At its meeting on Wednesday, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed the Fruit Street fields turf construction, CPC-funded projects, cricket pitch plans and summer programming.

“Nothing but good news on Fruit Street,” Parks & Recreation Director Jay Guelfi reported, with the turf fields replacement project scheduled to be completed on Aug. 19. The turf has been installed, and the infill will be completed on Friday. Next week, final painting, testing and a walk-through will take place. “Then, we’re open for business,” Guelfi said. Guelfi also anticipates that the project will come in under budget.

CPC-funded projects on hold

With the recent departure of the town’s procurement agent, Guelfi reported that projects funded by the Community Preservation Committee are in a “holding pattern” until a new agent is hired to assist with managing bid documents and other administrative duties. The town is actively working to hire a full-time procurement and grants manager and the position has been posted publicly. Parks & Recreation’s CPC-funded undertakings include projects such as a new skate park, a study for bathrooms at EMC Park and pickleball courts.

Additional updates shared

Guelfi reported that he met with Little League organizers to discuss the potential for a reconfiguration of Pyne Field to accommodate both a Little League baseball field and a cricket pitch. Next steps may include measuring the area and conducting a walk-through of the space. If the area is deemed to have potential, a CPC funding request may be filed to reconfigure the field to accommodate both sports.

Guelfi also shared that the department is wrapping up its major summer programs, including clinics and playground groups, the latter of which had record enrollment. He also noted that Sandy Beach activity was a “challenge” this summer, likely due to Hopkinton State Park’s swimming areas being closed for a couple of weeks due to high bacteria counts. The increased traffic to Sandy Beach led to staff being overwhelmed at times, Guelfi said, and visitors were found to be circumventing procedures. An ad hoc group will be convened to discuss potential solutions for next summer. …

Kelly Grill, executive director of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA), shared plans for adding a haunted trail to HCA’s annual Halloween weekend events. Portions of the Center Trail would be used for the activity. The commission found the idea to be favorable but noted that the trail is not Parks & Rec property. Over the Halloween weekend, HCA also plans to host a scavenger hunt, 5K and a trunk-or-treat event with Hopkinton Community Partnership.