Harwich recreation officials are racing against a tight deadline to secure $350,000 in Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding for a major irrigation overhaul, prioritizing the Community Center’s "Outback" field as the town grapples with its aging infrastructure. The Recreation and Youth Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to submit a high-end placeholder application just 24 hours before the October 1 submission cutoff, a move bolstered by a summer season that saw record-breaking beach revenue of more than $476,000.

Recreation Director Eric Beebe presented the commission with last-minute quotes from Atlantic Irrigation that were significantly lower than initial department expectations. While early estimates suggested hundreds of thousands of dollars might be needed for a single field, the new figure for three locations—the Outback and two softball fields—came in at $233,625. Despite the lower quote, Beebe urged the board to seek a $350,000 appropriation to account for design plans and unforeseen contingencies. The numbers are so much better than we thought they were going to be, Beebe said, noting that the quote covers electrical work and installation while existing wells remain functional. If we put $350,000 as a placeholder in the application, I can whittle down the budget to be more specific when I do the presentation in two or three months.

Chair Leah Flynn questioned the scope of the electrical work, asking, Eric, is this including the pumps and everything that Brian was talking about? Electrics? Beebe clarified that the current wells are still in good condition, allowing the funding to focus on the system installation and power needs. However, the commission’s request enters a competitive year for CPC funds. Commissioner David Gogan cautioned that the funding landscape is shifting following a recent audit of town accounts, which may reduce the pool of funds typically available for recreation projects. Just so you understand, right now CPC, after they've had the audit, the 70% area the Recreation draws from is going to be reduced significantly to cover the other three buckets, Gogan warned. If it comes down to it, they can say they can't fund the whole project but can do the fields out back. So, that'll be up to you to prioritize.

In response to the fiscal uncertainty, the board formally established the Outback field as the top priority for the project. Commissioner John Losi insisted that the ranking be made explicit. I would like that to be in the motion that we prioritize the field back, Losi said. Motion Made by J. Losi to submit a CPC article in the amount of $350,000 for design and installation of sprinkler systems for the community center field, Potter, and Memorial fields with the priority number one being the community center fields followed by Potter and Memorial. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The push for capital improvements follows a banner summer for Harwich beaches. Beebe reported that total beach revenue reached a historic high of $476,325, driven by record sales of both seasonal stickers and daily passes. Sticker sales rose by 2%, while day pass revenue surged by 14% over previous records. Beebe attributed the windfall to favorable weather and improved management at the gates. Even after accounting for approximately $280,000 in seasonal staffing costs, the department realized a healthy surplus. Day passes was a 14% increase from last year and our highest ever by far, Beebe noted. Overall, the beach revenue went up 1%.

The meeting also highlighted the department's efforts to address the town’s "25-year infrastructure wall" through creative budgeting and community partnerships. Beebe informed the commission that the basketball hoops at the Community Center require a $40,000 upgrade. To manage the cost, the department plans to split the expense between two separate budgets as an "enhancement of service." Additionally, progress continues on the Sand Pond restroom and Brooks Park infield projects, with bid openings scheduled for November 3.

To offset major capital costs, the department is leaning on volunteer labor. Beebe announced a plan to replace both dugouts at Potter Field for $10,000 in material costs, with labor provided for free by local technical school students. To replace both dugouts, it's $5,000 per dugout. That includes the structure itself and the roof, Beebe explained. Private generosity also recently transformed Memorial Field, where EAS Painting Company donated labor and materials to paint the backstop black to match the facility's new fencing. They paid for the gallons of paint and two guys were down here for almost 5 hours brushing it on because it was too windy to spray, Chair Flynn reported. Discussion regarding a proposed town splash pad was deferred to a future session.