Ted Williams Camp fields could get upgrade

LAKEVILLE -- The Lakeville Select Board has taken initial steps toward renovating the ballfields at Ted Williams Camp.

Town Administrator Andrew Sukeforth will submit a grant application to the Community Preservation Committee seeking funds for the project.

Select Board members agreed at their Sept. 15 meeting to authorize that application.

The work is needed, Sukeforth said, based on public feedback.

Athletic groups have complained about the state of the fields, he said, and have expressed extreme dissatisfaction’’ with conditions.

In some cases, he noted, groups have chosen to use Freetown fields instead.

This results in a loss of revenue for Lakeville, he said.

Engineering plans are estimated to cost $40,000, he said. These plans are needed, he stated, before the project can be put out to bid.

State grant money is available for recreation projects, Sukeforth said, but that is usually contingent on having plans in place.

Community preservation funds are obtained through a percentage of residents’ tax payments.

Projects involving open space and recreation tend to be prioritized, Sukeforth said. 

The committee has “quite a bit of money in its reserve account,’’ Sukeforth said. He did not specify an exact amount.

Work is also being considered at John Paun Park. Like Ted Williams, the park includes multiple sports fields.  

The park department would like to see both locations upgraded, Sukeforth said.

Select Board Chair Lorraine Carbone said she hopes the town will bring the locations to “good, even superior’’ condition.

Since the Community Preservation Committee has the final say, select board member Kristen Howard said it would “behoove’’ the town to work closely with the committee to navigate the plan.