The Parks Commission has asked support for a $5,000 Town Meeting agenda item that would purchase an irrigation pump to keep Dexter Lane ball fields green.

“Without the pump all of our fields will burn,” commission Chair David Hughes said at the Selectmen’s Monday night. “We’ve invested too much money in the fields to let that happen.”

The equipment would replace a 12-year-old pump that houses a motor built in 1947.

“We’re having the most trouble with [the motor,]” Hughes said. “This year we had trouble priming the pump, the parts are all worn.”

Hughes said he found a used pump from a reputable dealer willing to sell if funds are approved at Town Meeting. By using town crews there would be no installation cost, Hughes said.

The fields are watered using water drawn from the river behind the Dexter Lane ball field complex. That means water restrictions set for those tied into town water don’t apply to the irrigation system.

“I think at this point in time it’s a good purchase for us,” Hughes said.