Needham's Park and Rec Commission moved the Claxton Field skate park and pickleball project to a final concept plan this week.

NEEDHAM --

TOWN -- The Needham Park and Rec Commission reviewed a final concept plan for new pickleball courts and a skate park at Claxton Field during its September 24 meeting. Designers from Weston & Sampson told the commission the project calls for new and relocated pickleball courts near the field's northeast corner, a skate park sited in the old quarry area, an expanded parking lot, new tree plantings and a stormwater management system. The team said the project has moved through conceptual design since kicking off in April, with final design work continuing over the next several months. A construction funding request would go before town meeting next May, with work potentially starting in fiscal year 2028 if approved. Commissioners also discussed outstanding site constraints, including a wetlands buffer and contaminated soil from the site's history as a former burn dump.

YOUTH LEAGUES -- Needham Youth Hockey Association's travel teams took the ice across age groups this week, with its online schedule listing U8 through U18 games against opponents including Canton, South Boston, Belmont, Waltham, Charlestown, Wellesley, Brookline, Lexington/Bedford, Central Mass Revolution, Winchester, Woburn, Fore River Selects, Cambridge and Arlington. Games were spread across rinks including Metropolis Rink, St. Sebastian's, Hyde Park, Burlington and Wellesley Rink 2. Separately, the organization's website shows registration now open for its Mite Development, Learn to Play and Learn to Skate programs.

No Needham High School games were reported for this period, according to ArbiterLive.

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