Plans to modify Harvard’s fields into adequate facilities for the town’s softball players have been approved by another committee. The Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously at its Sept. 6 meeting to support the School Committee’s proposal to improve the existing softball field on Ann Lees Road and convert one of the Ryan Land baseball fields to a softball field.
The Parks and Rec decision follows a Aug. 22 vote by the School Committee to spend up to $70,000 on these modifications. Members of Parks and Rec added a condition to the project approval, stating that the maximum number of storage and changing sheds on the Ryan Land fields must not exceed two.
Parks and Rec Chair Bob O’Shea said there currently are three sheds on the Ryan Land fields, and the wooden ones are rotting. “I want to clean this park up instead of just keep throwing more sheds down there,” he said, adding that two sheds “is really the maximum that the property should try to absorb.” O’Shea said he supports the idea of tearing down the deteriorating snack shack and replacing it with a new shed, but requests for additional sheds will be considered separately.
Further modifications to one of the Ryan Land fields include removing the infield grass and installing clay, improving the dugouts and adding covers, replacing the benches, and installing bleachers.
The approved modifications at Ann Lees field include funding for a batting cage, dugout covers, a scoreboard on wheels, and a shed for changing and storage. Additional work will be done to relocate the bases and move the foul poles.
