Advisory group updates: field repairs, bathrooms and concession work will likely finish by spring; home‑day vendor plan grows

Parks staff and advisory members discussed ongoing maintenance and facility work across town parks, including field repairs, the status of new bathrooms and the concession stand, and preparations for Hooksett’s home‑day event.

Field maintenance: Staff reported the Majors Field infield has built up material and “lips” along baselines from repeated additions of fill, causing drainage and leveling problems. Members discussed options including sod cutting and raising the irrigation, using a sod cutter, or a large regrading project; one member said fixing the whole infield could require shutting the field for a year. “The only way to fix that would be either to lower the whole infield or raise the whole half of that,” a participant said. The group agreed to evaluate the site with a laser level to determine the scope and cost.

Bathrooms and concession stand: The group said water lines are in place, sinks and toilets function, but interior patching, hardware, hand dryers, soap dispensers and some door/cement work remain. Members agreed the restrooms should remain closed for fall ball and that completion is likely by spring. Concession‑area work includes hood cleaning, painting, patching holes and floor painting; the meeting noted the installed fire‑suppression hood is not rated for a deep fryer, limiting future equipment choices.

Home‑day and vendors: Staff reported a much larger vendor turnout for the home‑day event, with an estimated 140 vendors or more, and detailed vendor placement plans. Volunteers and staff will continue layout and vendor coordination.

Other items: Members reported knotweed control, chip dumping at parks (storage full), removal of a barbecue pit still on the list, and cornhole boards being moved; scouts were contacted about building a covered storage frame for game equipment. The advisory group closed by adjourning the meeting.