Weston Has Spoken: Playground To Remain at Lamson Park

Joe Lipovich contributed to this report.

WESTON, MA -At a Special Town Meeting at Weston High School, the town voted to maintain the progress it had made on the playground at Lamson Park, opting against moving the park to the Case Estates location.

In a standing vote, 302 residents voted not to move the already-started playground at Lamson Park to the Case Estates property. A majority of the residents who spoke at the meeting were against moving the park to the Case Estates property.

However, the Weston Historical Commission was against both articles of discussion.

“We were looking for a none of the above option,” Historical Commission member Henry Stone told Patch after the meeting, although on a personal level Stone did believe that the playground should be located in town.

Residents against the move argued that the town needed a centrally-located park convenient to all residents, that leaving the playground at Lamson Park would not diminish the historical significance of the site, and that the town’s purchase of the Case Estates property had not yet gone through, among other arguments.

Residents also argued that the Lamson Park site was safer both environmentally, as one resident cited numerous contaminants found at the Case Estates property.

“I hope that a compromised design can be reached that will satisfy the needs of all involved,” Town Historian Pam Fox told Patch after the meeting.

Live Updates

9:25 p.m.: The town votes against article 1 by a 302-69 vote.

9:12 p.m.: A large majority of the room stands to vote no and keep the current Lamson Park playground and voters cheer. However, an official vote has not been counted.

9:09 p.m.: The question is called, and a standing vote will be taken.

9:00 p.m.: Those against the article cite the fact that the town does not actually own the Case Estates property, as well as the dangers of materials found in the Case Estates property.

8:54 p.m.: Resident tells the story of Lamson Hill and asks the town not to desecrate the land.

8:39 p.m.: Those arguing to vote no are arguing the location of the playground for families to have a centrally-located playground. Those for the park at Case Estates that the location are mentioning the size of the location. In addition, the amount of school-age students on the Case Estates campus. Those in favor also cite the historical significance.

8:33 p.m.: Henry Stone of the Historical Commission: The design cannot be sustained at Lamson Park. Historical Commission cannot support a Case Estates playground either.

8:30: Speaker urges to vote no and keep Lamson Park site, members of the audience applaud.

8:25: Recreation Commissioner breaks down progress of Lamson Park playground and new design motion passed by recreation commission.

8:24: Town Moderator informs residents on process of the yes vote, contingent on purchase of Case Estates property, likely would go back to town vote. Work would stop immediately at Lamson with yes vote.

8:21: Case estates may belong to the town at the end of May. Third argues that

8:14 p.m. Two residents argue to move the park to Case Estates, one citing that a better playground could be built at Case Estates.

8:12 p.m.: Articles two and three are approved. Weston leaves the Minuteman School District.

8:07 p.m.: Moderators are still tallying the votes to Article 2.

7:50 p.m.: Article 1 passes for the movement of the Minuteman Regional school district. Article 2 to leave the district goes to a vote count.

7:28: February 8 warrant now being handled before due to inclement weather and its nature of dealing with multiple town.

7:25 p.m.: Quorum is reached.

7:22 p.m.: The meeting has begun.

7:18 p.m.: The auditorium is nearly full, but the meeting has not yet begun.

7:06 p.m.: The line is running outside of the door, the start time of the meeting will be delayed.

7:00 p.m.: A 2014 White Audi needs to move their vehicle. (Generates chuckle from crowd.