Published May 12, 2021
By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — In response to its RFP, the Town Council had received two proposals to provide boat rental services on Lake Quannapowitt.
Boston Outdoor Recreation (aka Boating in Boston), the company that has provided the service in recent years, submitted a proposal to pay the town $3,000 per year for a three-year contract to run the boating concession on the Common. The Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield also submitted a proposal. Their bid was $2,500 a year for three years.
Boston Outdoor Recreation led off with Jen Nuessle describing the company’s offerings at 250 facilities nationwide on private, state and federal sites.
Next, Cole Trainor talked about the company’s proven track record of fulfilling its obligations. He said that the company would invest thousands of dollars annually to refresh and upgrade equipment including paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats. He also talked about the infrastructure that would be provided, including equipment racks, picnic tables, a dock and moorings for sailboats.
Trainor pledged that Boston Outdoor Recreation would maintain the site at the highest standards and work in collaboration with groups like the Friends of lake Quannapowitt and the Recreation Commission. He said that the company would also introduce youth camp programming. He said that all staff is trained in CPR, first aid and to assist with water rescues.
The company would offer Wakefield residents a 10 percent discount and provide reduced rates for community organizations. Monthly cleanups around the Lake were also promised.
Anthony Guardia presented the Boys & Girls Club proposal. He said that the program would be run seven days a week and offer discounts to Wakefield residents. He said that the Boys & Girls Club had reached out to organizations like the Wakefield Center Neighborhood Association, Wakefield Main Streets and FOLQ to discuss collaboration opportunities.
Guardia talked about the Boys & Girls Club’s recent growth to include two clubhouses, four licensed after school programs, two teen centers and an outdoor pool. He said that the Boys & Girls Club has over 30 years experience in managing waterfront programs for youth and the public.
He talked about ways that the boating program could steer customers to downtown businesses and vice-versa.
Guardia discussed creating joint fundraising opportunities for local groups and providing volunteer opportunities for youth to clean up and beautify the area.
He said that all employees would be trained in CPR and boating safety. A motorized rescue boat would be on hand and floatation devices will be required for all customers.
Town Councilor Jonathan Chines asked for more specifics from both applicants regarding their youth camp programming proposals.
Councilor Edward Dombroski observed that the Boys & Girls Club’s strength was in running programs, while Boston Outdoor Recreation was adept at operating a business. He wondered if there was a way that the two could collaborate to achieve everyone’s objectives.
Jen Nuessle said that Boston Outdoor Recreation was very accustomed to working with community organizations and would be willing to work toward a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club.
Town Councilor Ann Santos said that she loved the Boys & Girls Club but was worried that they might be spreading themselves too thin.
John Brinkman of the Boy’s and Girls Club acknowledged that boating might not be a typical program for the Boys and Girls Club but echoed Guardia’s confidence in the organization’s ability to run such a program.
In terms of collaboration with Boston Outdoor Recreation, Guardia expressed concern about a nonprofit like the Boys and Girls Club entering into a partnership with a private, for profit business.
Dombroski asked if Boston Outdoor Recreation would be able to extend discounts to the Boys & Girls Club. Trainor said that the company would be happy to work with any community-based organizations. Nuessel added that at its other locations the company provides boats when conservation groups do cleanup and maintenance.
Town Council Chair Julie Smith-Galvin said that the board would continue to take public comment right up until its May 24 meeting, when a decision is expected.
