Recreation Committee Calls Groveland Day a Big Success

GROVELAND --

TOWN -- The Recreation Committee met Oct. 8 and called Groveland Day "a big success," citing strong attendance and a new kids' creators area set up near the pickleball courts. Members discussed whether to extend the event's hours in future years; this year's Saturday portion wrapped up around 3 p.m. while a crowd was still on hand. One member floated combining the Friday night cornhole and pickleball tournament with the main Saturday event to give adults more to do while kids watch.

The committee also reported that the bridge linking the rail trail to the Center Street Greenway is now complete. Jim Laffrey has built four of six planned wooden trail kiosks, now staged at Veasey Park, and the committee set a tentative date of Tuesday, Oct. 27, to begin installing kiosks at trailheads, starting where the Center Street Greenway meets the rail trail. Members asked that the date and a call for volunteers, including a request for a post digger, be added to the town calendar.

Separately, planning continues on a lighting project for the Pines recreation area; this season is being devoted to planning and specifications rather than installation.

The committee also discussed a proposal to improve river access at Shanahan Field. After the town's Community Preservation Committee approved an eligibility application for the project in September, Recreation Committee members toured the site with Conservation Commission chair Mike Dempsey. Rather than commission an expensive engineering study, the committee plans to pursue a notice of intent, estimated at $8,000 to $10,000, to clear brush, invasive plants and river debris near the Merrimack, with some of the work possibly done by volunteers.

COMMUNITY -- Groveland Day's Friday night add-on event, featuring a cornhole and pickleball tournament, drew what one committee member called a "nice vibe," though members said the area could use more lighting.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.