LEWISTON — City staff is proposing to install a 10-foot security fence around the entire Franklin Pasture athletic complex as a measure to stop vandalism, but city councilors appeared skeptical of the price tag and image it would send.
The council is being asked to include $940,550 in next year’s Capital Improvement Plan for the new fence, which would span the entire three-field complex behind Lewiston High School on East Avenue.
The city has added several security measures in recent years in response to vandalism, including locking the complex to public use, but staff said this week that issues still occur periodically on weekends. City spokeswoman Angelynne Amores said the most recent vandalism occurred in the fall when a field was damaged and parts of equipment were removed and/or damaged.
The proposed fence would be 10 feet high — the fences are currently 6 feet — with a curve at the top, “making it significantly more challenging to scale over,” according to a memo.
Vandalism at the complex has ranged from damaged equipment, rocks thrown on the field, and equipment stolen. In June 2023, a concession stand was broken into and vandalized as officials were already engaged in public outreach regarding issues at the complex, and came just days after the city said it would limit unstructured access to the fields.
The vandalism sparked a larger community conversation over public access to the fields and how to deter future damage. A Friends of Franklin Pasture volunteer group was organized to assist with field oversight and cleanup, and the Recreation Department added a community sports aide position that was initially slated to oversee and grow the volunteer group, and coordinate volunteers interested in running pickup leagues.
During the council discussion Tuesday, councilors questioned the price tag of the project, along with the image of a large curved fence.
“I’m very leery about this and think it sends the wrong message,” Councilor David Chittim said.
Councilor Josh Nagine and others said the fence isn’t going to deter someone who is determined to get in, and it “looks like a prison yard in a way.”
Councilor Tim Gallant suggested the city look into security cameras, adding, “We’re not trying to lock kids in or out but (the fence) doesn’t have a good feel.”
Nicole Welch, Lewiston recreation director, said the position was initially held by Kevin Bean, who left last fall, and is currently held by Stephan Samba.
Welch said during his time, Bean implemented almost 80 hours of free turf programming, while also overseeing rentals and working with community partners. She said Samba is overseeing several recreation programs for youth, and the department is finalizing its summer schedule this week, “which will again feature the free summer turf time.”
The sports aide position is funded through recreation program revenue.
In its recent recommendation to the council regarding next year’s Capital Improvement Plan, the Planning Board listed the fencing among projects that could be cut to prioritize other spending needs.
