Through the years, The Reed Family – with the assistance of The Reed Corporation has been involved with numerous civic endeavors in Lynnfield… hosting “Town Days” on their property and organizing events to raise funds for school programs to name a few.
Lesser Park, named for Robert G. “Coach” Lesser a beloved Lynnfield teacher, and coach from 1956 to 1985, located adjacent to the Lynnfield Middle School, and beside the “Town Field” (site of baseball in Lynnfield since the turn of the 20th century) has been a commitment of The Reeds for nearly twenty five years.
In April of 1992, the new seating enhancements of the ballfield were donated by The Family in memory of Stewart J. “Stu” Ross (1922 – 1990) and Edwin S. “Ted” Jaquith (1923 – 1986) – two men “whose dedication, generosity and tireless efforts helped support and direct the athletic programs of their era… as leaders, coaches and friends they influenced a generation of youth”… as “their plaque” reads.
Turn back the clock some ten years… a movement had been underway to “designate” a tract of land on Main Street adjacent to what was then the (old) Lynnfield Middle School as “Lesser Park.” Then, finally in June of 1985 The Lynnfield Selectmen voted to name this area, comprising of tennis and basketball courts in honor of “The Coach” in recognition of his distinguished thirty year coaching career in Lynnfield.
Coach had just retired, but not before leading his beloved girls varsity softball team to a 1985 Division III state championship. He already had the unique distinction of coaching the undefeated 1961 varsity baseball team to a state championship. Yet, his passion was not limited to his players alone, for it was his universal appeal and charisma that led to his being your “coach” whether you were an athlete or not. If he remembered your name, you felt special. If he gave you one of his own… you felt blessed.
Toward the end of his tenure, Bob had been the motivating force behind the LMS students’ “Run for Health” fundraising effort. The goal of which was to develop a public park adjacent to the school. So, it was, that, with the help of the students, his efforts resulted in the construction of the new basketball and tennis courts, a project endorsed by numerous town officials and committees.
Dedication of the park to Coach Lesser actually came out of a discussion with the late Mrs. Jean Meehl of The Center Garden Club and her plan to beautify the area. The Garden Club pledged $1500 towards the cause, and established a “Lynnfield Improvement Association” for projects of this type – a committee that would become the group known as “Lynnfield Townscape.”
In 1997, however, “Lesser Park” fell victim to progress and expansion. The town had grown appreciably and it was now necessary to create additional parking for the school. Hence, the basketball and tennis courts were relocated, leaving the inscribed stone on a small plot adjacent to the parking lot as the only reminder of the original park.
During the summer of 1998, a plan to relocate, refurbish and rededicate “Lesser Park” was presented to The Board of Selectman. The project was to be funded by a private donation by the Reed Family, and done under the auspices of the Lynnfield Department of Public Works. Wes and Biz Reed played in Coach Lesser’s school baseball programs…Mark and Wes’ wife, Robin, had “The Coach” in school. The Reeds have always been close to him, so taking a lead role in rebuilding Coach’s park was fitting. The plan, however, failed to win approval from the
Board, as the sitting members, unlike those who voted in 1985, chose to uphold the longstanding practice of not naming areas of the town to honor individuals.
Be that as it may, many changes would soon be taking place. Under the direction of a new Board the beautiful new Lynnfield Middle School was completed on much of the footprint of land that was once known as “Lesser Park.” By 2004, new basketball and tennis courts adjacent to the new school had been completed on land which was formerly occupied by the original school.
That year, by the fall, a new initiative was started to re-establish Coach’s “Park.” The Lynnfield Department of Public Works searched for – and found – the lost original “Lesser Park” stone. Thanks to Selectman Marc Miller, former Selectman Jack Donegan and DPW Director Dennis Roy, the stone was relocated adjacent to the new courts. The move was now on to rebuild “Lesser Park.” Jack Donegan, a youth sports associate and contemporary of the aforementioned Stu Ross and Ted Jaquith, it should be mentioned, had long been close with Bob Lesser and helped champion the cause for the original park twenty years prior.
In the summer of 2005, Coach’s new park was built. Benches were donated, trees and shrubs were planted and a plaque for the “stone” was presented as a gift from Coach Lesser’s undefeated 1961 state champion varsity baseball team. The focal Japanese “Kousa” Dogwood which was planted represented the original Dogwood presented to The Coach by his 1985 girls softball championship team.
Sadly, in the ensuing years “The Park” fell victim to vandals, but five years ago, The Reeds once again undertook the job of refurbishment. The benches were repaired, new trees and shrubs planted and granite ledge pieces added to the rebuilt garden area – compliments of Olde New England Granite.
Every Year The Reed Corporation reinvigorates “Lesser Park” in the spring and oversees the care through the season as a lasting commitment to the memory of Stu Ross and Ted Jaquith and in appreciation of “The Coach”… a man whose charisma, innovation, energy, zest for life, and devotion to all of us – his students and athletes is his legacy.
LESSER PARK c. 2015
