Recreation staff reported the department’s revolving account balance and raised grant-writing and volunteer options to support planned projects, including a potential snack shack and facility upgrades.

The account balance and fundraising discussion matter because these resources will determine how soon the department can complete prioritized projects such as parking-lot work, surface upgrades for courts, and a potential snack shack.

"Revolving account, we are at $75,410.32. And I still need the most recent bill from the town. I won't know until I see it, but my gut feeling is telling me it's gonna be roughly $15,000 bill," recreation staff said. Staff added that after paying that anticipated bill, the department expects to have roughly $60,000 available and that camp payments and other revenues could grow that total further.

Committee members discussed the value of grant-writing capacity. Staff said the town previously employed a grant writer and that neighboring towns had secured large playground and surface grants. Committee members asked staff to check on the status of reinstating a grant-writer position and to research United Way volunteer opportunities for construction or cleanup projects. One member recounted volunteering with Exeter Recreation through United Way and recommended the town consider similar volunteer-driven cleanup and build events.

Staff also noted the department’s recent CPR-instructor certification and expressed interest in running community CPR classes once equipment is obtained.

No formal funding commitments were made; staff recommended pursuing grants and volunteer partnerships and returning to the committee with proposals.

Speakers quoted in this article are recreation staff and committee members who raised grant and volunteer ideas.