Board hears updates on cricket pitch reservations, 407 Rec Center improvements and park signage
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Summary
Staff described a pilot reservation system for a cricket pitch at Lakewood Park (hourly rental, 48-hour advance booking, two-hour max), reported four paid reservations so far, and summarized facility improvements including new flooring at the 407 Recreation Center and new playground shade structures.
Recreation and operations staff provided multiple operational updates to the Parks and Recreation Board on June 12, covering a pilot cricket-pitch reservation system at Lakewood Park, facility improvements at the 407 Recreation Center, and broader park signage and enforcement issues.
Trevor Helton, recreation staff, described the Lakewood Park cricket pitch pilot. Staff proposed an hourly flat fee of $70 for the pitch (equivalent to $35 per hour per soccer field, since the area covers two soccer fields), limited reservations to weekends (Saturdays), capped reservations at two hours, and required reservations to be made at least 48 hours in advance through the town’s online field-rental system. Signage with two QR codes—one linking to the rental request and one to the weekly-updated schedule—has been posted at the park. Helton said staff update the schedule weekly and that the system gives officers and staff a way to confirm who is authorized to be on the field. He reported four paid reservations to date and said staff will monitor use during the trial period.
Helton also noted the town ordinance limiting community-park lights past 10:30 p.m., explaining that reservations and use must comply with that rule.
On facilities, staff described improvements at the 407 Recreation Center: the department replaced worn carpet with new LVT-style flooring, repainted walls, added storage space and replaced bathroom flooring to match the main area. Staff said the changes improve cleanliness and program flexibility and were funded in part by CIP dollars and internal reallocation.
Park development and operations staff reported progress on other capital projects: restroom and concession buildings at Raymond Community Park, pickleball/tennis court conditioning and shade structures, and trail and bridge work on the Doe Branch trail connections. Staff said shade structures are being installed at playgrounds to improve comfort and usability during hot weather.
The board also discussed signage upgrades and QR-code stickers for park rules and reservation information to help staff enforce rules and inform users. Members raised growing concerns about electric bikes, off-road vehicles and other unauthorized uses in passive and undeveloped areas; staff said enforcement is challenging but they will continue mitigation and coordination with public safety partners.
No board votes were required on these informational items; staff will return with follow-up details at future meetings, including a bulleted list of active park-development projects requested by board members.
