Recreation Commission defers Sherman Bridge stance, invites residents to November meeting

WAYLAND -- October 21, 2025, Wayland Recreation Commission punts on Sherman Bridge, will hear residents Nov. 12. Commissioner Lesley Stewart briefed colleagues on the Oct. 9 MassDOT-Sudbury-Wayland forum, where residents split over keeping the wood deck or paving it; Stewart warned an asphalt surface could push speeds to "45 miles per hour" on a span used by cyclists, anglers and bird watchers. Chair Asa B. Foster said the commission should not be "the petitioner" and will instead invite letter-writers to its next meeting. Members also learned roughly $1.25 million in prior CPA recreation awards remains unspent, including $400,000 for the Children's Way playground now complicated by a DPW stormwater recommendation that could send the money back or require an $850,000 relocation. Director Catherine Kuras said the first Wayland Festival drew an estimated 5,500 people. Bergeron was absent; the Sept. 16 minutes passed 4-0.