Claxton Field Renovation Project

Claxton Project Description

Claxton Field, located at 1380 Central Avenue includes two softball fields with an overlapping multi-purpose field, trail access, picnic tables, restrooms, and a parking lot. It had a playground area, which was recently removed. This site served as a burn dump prior to the development of the Recycling and Transfer Station in the 1950s/1960s. Claxton was redeveloped as a recreational facility approximately 60 years ago, when additional soil fill was brought to the site and leveled to create the existing fields.

For many years, the Park & Recreation Department and Department of Public Works (DPW) have identified Claxton Field as a priority for renovation within the Town’s annual capital budget process, to upgrade the fields and amenities for Needham residents. There has been strong support from user groups, particularly from the softball community who have limited other field options in town. In 2019, the Park & Recreation Commission submitted a request for design funds to the Community Preservation Committee, which were approved at the October 2020 Town Meeting.

The Renovation Project includes:

Replacing Claxton #1 lights
Add outfield fencing at varsity softball field
Install new player’s benches and dugouts
New skinned infields
Upgrading turf
Improving ADA compliance throughout
Installing perimeter loop path and possible “workout” stations
Installing other “value added” park improvements
Installing batting cages
Improve landscape with new tree plantings and related enhancements

In Spring 2022, the Town's contractor for the project, Weston and Sampson (W&S) provided the Town with results from a round of soil borings. These samples showed that debris, including glass and plastic shards, was observed 4 to 7 inches below the playground surface. Out of an abundance of caution, the Town immediately removed the playground structures, placed additional soil on top, reseeded with grass and installed a temporary fence around the area. The borings also confirmed the presence of 10 to 12 inches of topsoil free of debris across the field areas, so the fields remained open and available for continued use.

Town staff and W&S discussed whether additional, voluntary testing to determine the chemical make-up of the soil was warranted. Staff recommended to the Park & Recreation Commission that no further testing be done.

In December 2022, DEP requested that the Town perform further testing on the chemical make-up of the soil based on the site's historical use as a burn dump. In February 2023, the Town re-engaged W&S to undertake this additional soil testing.

Update - August 2024

The tree removal at Claxton is related to the environmental mitigation required by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as the geotextile barrier must extend beyond the field and into additional areas on the parcel based on soil testing. The Conservation Commission approved the removals with conditions. The Town will be taking down a total of 52 trees and replacing them with 233 new plantings (76 new trees and 157 understory plantings).

For additional information, please refer to the FAQs from May 2024 Town Meeting.

Update - May 2024

Town Meeting approved an appropriation of $3,600,000 for the Claxton Field Renovation Project.

Update - March 31, 2023

The Select Board held a special meeting on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 that included an update on the status of the Claxton Field testing. Please see the materials below for additional information:

Claxton Field Update Memo 3/31/23
Weston & Sampson Environmental Sampling & Analysis Memo 3/29/23
Frequently Asked Questions - Updated 3/31/23