Committee discusses Calvin Burrough Field statue unveiling, fence and who will pay

Committee members reviewed plans for the unveiling of a three-foot running statue at Calvin Burrough Field and raised outstanding questions about safety and funding for any required protective measures.

Members said the committee bought the statue for about $6,000 and that delivery charges applied as well. One member reported that Public Works told the committee the installation may require a fence; Shirley (a committee member who had worked on the installation) said she had obtained a price for a fence but did not think the committee should automatically pay for it if the town requires it. ‘‘If it is required by the town to have a fence, I'm not sure that we have to be the ones to put the fence up,’’ the Chair summarized from the discussion.

The committee also discussed limiting physical contact with the statue — noting it can be ‘‘a little wiggly’’ because most of the body is above ground and the installation is top-heavy — and the need for a sign asking visitors not to touch the sculpture. Members said the statue draws children because of its size and suggested a small standoff area to permit photos without climbing.

Members agreed to determine, in consultation with Public Works and the town manager, whether a fence is formally required and who would be financially responsible. The presentation on the statue was moved to July 14 to allow members to review photographs and finalize any logistics for the unveiling.

Next steps are for the Chair and other members to talk to Public Works and the town manager and to report back with cost estimates and a recommendation for whether the committee should fund a fence or seek town funds or other sponsors.