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Parks and Rec reports busy season planning: camps fill, lifeguard hiring continues, golf and arena maintenance noted
Summary
Staff reported registrations are strong across summer camps and adult leagues, the city is hiring lifeguards and counselors for pools and camps, the golf course is busy, and the department is managing maintenance issues at aging facilities.
At the May 8 Parks, Recreation and Harbor Advisory Committee meeting, staff reported strong registration for summer programs and several operational updates.
Carrie Zouillet, director of Parks and Recreation, told the committee the city’s annual river race drew 734 racers and more than 350 craft, and that some camps and programs filled quickly after registration opened. A culinary camp offered in partnership with Eastern Maine Community College reached roughly three-quarters capacity within two hours of posting and later filled.
Zouillet and other staff said the department’s summer camps — including Teen Camp, Mega Camp and the Munchkin/Mini/Monster series — are largely full. Team Camp has limited openings; staff asked the committee for leads on short-term van rentals to support program travel.
Staff reported the adult softball league will run with 38 teams and that the golf course has high weekday usage, with the restaurant Birdie’s operating for a second season. Driving-range access remains constrained by wet conditions; staff said carts and range ball collection will follow improved turf conditions.
Pools and lifeguard staffing were a key topic. Staff said pools are not yet open; hiring is ongoing. They reported eight returning lifeguards and four newly hired candidates who still must pass certification. Staff estimated they need roughly a dozen more lifeguards and additional summer camp counselors. Certification is available through local providers and staff said the department reimburses certification fees for hires who pass and work for the city.
Staff also gave brief maintenance updates: Sawyer Arena and the Parks & Rec Center buildings are aging and require repairs — staff described a recent water-line break and a leaking boiler — and the department is pursuing replacement or repairs where needed.
Next steps: staff will continue hiring, finalize camp logistics and provide updates on facility repairs and driving-range availability.
