Minutes

SACRED HEART REUSE COMMITTEE

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Approved on November 30, 2010

The Sacred Heart Reuse Committee (“SHRC”) held its twelfth meeting on September 17, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center.  Members present were: John Davis, Rita Fontes, Ed Keenan and Irene McCarthy.  Also present were State Representative Lou Kafka, Recreation Director Brett MacGowan and Assistant Recreation Director Amanda Deni.

Mr. Kafka is familiar with the property and agrees it should be used (if possible) for recreational purposes.  He is unaware, however, of any potential funding sources for a municipal recreational facility.  If a recreational use is combined with a “cultural” or “environmental” use, some limited funding may be available.  Mr. Kafka referenced the Green Communities Act (recently signed into law by Governor Patrick), the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  He understands that a “cultural” use refers to the arts, theater, music and drama.  Mr. Kafka agrees that a public-private partnership should be explored and may be the best way for the Town to proceed.  He questions whether the Sacred Heart site would make a good location for the town library.

Brett MacGowan addressed the Committee about operating a swimming pool through a public-private partnership.  Mr. MacGowan is a Certified Pool Operator and, as a result, very familiar with the various facets of pool management and operation.  A swimming pool could potentially generate considerable revenue for the Town.  A pool could be used for swimming lessons, water aerobics, water workouts, swim team practices (by both the Sharon High School Swim Team and the Sharon Recreation Swim Team), swim meets, pool parties, diving lessons, kayak safety classes and open recreation, among other things.  (Use of the pool by a synchronized swim team might even qualify as “cultural.”)  Mr. MacGowan explained that use of the pool for diving requires a 12-foot depth and, therefore, may not be feasible or cost-effective.  A variety of year-round pool uses could attract parents with infants, as well as teens, adults and seniors.  Membership fees could be charged with different rate structures applied to resident and non-resident users.

Other indoor recreational needs of the Town include a track (perhaps built above the pool), a fieldhouse, and a gymnasium for basketball and volleyball.  Mr. MacGowan identified the athletic complex at Western New England College in Springfield as an example of an indoor recreational facility that incorporates a swimming pool, a track and basketball/volleyball courts.  He also cautioned that an indoor recreational facility that charges user fees would necessarily compete with other health clubs in the area.  For example, Gold’s Gym recently opened a new facility on Tosca Drive in Stoughton.  And L.A. Fitness has opened or intends to open a new facility at the Walpole Mall.

The Committee will invite Athletic Director Bob Sondheim to attend a future meeting.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 p.m.