Hooksett Parks & Recreation board recommends moving forward with Donati Park running-track improvements

Sam, a Hooksett resident and master's student, presented a volunteer-led proposal to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to repair and upgrade the running track at Donati Park and to launch a Hooksett running club.

Sam told the board she proposed installing safety fencing near the railroad, improving accessibility, adding benches and outdoor fitness stations and organizing a running club to make the track safer and more usable for children, seniors and residents with mobility challenges. "I plan to make our town running track safer, more accessible, and more inclusive," Sam said.

The proposal called for about 1,070 feet of chain-link fence, approximately 10 yards of gravel for pathways and roughly 500 stepping stations (speaker provided these as early estimates), with a two-tier budget that the presenter listed in her materials. She identified a low estimate of about $49,064 and said she had prepared a higher estimate, which was unclear in the meeting materials. Funding would come from sponsor and in-kind donations and from grants if the town approves the project and allows staff to apply; Sam said she would pursue grants and solicit donations only after receiving local approval.

Board members asked detailed questions about materials, ADA compliance, the potential for reserving the track for club events and who would handle permitting. One board member, Randall, asked, "Will they be reserving the track so that other people can't use it?" Sam replied the track would remain public and that the running club would use it at scheduled times but not exclude other users. Members also raised practical concerns including whether the ground near the track has sinkholes, whether the stepping-stone design would be wheelchair-accessible and whether pull-up stations would require different surfacing or fall protection.

Town engineer Bruce and DPW director Ben were identified in the presentation as town contacts Sam consulted while preparing estimates; the board advised Sam to confirm approvals with the state because parts of the track area sit on state land that is under a 99-year lease and could require state permission for permanent changes. Board members and the presenter also discussed grant programs (including a National Recreation and Park Association-type grant mentioned in the discussion) and the prospect that the town or contractors would need to follow New Hampshire RSA guidance on donations and contracting.

After discussion the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to recommend the project be moved forward to the Town Council for additional review and action. The motion on the record asked that Parks & Rec recommend the project to the council; a member seconded the motion and the board chair called the vote, with those present answering "Aye." The meeting transcript does not record a roll-call vote or the mover/second by name.

Sam outlined a proposed timeline: initial approvals and sponsorship procurement through January, procurement and final sponsor confirmations between November and January, construction potentially from March to May 2026 and launching the running club in mid- to late 2026, dependent on approvals and funding. She said local contractors and volunteers would assist with site work and that Parks & Rec staff would be expected to act as the town liaison for permits and oversight.

Next steps noted in the meeting: Parks & Rec will include its recommendation in the staff report to the Town Council, Sam planned to appear before the council the following day, and the presenter and staff will confirm what state approvals are required for work on leased state land.

The board discussion also touched on other park maintenance and capital items (Lambert's Park, Riverside Park and concession stand work), but no separate formal actions on those items were taken at this meeting.