Neighborhood Use of Parks Urged for Sundays

The Dedham Parks and Recreation Commission debated heatedly on Monday about the field usage permitting and how it affects neighborhood use of the fields and parks during the spring.

Commissioner Dan Hart led the charge on the local parks being taken over by local sports leagues.

"I see and , which I believe are neighborhood parks sitting idle on the weekends," said Hart. He believes that although that although local leagues are given "blanket permits," the commission should go back to those leagues and ask for more specific dates.

Commissioner John Maida suggested that they approve the permits at hand until April 30, and then get more specific dates from the leagues.

Commissioner Sal Ledda said that Sunday should be a family-orientated day in the parks. Families should have part of the day to enjoy the parks and fields as they please, Ledda recommended.

Chairman Jim Maher said they it should be something consistent that children and parents can remember.