City Council Hears More on Community Center Plan, Parks and Rec Operations

FRAMINGHAM - Members of the Framingham City Council heard updates regarding the proposal to develop a new community center, along with ongoing efforts within the Parks and Recreation Department, during their meeting on Tuesday, April 15.

Chief Operating Officer for the city Michael Tesino outlined the status of multiple real estate projects within Framingham, most notably the proposal to develop a new community center at the site of the former Marian High School. By early 2026, Tesino explained that 100,000 square feet of the building are expected to be gutted through money provided by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

However, District 4 City Council member Michael Cannon expressed concerns regarding the costs associated with the project, especially after federal funding sources for its development have dwindled in recent weeks. Framingham officials are re-applying for earmarks from the federal level that were recently excluded from a funding bill passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump last month, but Cannon explained that he wants the vision for the community center plan laid out for residents.

“We’re now asking for millions and millions more in federal dollars,” Cannon said at the Memorial Building on Tuesday.

“While other communities are asking for that kind of funding to do fire stations, police stations, public safety facilities, we’re trying to shake the tree for a community center that doesn’t have a plan.”

These updates come following the creation of a survey to gauge what residents might want included in the community center’s development and as contractors have begun renovating the Marian building’s roof and windows.

The City Council’s discussion on Tuesday eventually led to the topic of general property management within Framingham, as some local legislators contended that city-owned properties have to be managed better—especially as they look to spur economic development.

“Maybe it’s time to look at some of these buildings that we don’t need—that are underutilized—and get rid of them, or rent them out, or do something so we can generate a little more money,” City Council Chair Phil Ottaviani of District 6 said.

Framingham’s Parks and Recreation Director Jim Snyder also provided details regarding work to prepare local fields for youth sports during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. He explained that while he had hoped to have all fields ready and open by April 1, weather and communication challenges had hindered preparation works. With local fields now ready to go, he hopes to clarify expectations and work alongside the public school department moving forward in order to ensure that local sports teams will be able to play all of their games without a hitch, especially with baseball and softball seasons picking up in the spring and summer.

“Our staff remains committed to maintaining high standards for our field conditions,” Snyder continued.

Snyder said that the new, multi-purpose field at the renovated Mary Dennison Park should help with this issue in the future. The improved park, which will feature that synthetic turf playing surface, is projected to be ready later this year.

City Councilors commended the Parks and Recreation Department for the work they put in year-round, though Cannon did ask if some of their workload should be reduced. He added that some problems within the department have persisted over the years even after financial investments have been mad. Cannon said that the matter should be addressed within the annual budget review process.