Demolished Fitch School to be open space for foreseeable future

During its Wednesday night meeting, the Parks-Recreation Board discussed plans for the land where the newly demolished Fitch School once stood.

While there have been rumors about a possible playground, director of recreation Kim Hebert said that there are no plans for the area for the next five to ten years. The area will be seeded and remain as open space for the time being. Hebert said there will be a community input meeting regarding the space in the future.

Hebert also announced that work on the exterior of the Howe and Admin buildings at 200 Trapelo Road will start soon and should be finished by late 2026 if all goes to plan. The Howe building will house a six-lane indoor pool, and the Admin building will contain a bowling alley, classrooms and office space.

In other action, the board:

• Heard a presentation from Waltham Youth Hockey treasurer Paul Aborn, who reported that despite having to raise tuition, the program maintained its strong numbers in the 2025 season. Aborn has been involved with the program for more than 20 years.
• Approved a list of 93 potential summer recreation staff hires. The seasonal hires will fill positions in various areas of recreation programming such as camps, spray parks, park ranger assistants and amusements.
• Discussed the department’s Springtacular celebration, which will take place at Prospect Hill Park on May 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature a Touch-a-Truck opportunity as well as other family-friendly entertainment, and is free to attend.
• Announced that the amusements at Prospect Hill Park and the mini golf course at 200 Trapelo Road will be open starting May 30.
• Bid farewell to Ben Kiwanuka, the Recreation Department’s inclusion supervisor. A listing for the position of inclusion supervisor will be posted on the city website in the coming weeks.