Parks commission updates: trail mapping, Loon Pond Lodge repairs and batting-cage coordination

Commissioners reported several operational updates at the Jan. 22 meeting.

Trail mapping: Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SERPED) will visit in April to map Ted Williams Camp trails and produce a one-page map under a transportation grant at no cost to the commission.

Loon Pond Lodge: The lodge experienced a ceiling collapse of acoustic-grid panels during attic insulation work; staff reported repairs and reinsertion of insulation, but the lodge’s dishwasher still lacks consistently hot water despite multiple plumbers’ visits. Staff will continue to investigate and report back.

Baseball and batting cages: A liaison updated the commission on discussions with volunteers and Freetown-Lakeville to coordinate a workday and avoid damaging irrigation lines while installing batting-cage components. Commissioners advised routing work along tree lines to limit impact to fields.

Next steps: Staff will coordinate with SERPED on scheduling, continue repairs at Loon Pond Lodge, and confirm dates and plans with Freetown-Lakeville representatives before volunteer work begins.