Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council directs Parks & Rec to study West‑side site after turf and field-use briefing
Summary
The Hooksett Town Council on Feb. 12 voted to direct the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to study use of a West‑side site for a multi-use recreation area after a presentation on field demand, artificial turf costs and maintenance.
The Hooksett Town Council voted Feb. 12 to ask the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to develop options and a report on creating a recreational/play area on the town's West side, including cost and siting alternatives.
The council took the action after a lengthy report from Andy Janus, a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and discussion about heavy wear on existing fields and possible capital solutions. Janus said the board has focused this year on Lambeth Park and Frasier Park, has added two full‑time advisory members and is researching permit practices and artificial turf as ways to reduce seasonal field closures. "People that rented the pavilion have asked for a porta‑potty, and so as a group, we felt that would be a big improvement," Janus said. He described planning work to explore additional horseshoe pits, shade and playground upgrades and possible pickleball courts.
The board and public discussed artificial turf as one possible response to repeatedly worn grass fields. Janus said a high‑end resurfacing estimate for Donati Field is about $1.2 million. A member of public works and parks staff, identified in the presentation as Rob, said a typical replacement cycle for a synthetic surface is roughly 10 years and estimated a higher‑traffic replacement cost of about $750,000 for the town's usage patterns. The council and staff also discussed operating considerations such as yearly sweeping, equipment to maintain turf and options for offsetting the upfront purchase by donations or sponsorships.
After discussion about capital planning and funding sources, a councilor moved that the council direct the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to study a West‑side site (Hackett Hill area was discussed) and return with a report of options, costs, pros and cons and funding pathways. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Town Administrator Andre Garen and members of the council urged that any study include capital‑planning options and possible use of recreation impact fees or grants. Finance staff later told the council that the town's recreational impact‑fee balance is earmarked in the capital improvement plan and that the top priority identified in the CIP is Petersburg field lighting.
