Great Barrington Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - March 9, 2026

The Great Barrington Parks and Recreation Commission convened in person on March 9, 2026, at 5:15 PM. Commissioners approved multiple park usage requests, deliberated on future use policies for Memorial Field, and discussed strategies for goose deterrence at Lake Mansfield. Several items were addressed regarding field maintenance, community partnerships, and procedural updates.

Consent Calendar

• None explicitly identified; minutes from the previous meeting were approved with an amendment correcting the next meeting date to March 9, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brittany Eveling and Melanie McCarthy of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) introduced themselves and announced their role in community outreach for a second Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant focused on Old Mates Park in Housatonic. They plan to hold stakeholder meetings and community listening sessions later in the spring.
• Carly from Berkshire Busk presented initial ideas for free family-friendly outdoor movies at the gazebo, possibly using a new vendor or purchasing equipment. No formal request was made; more details will be brought to a future meeting.

Discussion Items

• Town Grade Concert Series (Lee): Lee presented plans for summer weekday concerts (mostly Wednesdays and Fridays, 5:30–7:00 PM) at Fan Park and Placebo, from early June through mid-September, plus Saturday children’s concerts in July and August. The commission approved the request unanimously, noting the schedule avoids conflicts with the Berkshire International Film Festival.
• Mahaiwe (Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center) Gala: Janice requested use of the east end of Memorial Field for a one-night fundraiser (tent setup 48 hours prior, take down after). This sparked debate: some commissioners opposed using the baseball field for non-sporting events, citing a prior policy decision and alcohol concerns. An amendment to ban alcohol failed for lack of a second. The original motion to approve passed with one member opposed and one abstention, contingent on other permits (e.g., DRT review). The commission urged Mahaiwe to explore alternative venues for future years.
• Berkshire International Film Festival (BIF): Lauren requested use of the town hall lawn (Giggle Park) for an opening night tent (250–275 guests) from May 28–31, 2026. Approved unanimously with standard conditions.
• Babe Ruth Baseball: Luke requested expanded use of Memorial Field for two local teams, including weekend doubleheaders and additional league games. The commission approved, and discussion followed on field maintenance—watering, conditioning, and avoiding soil compaction during mud season. Luke noted the need for a volunteer squad to handle watering during dry spells.
• Goose Deterrence Plan: Joe reported that new equipment (yellow lights, lasers, noisemakers) is arriving, but DPW lacks staff (one person out, one left) to perform the necessary four-times-a-day, seven-days-a-week patrols during nesting season. Options discussed: volunteer coordination (subject to town manager approval on liability), or hiring a professional service (Wild Goose Chase) at an estimated $400/week for three months. Joe will outline a plan with DPW and coordinate with potential volunteers. Santa, a yoga instructor at the lake, noted health risks from goose feces and offered limited help but cannot commit to multiple daily rounds.
• Policy on Memorial Field Usage: Paul raised concerns about opening the field to organizations beyond the Millers and Babe Ruth, such as the high school or American Legion. He noted that a prior approval for an out-of-town tournament had set a precedent. The commission agreed that no exclusive-use policy exists and that any group can submit a parks usage request. Chairs and the town manager can approve off-cycle requests. No formal vote was taken.
• Donation/Memorial Process: Discussion on creating a formal policy for plaques, benches, and trees. Paul noted that tree requests should go to the Tree Committee, and that a broader process involving the Select Board is needed. The chair will take questions to the town manager.
• DPW Updates: Joe reported that the senior center’s square dancing program (paid instructor, paid participants) operates under different rules than the parks department, which generally prohibits fee-based activities at parks. The town manager is working to unify rules across town facilities.
• Youth Participation: Alana is working with four youth interested in attending parks meetings as part of career readiness. No formal action.
• Pickleball Waiver: Karen submitted a proposed waiver for pickleball use to the town manager, who deferred the matter to the Select Board for a broader policy on who may use town facilities (residents, business owners, employees, etc.).

Key Outcomes

• Approved Town Grade Concert Series (unanimous).
• Approved Mahaiwe gala (with conditions; one opposed, one abstention) with request to consider alternative sites in future.
• Approved Berkshire International Film Festival (unanimous).
• Approved Babe Ruth baseball request (unanimous).
• Directive: Joe to produce a detailed goose deterrence plan and coordinate with volunteers, pending town manager review.
• Next Steps: Chair to consult town manager on donation/memorial policy; Alana to facilitate youth participation; Joe and DPW to finalize watering and field conditioning schedules with Babe Ruth.
• Upcoming Meetings: The next regular commission meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2026. The Open Space and Recreation Plan meeting is March 26, 2026.