April 15th, 2021

Below is my letter to the Melrose Parks Commission which I read the remote meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.


​Good evening, My name is Joy Fay and I am here to share my thoughts on field use fees.  I am the owner and operator of Melrose Boot Camp, an early morning outdoor exercise program for adults.  I have lived in Melrose for 19 years.  As many of you can imagine, this past year has taken a dramatic toll on me and my business.  7 years ago I expanded my offerings.  In addition to the early morning boot camp classes, I also opened a yoga studio on Green Street.  I had to close the studio last March due to the current health crisis.  
Melrose Boot Camp is now my main focus and my main source of income.  I am just now getting back on my feet.  I know I don’t need to tell you what a hard year it has been.

I would like to use Fred Green field MWF for less than 3 hours per morning for the remainder of this spring, summer and through the month of October.  I know that having a field permit is important.  It is especially important now, as we take every precaution to keep residents safe and separated from one another and not have groups overlapping.  I take the health and safety of my clients, or as I like to call them, teammates, seriously.  

I am here today to ask you to consider waving fees associated with such permits through the upcoming warm weather seasons to give me the chance to get back up and running again successfully.  

Fred Green Field is a great spot for us.  My early morning classes are unique as the time we meet is not desirable for most groups.  We exercise under the moon and are done when most people are just beginning their days.  We need as a community to get people back outside safely exercising. I respectfully ask you to consider my request.  We are in this together and I need your help.

Thank you.  

Sincerely, 
Joy Fay
149 Essex Street
Melrose