Improve Playing Field Conditions in Bedford

Condition of Bedford's Playing Fields

Greetings,

We the undersigned residents of the Town of Bedford ask the Board of Selectmen to take the lead in developing and implementing a comprehensive plan for improving the condition of Bedford’s playing fields. We expect that this effort will require the input and coordination of a number of town departments and boards as well as many of the very willing and energized town people; and therefore it is important that the Selectmen lead and facilitate the process with us.

We seek to partner with the town to improve the condition of our fields, ensure that they are safe and well‐maintained, and MAKE SURE THE COST OF DOING SO IS TRANSPARENT TO US, THE TAXPAYERS.

A number of citizens, several of whom have professional background and experience in related disciplines, are willing to assist in the effort.

CURRENT CONDITIONS: Bedford's playing field conditions are among the worst in the area and are certainly not up to the standards befitting a town ranked 6 in the Commonwealth’s Best Public School ranking. Despite use restrictions self-imposed by a number of the athletic organizations using the fields, the situation continues to deteriorate. Kids have been hurt and opponents have refused to play on our fields due to safety concerns.

DELIVERABLES: A comprehensive report that includes:

1. an inventory of existing fields and field usage; an assessment of their condition;
2. Recommendations for short and long‐term improvements, and
3. An assessment of resources required.

Additional fields may required to satisfy current demand and to allow fields to be rotated. If this is the case, the comprehensive plan should include recommendations and a timetable for adding fields and the offline rotation of the existing fields.

TIMETABLE: We would ask that this report be delivered by March 1, 2011 so that it may be distributed and open for public comment and feedback in advance for the SP2011 Town Meeting.

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