The Milton Board of Park Commissioners is sharpening a high-stakes pitch for the upcoming May Town Meeting, arguing that synthetic turf is the only viable path to resolve the town’s chronic shortage of playing space. During their April 16 meeting, the board reviewed a recreational master plan that highlights a stark choice: Milton must either acquire significant new acreage for natural grass or transition existing parks to synthetic surfaces to meet current demand. Consultant Ryan from Weston & Sampson explained that while synthetic fields carry higher upfront costs, maintaining a natural turf field to the same performance standard can cost a municipality up to $40,000 annually. You're probably spending $10,000 or less, and that's why they play like they play, Ryan noted regarding the current state of Milton's grass fields.

Board member Carol Cahill emphasized the efficiency of synthetic surfaces, noting that one all-weather field provides the same usage capacity as three traditional grass fields. The maintenance of natural grass fields is just not sustainable when we have this many fields, Cahill said. Parks Manager Kevin added that certain sports are increasingly reliant on these upgrades, stating, We can't maintain what we have today. And field hockey—they don't play on grass, so they need synthetic. To address these needs, the board plans to re-submit a major funding request for Andrews Park. Motion Made by R. Libess to move forward with a Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding application for the Andrews Park field project, totaling approximately $3 million through a combination of CPA and capital funds. Motion Passed (3-0).

Chair Rob Libess urged the board to keep the Town Meeting presentation focused on outcomes rather than dense data. One route is if you go natural turf, we definitely don't have the field space. If we go synthetic turf, that potentially gives us a lot more bang for our buck with our existing facility, Libess said. The board also discussed conceptual designs for Flatley Park, where member Ted Carroll suggested the location is ideal for intensive development because it lacks immediate residential neighbors. This is the place, Carroll said. It's not near and dear to people's heartstrings... This is the one that people would say do what you want with.

The commissioners addressed the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the Lower Gile turf project, which remains stalled in the appeals process. Despite the litigation, Kevin informed the board that the town has the legal standing to proceed with construction, citing similar precedents in Boston. However, officials expressed concern that the original $2.4 million budget for Lower Gile may be insufficient due to inflation and design costs incurred during the delay. To ensure the board is prepared for the May 6 session, Motion Made by R. Libess to schedule a special public meeting on May 1 at 1:00 PM to finalize the Town Meeting presentation. Motion Passed (3-0).

In other business, the board recognized the overwhelming demand for local recreation, as summer programs at Cunningham Park sold out in record time. Staff member Bonnie reported that 200 spots were claimed within minutes of registration opening. It was out by 7:15, 7:20. It went usually in at least a day [previously], this year it went [immediately], Bonnie said. The meeting also marked the final session for long-time member Ted Carroll. The board celebrated his eight years of service and unanimously supported a gesture of appreciation for another community servant. Motion Made by C. Cahill to dedicate a bench at Turner's Pond to retired landscape architect Pete Jackson for his years of volunteer service. Motion Passed (3-0).