Wellesley's Natural Resources Commission reviewed a redesigned site plan for the Morses Pond Beach and Bathhouse project, shifting the playground south ahead of a Permanent Building Committee vote.

WELLESLEY --

TOWN -- The Natural Resources Commission heard from the town's Facilities Management Department and engineering firm Weston and Sampson on Sept. 22 about design changes to the Morses Pond Beach and Bathhouse project. The biggest change moves the playground to the southern end of the site, closer to the bathrooms, accessible parking and the guard room, which opens up the north end for a more formal beach entrance and gives the site emergency vehicle access from the north. The team also removed an extended roof and seating area next to the bathroom building and is proposing a second pavilion along the main path to offset the lost seating. Commissioners said they broadly supported the changes, with one member asking that the playground be pushed a few feet further south and noting the new layout should allow three trees near the old playground site to be preserved. The plan goes to the Permanent Building Committee this week for further review. Separately, Wellesley Recreation's website lists a Fall Pickleball Drop In 2026, described as a casual, non-organized drop-in opportunity rather than a formal Recreation program.

YOUTH LEAGUES -- The Wellesley Youth Basketball Association has set its second fall clinic for Tuesday, Oct. 13: a Preseason Skills Clinic for players entering grades 3-8 at Wellesley Middle School's Gym A, split into a 6-7 p.m. session for third through fifth graders and a 7-8 p.m. session for sixth through eighth graders. As with the association's first clinic, the fee is a $20 donation to the WHS Boys & Girls booster clubs.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.