Somers Point Recreation Commission approves facility permits, extends yoga series; discusses concert, bus-trip proposal and pickleball courts

The Somers Point Recreation Commission approved four facility-use permits during its meeting at City Hall and took a straw-poll vote to extend a community yoga series through Feb. 7 while discussing other public requests, including a preliminary concert proposal for William Morrow Beach and a volunteer-led bus-trip program.

The commission approved recurring six‑month facility-use renewals for ServicePointe Police Athletic and Activities League to use the youth center, the Somers Point Arts Commission to use the senior center, and the Somers Point Pinochle Club to use the senior center. Commissioners also approved a wedding use permit for the Lilyfield on Saturday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Recreation Director Doug described a beach concert proposal that would donate proceeds to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). "They're looking to hold a concert ... they're also gonna donate the money that they collect from the concert to a mental health awareness charity," Doug said. The commission declined to approve anything at this meeting and requested that the organizers submit a formal facility-use application and attend a future meeting to provide details about crowd control, traffic and exact dates.

During public comment, yoga instructor Maureen Helbig asked to extend an existing Tuesday/Thursday series to make up a canceled week. "So far, with the 3 classes, I have 34 confirmed attendees and then 17 people have reached out to me," Helbig said. The commission approved a straw-poll extension of the prior application’s end date to Feb. 7 and asked Helbig to submit an updated application for a longer renewal at the next meeting.

Resident Charlie Haberkorn proposed a set of three bus trips under the umbrella of the volunteer group (referred to during the meeting as We Walk Somers Point). He provided a preliminary total of $11,305 for three trips assuming 35 people per bus and gave per-person estimates: Smithville Village about $45, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre about $135, and Surflight Theatre about $125. The commission advised Haberkorn to submit paperwork and said funding would be considered once the recreation board’s budget allocations are known.

Several residents asked about pickleball courts and reported leaf and court maintenance concerns. Commissioners said updates depend on the city budget and public-works scheduling; no new funding or schedule was approved at the meeting.

Ending: The commission approved routine permits and a short extension for the yoga program, and it asked organizers for formal applications and operational details before approving larger public events or funding.