The Wellesley Recreation Commission earlier this month threw its support behind the Natural Resources Commission’s proposed Hunnewell tennis courts revamp and shared plans for how to handle misbehavior at its summer camps (see Wellesley Media recording of Feb. 13 meeting).
Court changes proposed
NRC Director Brandon Schmitt shared the latest on Annual Town Meeting article 24, sponsored by the Board of Public Works, to undertake an overdue rehab of the Hunnewell tennis courts along Washington Street and convert one into three pickleball courts (plus line the hitting wall court so it can double as a pickleball court). With consideration of pickleball courts at the Morses Pond parking lot losing steam, the Hunnewell courts plan is the town’s latest effort to address demand for outdoor pickleball while sparing neighbors from the noise. The Hunnewell courts are on land overseen by the NRC. “This is a compromise between trying to meet the needs of all the various users,” Schmitt said.
It remains to be seen how the high school tennis teams would manage the loss of a court, though one argument made in favor of adding permanent pickleball courts is that high schools are starting to form pickleball teams.
Recreation Commission Chair Paul Cramer did ask for assurances that soundproofing be included for the pickleball courts to safeguard neighbors from sounds. The thinking for now from Rec, as far as reserving courts, would be to use the same system now used and only charge for night use.
Summer camp management
Matt Chin, Wellesley’s recreation director, said his department is modifying its behavior policies for summer camps. The department has seen an increase in consistent inappropriate behavior, including outbursts, use of foul language, and physical incidents, that can make its summer camps unsafe or uncomfortable for campers and staff (Chin said Wellesley Public Schools have seen the same trend).
“There will be a little more tough love at camp this summer and in working with families,” Chin said. “Really trying to get out ahead of it.”
The department will reach out to families in coming months whose children were involved in repeated incidents last year as well as new families. The Rec Department’s Chad Norton said additional training for staff or adding staff with behavioral training could be one way to address more campers’ needs, though also noted that most staff members are ages 16-20, so maybe only be able to handle so much in terms of behavioral issues. “We are a recreational day camp, so what we can provide to some kids probably isn’t the best solution for them,” he said, adding that the department has been collecting information on specialty camps that might be better suited for some children.
The Recreation Department serves about 200 kids a day, roughly 1,000 over the summer. About 10 to 20 of the campers are involved in repeat inappropriate behavior, Norton said, responding to a Recreation Commission member’s question. The department is leaning toward having people apply for camp, rather than just registering, so that applicants can be reviewed before being accepted into the program.
Rec Commission Chair Cramer suggested that the department reach out to the Human Relations Service organization that works with the town on mental health issues.
Norton also revealed that camp pricing will go up about 5%, or $20 a week, this summer. This is in reaction to inflation and staffing costs, and pricing still comes in far lower than most camps in the area, he said.
Moving temporarily to Upham
The Recreation Department is readying to pack up during April school vacation and move to the vacant Upham Elementary School while the HVAC system is replaced at the Warren Building where Rec currently resides. Having the department out of the building will make it easier for the Facilities Management Department to get its work done and shorten the project. The goal is to get Rec back at Warren by around the end of the year/start of new year.
What this means is that Rec offices will mainly be at 888 Worcester St., where Town Hall offices had been earlier this year. Rec programs, however, will be held at Upham. Programs that need a kitchen will be out of luck during this period since Upham doesn’t have one. It’s possible some dance programs could be held elsewhere.
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