Parks-Recreation Board approves proposal for summer employees for recreation site

The Parks-Recreation Board approved a proposal to hire 39 summer employees for the upcoming 200 Trapelo Road recreation space.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Kim Hebert, the Director of Recreation, told the board the summer employees will be responsible for the supervision of the site as well as its various assisted amusements and mini-golf course.

The 200 Trapelo Road recreation space will open May 17 and is located on the grounds of the former Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center.  

Employees will have to complete a CPR training course and receive approval from Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy and the Human Resources Department before being officially hired.

In other news,

• The board approved a donation of a batting cage from the town’s softball league. The cage will be installed at the Veterans Memorial Athletic Complex at 385 Forest St.
• Deborah Coleman will join the recreation board as a representative from the School Committee next week.
• Hebert said that improvements to Logan and McKenna playgrounds are nearly complete. According to the department’s website, renovations of both parks started on March 17.
• Hebert said the department has been receiving emails from city councilors stating some neighbors of the McKenna playground reported park users have been parking in their driveways. Hebert said she has been working with the Waltham Police Department on the issue.
• The board discussed details of the upcoming opening of the recreation space at 200 Trapelo Road. Hebert said the park will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Additionally, Hebert said she is securing contracts for private security professionals at the recreation space. Private security will patrol the area from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. She stated she is also looking at quotes for additional fencing and cameras for the area.
• The board acknowledged that there will be an organized protest during the grand opening of the park. Hebert said she is working with the police and law department to ensure everyone is safe but provided no additional details.