Recreation director reports surging attendance, sponsors and field agreements; larger Brown field redesign remains tied to grants

Ashley (recreation staff member) told the Selectboard that participation in town sports and programs has grown markedly and that local businesses are increasingly sponsoring events.

She said the basketball program grew from 77 participants last year to 109 this year; the program structure now includes skills-and-drills, a Hotshots group for second–third graders, and a league for fourth–sixth graders. Program sponsorships were listed in meetings notes and include local contractors and small businesses; Ashley said all sponsors receive thank-you notes and team photos and that sponsorships are promoted on the town recreation web page and social media.

Camp registration is rising: Ashley said the town will accept up to 80 campers weekly this year (10 more than last year) and that early-bird full-summer registration for Swansea residents is $800 for eight weeks (an $100-per-week equivalent). She said weekly resident rates are $125 and nonresident weekly rates are $175; early-bird rates end in May and fees increase thereafter. The board discussed that the town’s offerings remain lower-priced than regional camps with indoor facilities (YMCA, etc.) and that the recreation building lacks air conditioning.

Community events: Ashley reviewed recent and upcoming events — a restored Wilson Pond ice-fishing derby (82 participants), a Snow Fest supported by public works and donations, a Valentine’s Day community dance, and an Easter Egg Hunt that draws several hundred participants and community volunteers. She also described a corporate-sponsorship package she is developing to solicit additional local business support for events and youth programming.

Fields and partnerships: The board heard that the town is operating under a two-year agreement with Cal Ripken for fields, equipment and cook-shack management; Cal Ripken has paid for some field improvements and will host tournaments, which town staff said reflects positive progress in field management and volunteer support. Brown field remains the subject of a multi-phase concept plan that town staff said could cost into the millions if fully built as designed; components discussed in meetings included re‑siting the softball field, expanded parking and driveway access, three tennis/pickleball courts, a full-sized soccer field, multiuse fields, a cook shack, playgrounds and a dog park. Town staff and the recreation director said that large-scale Brown improvements will require grant funding and remain on hold pending school consolidation and grant availability.

Public-safety and maintenance concerns: Ashley said the recreation staff is coordinating with public works, parks and the police department on event logistics, field maintenance and cleanup programs (including a townwide “Sweep Up Swansea” volunteer cleanup). She said the department will produce guidance for volunteers on safe roadside trash collection and coordinate with the fire department and transfer station on hazardous items.

What happens next: Ashley said she will circulate sponsor lists to selectboard members on request, continue grant-seeking for Brown redesign, and return with updates on camp registration and field planning as grant opportunities and school consolidation timelines become clearer.