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New Canaan Parks & Recreation proposes 2.99% operating increase, seeks capital funds for irrigation, pickleball and Waveny improvements
Summary
Parks & Recreation presented a $3.85 million operating request (2.99% increase) and a slate of capital projects including irrigation upgrades, pickleball courts at Waveny, playground repairs and field/improvements tied to Department of Justice accessibility timing.
New Canaan’s Parks & Recreation Department told the Board of Selectmen it is seeking a 2.99% increase in its operating budget and asked for a series of capital approvals to complete irrigation work, repair playgrounds and add new recreational courts and facilities.
The department presented a proposed operating total of $3,853,656 and outlined drivers including settled union contracts, the winding down of a Lapham Community Center grant, and higher costs for fertilizer, social security and meal allowances. John Howe, director of Parks & Recreation, said the department moved some line items formerly under Civic Activities into Parks and added a new outside-services line for portable toilets.
Howe and staff described program-level finances and a self-sustaining recreation fund that returns about $100,000 to the operating budget while preserving a reserve for program continuity. Parks staff…
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