On July 10, 1965, Norwood officials were actively working to resolve the placement of a proposed six-court tennis facility at the Prescott School.

Worn Dunlop Forte tennis ball on clay tennis court near white baseline

Recreation Superintendent Richard Ready noted that while the specific site remained undecided, he and other town officials were in the process of analyzing a location proposed by the Norwood School Committee.

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The initial site for the courts, identified by the recreation department, was located near the existing baseball diamond. However, members of the School Committee expressed concern that utilizing this area would result in the loss of space for children playing baseball. Consequently, School Committee members, along with Superintendent of Schools Philip O. Coakley, recommended a different location to the rear of the school near an access road off Neponset Street. Superintendent Coakley described this alternative area as a “natural plateau” that would be better suited for the project, as it was not currently in use and was positioned far enough from the baseball diamond to avoid conflict. The School Committee subsequently instructed the superintendent to convey their preference to the recreation department. The proposed tennis courts were designed to provide recreational space for both students and residents living on the easterly side of Route 1.

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In addition to the tennis court planning, Superintendent Coakley announced arrangements for the school system’s leadership during his planned vacation that month. He appointed James Donovan, assistant to the superintendent, to manage matters concerning secondary schools, and Umberto Napoleone, the curriculum director at the elementary level, to oversee situations within that division. Superintendent Coakley shared these appointments during a recent School Committee session after members requested a point of contact to address any issues that might arise during his absence.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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