Recreation Commission punts on turf moratorium, field-planning petitions

WAYLAND -- January 22, 2024, Wayland Recreation Commission defers position on turf moratorium and field-planning petitions. The commission declined Monday to endorse or oppose two citizen articles headed to the May 15 annual town meeting, opting first to meet with Town Manager Michael McCall. Petitioner Paul Dale of 12 Grace Road is seeking a three-year extension of the artificial turf moratorium that expires in January 2025, arguing the town needs more time to evaluate the new Loker grass field, which opens this spring. A second article from Dave Bernstein would create a seven-member Athletic Field Planning Committee to write a 10-year capital plan; Bernstein said only 10 of Wayland's 27 usable fields are irrigated and four of those systems need repair, while "80 percent" of students play athletics. Chair Asa B. Foster and DPW Director Tom Holder both signaled a preference for a staff working group over a new standing committee.