NORWELL - October 1 - Recreation Superintendent George Grey announced October 1 that the town is ready to execute a contract with Gale Engineering to begin the design phase of comprehensive improvements to Woodworth Field, a project serving over 650 youth participants annually in baseball and softball programs. The project, funded through $945,000 approved at last year’s town meeting, includes a 42-space parking lot, improved traffic flow, enhanced safety features, and infrastructure upgrades designed to last 20 years.
The Full Story
The Norwell Select Board received a detailed update on the Woodworth Field Complex renovation project during their October 1st meeting, with Recreation Superintendent George Grey presenting alongside representatives from Norwell Little League, Norwell Girls Softball, and Recreation Commission Chair Patrick Kelly.
Grey explained that the project represents three to four years of collaborative planning between the Recreation Department and the two youth sports organizations. The facility serves as the primary venue for both programs, hosting more than 650 participants during the April through October season. The improvements were necessitated by parking congestion and safety concerns that have plagued the facility, particularly during busy weekend schedules when emergency vehicle access becomes challenging.
The comprehensive renovation plan includes installation of a 42-space parking lot on a northeast parcel of town-owned land not under Historic New England restrictions, renovation of the main entrance and gravel driveway, removal and replacement of existing fencing and backstops, improved netting for player and spectator safety, and designated cement pads for amenities including dumpsters, storage units, scoreboards, bleachers, and portable bathrooms. Grey emphasized that the town has already obtained conditional approval from Historic New England for all proposed improvements, a significant milestone given the property’s historical restrictions as part of the Jacobs Farm property.
The Recreation Department subsidized all preliminary design, conceptual design, and engineering work to present a “fully baked project” to the Community Preservation Committee last fall, which helped secure town meeting approval. The contract with Gale Engineering, which has worked with Norwell on previous ball field projects including Woodworth and Osborne, has been reviewed and negotiated by town counsel and is ready for execution.
Grey outlined an ambitious timeline: boundary and geotechnical surveying will be completed this fall, positioning the project for construction to begin August 1, 2026. The facility would remain closed for approximately three months, allowing Little League and Girls Softball to complete their spring and summer seasons before seeking alternative arrangements for fall ball programming.
Select Board member Ren Layne, parent of a softball player, raised specific concerns about the traffic pinch point at the southeast corner of Woodworth 3, where children and vehicles converge dangerously. Grey acknowledged these safety issues and explained that the new design includes a designated gravel walkway from the parking lot to the fields, improved signage for parking and no-parking areas, site work to enhance visibility of historic stone walls, and restrictions on informal parking areas that currently create hazardous conditions.
“People tend to use every chunk of real estate available to them to park,” Grey said, comparing busy Saturday mornings at Woodworth to “Woodstock.” He noted that police and fire departments have expressed strong support for the improvements, hoping the additional parking and better traffic flow will ease emergency response concerns.
Select Board member John McGrath inquired about plans for the outfield area where parents currently park and tailgate. Grey indicated that the Recreation Department will work with both leagues to designate appropriate parking areas and discourage the practice of parking in playing areas. Board member Andy Reardon asked about walking paths to separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and Grey confirmed that designated pathways are included in the design.
The parking lot represents the most significant construction challenge and cost component of the project, requiring substantial site work on previously undeveloped land. However, Grey and the sports organizations believe the investment will transform the facility’s functionality and safety profile for the next two decades.
Grey stressed that the project addresses “real infrastructural needs” that Little League and Girls Softball have long struggled with under Historic New England’s restrictions. “These improvements will be an investment by the town into this facility that I think will pay dividends over the next 20 years,” he stated.
The Select Board expressed unanimous support for proceeding with the project. Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan confirmed that the project could move forward immediately, requiring only informal blessing from the board rather than a formal vote since town meeting had already appropriated the funds.
Other Significant Business
The board appointed John Milne as a recruit police officer. Police Chief Ed Lee enthusiastically recommended the 23-year-old Norwell native, who was ranked first on the civil service list. Lee praised Milne’s exceptional interview performance, noting his “incredible amount of emotional intelligence” and empathy for working with the public—qualities the department prioritizes in new hires. Milne, who played football and hockey at Norwell High School and served as football captain his senior year, has worked as an assistant harbormaster in Scituate and a community service officer with Hull Police Department. He also worked as a direct care counselor at Walker Therapeutics, gaining experience with juveniles and mental health issues. Milne will begin the police academy December 1st in Falmouth and return for full-time appointment upon completion. His father, Deputy Fire Chief Milne, attended the appointment, prompting good-natured ribbing about choosing the “blue team” over the “red team.”
In a routine matter, the board appointed Albert Ayers to the Beautification Committee through June 30, 2028. Ayers, a lifelong gardener and retired Massasoit employee who worked with current committee chair Peg Norris, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the town’s aesthetic appeal beyond his own yard.
The board unanimously approved a Class II Motor Vehicle License for Prime Auto Sales LLC at 85 Pond Street following a brief public hearing. The dealership plans to use the location solely for vehicle sales, with all preparation work conducted at their main facility in Whitman, approximately 10 minutes away. The business will focus on domestic vehicles including Toyotas and Hondas—what owner described as “daily driver vehicles.” No departments raised concerns, and no public comments were received. The board approved a partial-year license through December 31, 2025, with renewal required in January 2026.
Former Select Board member Bruce Graham and town planner Ilana Quirk presented for formal action on implementing Article 32 from the May 2025 town meeting regarding the Stetson Ford property. Graham provided historical context, noting that a 2009 study committee recommended the property be sold no later than 2014—a deadline that passed 11 years ago. The article authorizes four key actions: execution of an approval-not-required plan by the Planning Board, transfer of specified parcels to Conservation Commission custody, retention of 5.25 acres (including the house) for potential sale, and establishment of easements for public access. The passage of the “retreat lot” bylaw resolved previous technical obstacles by allowing a 40-foot strip to be added to the land inside the stone wall surrounding the building, providing legal frontage on Stetson Road. Quirk emphasized that the board must make a statutory determination that the land is no longer needed for its current purpose before transferring custody. Graham addressed concerns about lead paint in the house, explaining that standard disclosure forms transfer responsibility to buyers. The board unanimously approved the five-point motion to implement the town meeting article.
The Government Study Committee provided a comprehensive progress report. Committee members Mary Beth Shea, Art Joseph, Becky Freed, and David DeCoste outlined their timeline for reviewing the town charter and bylaws, with a goal of presenting recommendations at the spring 2026 town meeting. The committee, which still has one vacancy, plans to interview department heads and board chairs this fall, conduct public surveys about town government effectiveness and communication, and hold public meetings in early December and again before town meeting if articles are proposed. The committee is considering up to four warrant articles: one for “housekeeping” edits addressing language inconsistencies in the charter and bylaws, and others for substantive recommended changes.
Committee members emphasized that communication has emerged as a recurring concern, noting the absence of the Norwell Mariner and general lack of readily available information compared to years past. Town Administrator Sullivan offered to help with outreach strategies, though she noted the town lacks a comprehensive email database and may need to rely on traditional mailings with QR codes linking to online surveys. The committee requested access to NSTV for recording public meetings and an email address for the commission. Select Board members suggested the committee interview past town administrators, advisory board members, school committee members, PTO leaders, and youth sports organization heads. Board member Andy Reardon specifically recommended engaging seniors at the Council on Aging who possess institutional knowledge about how town government previously functioned.
The committee identified several specific issues for examination, including the effectiveness of the advisory board nominating committee created in 2012 (which moved appointments away from public select board interviews), the transition from a three-member to five-member select board, and improving relationships among the select board, advisory board, and capital budget committee. Board member Ren Layne noted that the COVID-19 pandemic created significant disruption in communication and relationships that haven’t fully recovered.
Conservation Commission Chair Marynel Wahl and Vice Chair Bob Woodill presented routine land transfers previously approved at town meeting but never formally executed. Baker explained these were “housekeeping” matters involving parcels that are virtually all wetlands. The board authorized transfer of properties approved under Articles 38 and 39 from the May 2025 town meeting from select board custody to conservation commission care, custody, and control.
Additionally, the board approved Conservation Commission purchase of a 7-acre parcel identified as Lot 39, Block 16, Parcel ID 36-19 off Prospect Street. Conservation Agent Will Saunders explained the property, which is 100% wetlands and borders Simon Hill Bowker property and Bird Plain Swamp, has been owned by three siblings who first approached the commission about 10 years ago with a price the commission declined. After two years of renewed negotiations, the parties agreed to $20,000 plus legal fees—significantly below the assessed value of $79,000. The property includes a stream that crosses Prospect Street into the Science Center. The purchase will be funded from the conservation fund, which is already appropriated money through the Community Preservation Committee specifically for land acquisitions.
Saunders also reported that Conservation Day in September was a success with better turnout than the previous two years, and announced that the commission has launched live trail maps on the town GIS website, allowing the public to track their location on conservation land trails using their phones. He mentioned the commission is applying for Community Preservation Committee funding for Fogg Forest, with the application deadline two weeks away.
Why It Matters
The Woodworth Field renovation directly addresses safety concerns that have worried parents, coaches, and emergency responders for years. With more than 650 children using the facility during baseball and softball seasons, the chaotic parking situation and lack of clear pedestrian pathways have created dangerous conditions where children weave through vehicle traffic. The new 42-space parking lot, designated walkways, and improved traffic flow will significantly reduce these hazards while ensuring emergency vehicles can access the complex when needed. For families whose children play at Woodworth, the improvements mean safer drop-offs and pick-ups, better spectator amenities, and a more organized, functional facility that reflects the town’s investment in youth sports. The 20-year lifespan of these infrastructure improvements means current elementary school athletes will benefit from these enhancements through high school and potentially when their own children use the fields.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve the agenda as posted. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:57)
Motion: Approve minutes from September 17, 2025 meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0 with one abstention. (Timestamp: 01:23)
Motion: Appoint John Milne to position of recruit police officer. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 08:08)
Motion: Appoint Albert Ayers to Beautification Committee with term expiring June 30, 2028. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 10:35)
Motion: Appoint Steve Lynch as at-large member of North River Commission (term ending 6-30-27) and change Tim’s status to alternate member (term expiring 6-30-28). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 11:58)
Motion: Open public hearing for Class II Motor Vehicle License for Prime Auto Sales LLC. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 12:32)
Motion: Approve Class II License application for Prime Auto Sales with December 30, 2025 expiration date. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 21:48)
Motion: Approve five-point motion to implement Article 32 from May 5, 2025 Annual Town Meeting regarding Stetson Ford property, including transfer of custody determination, land transfers to Conservation Commission, and easement requirements. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 47:54)
Motion: Authorize transfer of properties under Articles 38 and 39 from May 2025 town meeting from select board care to Conservation Commission care, custody, and control. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:19:50)
Motion: Approve Conservation Commission purchase of Lot 39, Block 16, Parcel ID 36-19 off Prospect Street. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:22:43)
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:27:48)
What’s Next
The Recreation Department will execute the contract with Gale Engineering to begin boundary and geotechnical surveying for Woodworth Field improvements this fall, with construction scheduled to begin August 1, 2026. The Government Study Committee will begin interviewing department heads and board chairs, develop public surveys, and schedule a public meeting for early December 2025, with goal of presenting warrant articles at spring 2026 town meeting. Conservation Commission will move forward with approval-not-required plan for Stetson Ford property parcels and will submit Community Preservation Committee application for Fogg Forest by mid-October deadline. Town staff will work with Government Study Committee to develop mailing list and online survey tools for public input on town government. Conservation Commission will finalize purchase and sale agreement for Prospect Street wetlands parcel. Select Board will meet again October 15, 2025, with schedule changes pushing the typical October 29 meeting to November 5 (November 12 if needed) to accommodate Town Administrator’s vacation.
Full meeting available via Norwell Community Television (NSTV).