Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks & Rec approves revised recreation fee package; raises Waveney rental deposit to $2,500
Summary
The New Canaan Parks & Recreation Commission approved a package of recreation fee changes to forward to the Board of Selectmen and voted to raise nonrefundable Waveney house rental deposits to $2,500 for residents and nonresidents.
The New Canaan Parks & Recreation Commission voted to approve a set of revised recreation fees and to increase the nonrefundable deposit for Waveney house rentals to $2,500 for both residents and nonresidents.
Commissioners voted to forward the proposed fee schedule to the Board of Selectmen for final adoption. The commission also approved a separate motion increasing the up‑front, nonrefundable deposit for house rentals — the deposit will be applied toward the rental fee but will not be returned if the renter cancels.
The fee package includes recommended increases to Waveney pool charges and other program fees. John (staff member) told the commission the proposed pool fee changes “will add about $60,000, depending on the number of members,” and said those revenues would remain in the pool’s standalone account to cover operating expenses and capital repairs. He added the pool has a capital reserve that once exceeded $1 million but has declined in recent years and will be evaluated during a planned summer assessment.
Commissioners debated the frequency and size of future increases: some members urged smaller, annual increments to avoid large, infrequent hikes; others said the commission should balance affordability with ensuring an adequate capital reserve for possible repairs such as pumps or parking‑lot work. Commissioners also discussed how certain program fees and rental rates are used to fund operations and capital needs at individual facilities rather than the town’s general fund.
On house rentals, commissioners said the higher deposit responds to repeated late cancellations that prevented rebooking high‑demand dates. Members discussed alternatives — a sliding refund scale or higher percentage deposits — before approving a uniform $2,500 nonrefundable deposit. Melinda moved the deposit increase and Hanks seconded; the motion carried.
The commission instructed staff to send the approved fee package to the Board of Selectmen, which formally sets town fees during the budget process.
