closed to the public between the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM or as posted except if authorized in a written permit from the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery. Bancroft Tower hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Waiver Right & Penalties: The Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery reserves the right to waive and/or limit these rules at any time if in the best interest of the City of Worcester. Per Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 45, Section 24, Amended May 20, 1977, whoever violates and rule or regulation for the government or use of any land or way taken or held under this chapter or for like purposes under any special act, and made under authority of law by any board or officer in charge thereof, shall be punished of not more than two hundred dollars. Violators also risk permanent revocation of current and future Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery facility permits. An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: Human Rights Policy. It is the policy of the City of Worcester to assure that every individual shall have equal access to and benefit from all public services, accommodation, and employment opportunities to protect every individual in the employment and exercise of civil rights and to encourage and bring about mutual understanding and respect among all individuals of the city. It us (is) clear that behavior which denies equal treatment to any of our citizens as a result of their race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, disability, or source of income undermines civil order and deprives persons of the benefits of a free and open society. Nothing in this section shall be constructed as supporting or advocating any religious view or lifestyle. To the contrary, it is the intention of this section that all persons(people) be treated fairly and equally, and it is the expressed intent of this ordinance to bring about the elimination of prejudice, intolerance, bigotry, discrimination, and the disorder occasioned thereby. The Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery reserves the right to close a park facility for the purpose of maintenance, renovations, repairs, or safety concerns at any time. The above Rules and Regulations have been approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission Violations of the City of Worcester Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cemetery Rules and Regulations may result in action by the Parks & Recreation Commission. Such actions may include verbal or written warnings, in person review with Parks & Recreation Commission, suspension, or revocation of permits, at the discretion of the Parks & Recreation Commission, if the permit holder or league has failed to correct the violation(s) after all other options have been exhausted.  November 13, 2025 City Hall Room 310 455 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 Office: 508–799-1049 Luis A. Ojeda Sr. Fax: 508–799-1194 District 4 City Councilor OjedaL@WorcesterMA.gov Robert C. Antonelli Jr. Commissioner, Parks Department 50 Officer Manny Familia Way Worcester, MA 01605 Dear Commissioner Antonelli, Please accept this letter of support for the renaming of the Green Island Neighborhood Center in Crompton Park to include the name of ‘Lorraine M. Laurie.’ Lorraine led the Green Island Neighborhood Group for many decades, generously giving her time and energy to improve the neighborhood. She was deeply invested in preserving the rich history of Green Island and carried a wealth of local knowledge that has been lost with her passing. As president of Green Island Residents Group, Inc. (among other roles), she helped organize food-drop- offs at the neighborhood center to support families in need, especially around Thanksgiving. She also ensured that the Kelley Square Christmas Tree Lighting continued during redevelopment by seeking out an alternate location. Lorraine devoted her life to giving back to the City of Worcester in countless ways, but her heart was especially rooted in her beloved neighborhood of Green Island. So beloved in the community that residents affectionately referred to her as the “Mayor of Green Island.” Thank you for considering this renaming in her honor. Luis A. Ojeda Sr. District 4 City Councilor Khrystian E. King Vice Chairman Morris Bergman Councilor At-Large Donna Colorio Councilor At-Large & Councilor At-Large Thu Nguyen Councilor At-Large Kathleen Toomey Councilor At-Large Jenny Pacillo District 1 City Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson George Russell District 3 City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj District 5 City Councilor District 2 City Councilor City of Worcester • 455 Main Street • Worcester, MA 01608-1892 Office: 508–799-1049 • Fax: 508–799-1194 • www.WorcesterMa.gov  Public Participation – Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 and in order to ensure active, public engagement, the City of Worcester currently allows for both in person and remote participation at the Parks & Recreation Commission meetings. To partake in the “Public Participation” section of this meeting, you may join us directly within the 50 Officer Manny Familia Way - Meeting Room A, follow the information above to join via the WebEx application or dial the direct line as indicated. If you would like to raise your hand when in the meeting as a call-in user you may dial *3. Topics to include: Requests to serve alcohol at the Worcester Common The Department of Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery has received a request/requests to serve alcoholic beverages at the Worcester Common as part of a special event. We are cordially inviting you to attend this meeting, as this presentation will be followed by an open public discussion/question and comments period to allow the Parks and Recreation Commission to better understand and ascertain the impact to the neighbors, citizens and organizations that currently use the facility. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Date: November 20, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM In person Meeting Meeting Room A—50 Officer Manny Familia Way, Worcester, MA INVITE– Update The passcode has been revised The City of Worcester does not discriminate on the basis of For Virtual: Go to www.teams.com disability. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Click the “join” button on the top right side of the will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in screen alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies Enter Meeting ID#: 287 050 849 466 6 and procedures to persons with disabilities upon advance re- Enter Passcode: 3qJ9Ue9s quest. If you choose to call for audio only: Please contact the Parks Department at parks@ worcester- Call 1-469-998-7682 ma.gov or phone (508) 799-1190 or the City ADA Coordina- Public Participation – Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 and in order to ensure active, public engagement, the City of Worcester currently allows for both in person and remote participation at the Parks & Recreation Commission meetings. To partake in the “Public Participation” section of this meeting, you may join us directly within the 50 Officer Manny Familia Way - Meeting Room A, follow the information above to join via the WebEx application or dial the direct line as indicated. If you would like to raise your hand when in the meeting as a call-in user you may dial *3. Topics to include: Requests to serve alcohol at the Worcester Common The Department of Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery has received a request/requests to serve alcoholic beverages at the Worcester Common as part of a special event. We are cordially inviting you to attend this meeting, as this presentation will be followed by an open public discussion/question and comments period to allow the Parks and Recreation Commission to better understand and ascertain the impact to the neighbors, citizens and organizations that currently use the facility. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Date: November 20, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM In person Meeting Meeting Room A—50 Officer Manny Familia Way, Worcester, MA INVITE– Update The passcode has been revised The City of Worcester does not discriminate on the basis of For Virtual: Go to www.teams.com disability. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Click the “join” button on the top right side of the will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in screen alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies Enter Meeting ID#: 287 050 849 466 6 and procedures to persons with disabilities upon advance re- Enter Passcode: 3qJ9Ue9s quest. If you choose to call for audio only: Please contact the Parks Department at parks@ worcester- Call 1-469-998-7682 ma.gov or phone (508) 799-1190 or the City ADA Coordina- City Of Worcester PLEASE Department of Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery PLACE 50 Officer Manny Familia Way STAMP Worcester, Massachusetts 01605-2898 HERE City Of Worcester PLEASE Department of Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery PLACE 50 Officer Manny Familia Way STAMP Worcester, Massachusetts 01605-2898 HERE  Worcester Renegades Youth Street Hockey 15 Mann Street Worcester, MA 01602 Worcester Parks Commission 50 Officer Manny Familia Way Worcester, MA 01605 774-778-7394 Dear Worcester Parks Commission, On behalf of the Worcester Renegades Youth Street Hockey program, I am writing to respectfully v request a letter of support from your department as we pursue funding through the Community Preservation Act (CPA) grant program during the fall 2025 Application Cycle with hopes for Spring 2026 funding. The CPA Grant is a perfect opportunity to request funding for much needed repairs that would improve our program and Beaver Brook Park in general. jeremyfahlbeck@gmail.com For many years, the street hockey rink at Beaver Brook Park has been the heart of youth street hockey in Worcester. It has served as a vital space for our program, which is built on the core values of sportsmanship, determination, and community engagement. The rink is not only central to our youth development efforts but also supports the city’s youth summer programs and is enjoyed by countless park patrons throughout the year. Unfortunately, time and open use have taken a toll on the facility, and significant repairs are now needed to ensure its continued safe operation and accessibility for our growing program. The proposed improvements include: ● Rink Surface Upgrade: The current surface is cracked and peeling, creating unsafe J E R E MY F A H L B E C K playing conditions. We aim to replace it with a specialized street hockey decking material that meets modern safety standards and aligns with other local rink surfaces. Our travel team also could train on the surface that they play on while competing in local tournaments. ● Board Replacement/Repair: Many of the rink boards are damaged or deteriorating, posing safety risks and reducing the integrity of the playing area. Total board replacement is needed to ensure continued safety and longevity. This includes all walls  around the rink as well as all the gates/doors to get into the rink from the outside and team bench area. ● Fencing and Goal Maintenance: The protective backstops behind the goals need upgrading. Years of wear have compromised the fasteners and structures, making repairs essential. ● Bleacher Accessibility - The families of our athletes have been very supportive in cheering on their players. As family members age and life happens, many of our spectators could benefit from handicap accessible bleachers. We would be looking to add (or replace) a section of bleachers with more accessible bleachers that include ramp access. ● Other Park Improvements- In addition to making the bleachers and viewing experience more accessible to the physically and developmentally disabled we would love to replace the worn, inaccessible playground with one that all members of the community could easily use. We believe these upgrades will not only benefit our youth athletes but also enhance the overall recreational experience for the community. A letter of support would strengthen our application and demonstrate the city’s commitment to youth recreation and public park improvement. The WRYSH program is committed to providing enriching athletic opportunities for the youth of our community at the lowest cost to our members. The Beaver Brook Park rink plays a crucial role in this mission. WRYSH is an accessible valternative to ice hockey (sometimes thousands of dollars) and allows children from all backgrounds to participate in a team sport at a low price. Repairing this facility will directly benefit hundreds of young athletes each year, contributing to their physical and social development. We are just beginning the grant application, and the process is new to us. We are just learning which aspects of the project would be applicable, what areas of the park we may be allowed to use, and what would need to be completed by approved contractors. Therefore we are still gathering exact estimates for the project. A very rough, estimate to include the hockey rink, bleachers, and park area would be approximately $250,000-$350,000. We appreciate your ongoing support and would be grateful for your support in this grant application process. Warm regards, Jeremy Fahlbeck VICE PRESIDENT WORCESTER RENEGADES