Park and Rec splits field needs assessment from stalled Open Space Plan

SUDBURY — February 6, 2024 — Sudbury Park and Rec accelerates fields study and backs new after-school care push. The commission voted 5-0 Tuesday to separate a long-stalled fields needs assessment from the larger Open Space and Recreation Plan, and 5-0 to send Town Manager Andy Sherman a letter urging a town-manager-led working group on after-school care. Planning Department staffer Adam Burney said he aims to issue an RFP by April for the nine-month study, which will be funded under a Fiscal Year 2023 CPC article totaling roughly $100,000. Parent presenter Karen Jones told the commission her January survey of 303 families covering 467 children — about 30 percent of K-3 enrollment — found 88 percent need transportation, 76.8 percent need care every early-release Wednesday, and 68 percent would use a new town-affiliated program. Director Dennis Mannone said staffing is the binding constraint and a $90,000 gas-powered bus, the third procurement attempt after failed electric and hybrid orders, sits awaiting a purchase order in the town manager's office.