Park And Recreation Board

Park and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – 7:00 p.m. James Lannon, Gary Harris, Doreen McVaugh, Bob Huether, Karissa Elser, Molly Crotty, and Caitlin Hernandez, Director of Parks and Recreation, were present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. The minutes from the May 6, 2025, meeting were approved as submitted. Kurt Goldman, a community member, presented the Burpee Basketball Court Dedication and Resurfacing. Mr. Goldman shared the background of the proposal and explained why it will have a lasting impact on the community’s children for years to come. The proposal is to rename the basketball court “Van Hoof Court” in memory of Jason Van Hoof, a resident who passed away unexpectedly in August 2024 and was a dedicated community member. Mr. Goldman has already begun the fundraising process and has secured $7,500, with the expectation of raising an additional $7,500. Brian Guerrero, a resident of S. Church Street, is in full support of this project. He wanted the Board to know that additional funds are available because of the previous fundraising campaign for resurfacing. All the members of the Board are in favor of this proposal. A motion was made and seconded to recommend to the Environment and Recreation Committee to support the renaming and resurfacing of the basketball court at Burpee Park. The Concerts in the Commons have received positive feedback. Caitlin and Joe Montone from Stage United would like to host two additional concerts in the fall, but finances will play a role in determining whether this is possible. James wants the Board to consider whether this should be an ongoing series next year, and if so, how many concerts can be held in the Commons. The Board held a discussion to debrief on the most recent concert and discussed ways to improve any potential future concerts. Caitlin suggested considering four to five concerts for the 2026 season. James also brought up the thought of purchasing a stage and equipment that will become an asset held at Public Works and brought into the park for future events. Costs and designs need to be gathered for a permanent structure versus a temporary structure. Caitlin gave the Recreation Director Report. Progress is continuing to be made on the bocce court at Wood Street Park. The tennis courts resurfacing project at Neis was pushed to the first week of June due to inclement weather. We have seen an increase in rentals at Burpee Pavilion over the last year. Additionally, we have seen a rise in demand for the sand volleyball courts at Chapman Park. There is little weekday availability left for the remainder of the summer. For the Scenic Strolls, Sherry plans to return in the fall. Yoga is happening, but the number of participants hasn’t been as great as we had hoped. Pedal-Palooza, a fundraiser for the Pump Track, is happening on June 3. We’ve also begun advertising the Summer Shows for Kids on June 18, June 25, and August 6. Ridiculous Nicholas will be the first performance. Arts and Crafts will start on July 1. Old/New Business: Under the topic of Old Business, James wanted to discuss whether to revive Outdoor Games in 2026. Gary shared historical data back to 2012 for the number of participants. After a brief discussion, a motion was made and seconded to officially end the Outdoor Games program. Under New Business, James would like Board members to come up with some suggestions for the August Park Tour. Gary wants to visit Wood Street to see the bocce courts; Molly would like to see Burpee. We will meet on Tuesday, August 6, at Broad Commons at 6:00 p.m. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 pm. Respectfully Submitted by: Erika Fellman Parks and Recreation Minutes Secretary