A New Name For Shrewsbury's Recreation Building: Town To Hear Proposal

SHREWSBURY, MA — Residents will have a chance next week to weigh in on a proposed new name for one of the town’s oldest public buildings.

The Select Board will hold a public hearing Tuesday on Robert Shannon’s request to name the Recreation Department building at 835 Main St. after Dawn Shannon, a former department employee.

Dawn Shannon worked for the Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation Department from 1972 to 2002, U.S. Rep. James McGovern said in 2002.

During her 30-year career, Shannon helped provide recreation programs for children, adults and residents with special needs. Her work included basketball, softball, social events, trips and programs supporting the Special Olympics, according to McGovern’s statement.

Shrewsbury's Oldest Publicly Maintained Building

The building proposed to carry Shannon’s name dates to 1858 and began as a schoolhouse.

It is Shrewsbury’s oldest publicly maintained building and later served as a community center for veterans’ groups, service organizations and Boy Scout troops.

The town reopened the building in February after a renovation funded with $625,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act money, $105,841 from a Green Communities grant and $250,000 from the town’s capital improvement plan.

The updated facility includes administrative offices and a 2,000-square-foot Great Room. Its location next to Dean Park connects indoor and outdoor recreation programs.

Shrewsbury adopted a municipal property naming policy in April. The policy requires at least 14 days of public comment and a hearing before a naming decision. Written and oral comments must be entered into the public record and considered before the deciding board votes.

The policy allows the town to consider an honoree’s documented service to Shrewsbury, distinguished public service and contributions supporting town priorities, including recreation. It also states that the town may give preference to posthumous recognition or to people who have completed their public service.

The hearing will take place at 7:05 p.m. during the Select Board's meeting in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Ave.

Residents who cannot attend the hearing may email comments to selectboard@shrewsburyma.gov. Submissions should include the resident’s full name and address.

See Also:

• Expanded Transportation Options For Shrewsbury Seniors, Residents With Disabilities
• Shrewsbury Approves More Funding For Route 20 Intersection