World Series Park provides contrast in Saugus

SAUGUS – While many of Saugus? parks are in rough shape, there is one that makes them seem even worse because it?s so well-maintained: World Series Park.Bob Davis, the volunteer superintendent of the park, said he has dedicated his life to taking care of the field and spends up to 80 hours a week maintaining it during the baseball season.For Davis, it all comes down to volunteerism and fundraising to keep the park so pristine.?The whole concept was that nobody would get paid and it would be done through fundraising” said Davis, who was appointed superintendent by the selectmen when the park was built in 2004. “We raise all the money through fundraising and we support the field through advertising and proceeds from the concession stand.”According to Davis, the town owns the property, but the World Series Park Committee was given permission to run it. Since Davis is the supervisor, the responsibility to maintain the field and raise money lies with him.Davis said it costs between $15,000 and $17,000 a year to maintain the field, which is roughly the same as the town?s entire playground maintenance budget.Davis said he holds raffles, auctions and has teamed up with businesses to help raise that money. Plus doing most of the work himself keeps costs down.?I keep the grass cut, pull the weeds ? pick up the clippings, put the rubbish out, the whole bit,” said Davis.Town Manager Scott Crabtree noted that Saugus isn?t maintaining its parks the way surrounding communities do, but called World Series Park one the town?s “gems.”?It?s phenomenal, but that?s maintained by Bob Davis and I give them a lot of credit,” said Crabtree. “It?s privately funded and maintained.”Anna Parker Playground is also one of the town?s nicer parks. However, the field is privately leased from the town and is maintained through fees from the various sports leagues that use it.While volunteerism is what keeps World Series Park going, Davis said it could also be the answer for Saugus? other parks.?Maybe there are people that are retired and are willing to do it or have extra time in their lives that can put in some,” said Davis. “From what you hear is there?s no money and there?s a shortage of help. Maybe volunteerism is the key. If people want something done, people should be willing to step up and help their town.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].