Fee increases set for Waltham Recreation rentals and programs 

The Parks-Recreation Board during its meeting on Wednesday voted to increase fees for several different amenity rentals and programs.

The fee for a two-hour rental of an outdoor facility or an athletic field will increase from $180 to $185. For rental of pickleball courts, the rental time will increase from 60 minutes to 90 minutes. Additionally, the fees for nonresident rental will increase from $25 to $30 for outdoor courts and from $40 to $45 for indoor courts. Pavilion rental fees for nonresidents will increase from $95 to $100, and 50-minute rental fees for Veterans Memorial Rink will increase from $210 to $220 for nonprofit groups and from $230 to $240 for private groups. Summer program rates will increase by $5, which parks and recreation director Kim Hebert said still keeps Waltham’s program costs well below those of surrounding towns.

In additional business:, 

• Vice President Brian Wilder of the Waltham Youth Basketball Association reported steady numbers and a successful season in 2025. Wilder said the Saturday coaching partnership between the Waltham High School Varsity Basketball team and the in-town youth team will continue. Scholarships are offered for kids who need them.
• President Dennis Keohane of the Prospect Hill Ski Team  said there was more involvement from Waltham families this season than in years past, as well as nearly 100 racers on the team. Keohane emphasized that the team isn’t trying to create elite ski racers. The goal is to teach members how to race safely and make skiing a lifelong activity.
• Former high school athletic director Steve Laforest talked about the city’s Lou Tompkins All Star Baseball League, which provides low-cost summer baseball opportunities for kids who have aged out of the Little League Baseball program. Two teams from the program made the playoffs this summer and program participants helped to coach and umpire Little League Baseball games.
• Flight Performance Gym and Fitness proposed a 5K road race that would start at its business at 13 Wall St. The plan is for the race to take place in early April. The gym wanted to use nearby McKenna Playground as a gathering space for the race, which would also include a business exhibition and porta-potties. Due to concerns about traffic flow and parking in the area, the board asked to change the race location to 411 Waverly Oaks Road, which has been a safe and successful 5K starting spot for other races in the city.