Town Trying to Ease the Parking Squeeze at Victory Field

People have flocked to Victory Field for games, fun and other activities, but finding a parking spot can be a challenge, so Watertown officials have opened a nearby to meet the increased demand.

Nearby residents complain of parking on their streets, and town officials worry that illegally parked cars are damaging the area around the field.

"There are some spaces at the beginning of Marion Road (a.k.a. the Victory Field driveway) and some legal spots by the basketball courts," said Town Councilor John Donohue. "Everyone else is illegally parking."

Cars parking on the grass and stone covered areas are damaging those sections of the driveway.

The town will install signs at Victory Field to show where people can and cannot park, said Public Works Superintendent Gerald Mee. Drivers will also be directed to the Public Works Facility, next to the Victory Field, when the field's lot is full, Donohue. 

"After 3 p.m., there is plenty of parking (at the DPW Facility)," said Donohue, who added that a walkway has been built from the DPW lot to Victory Field.

When visiting teams bring their buses to games, they will be instructed to park at the Public Works Facility, too, Donohue said.