Parks director says camps and after‑school programs are self‑supporting; committee seeks sponsorships for expanded 250th Fourth of July plans

Parks and Recreation Director Matthew told the council that department programs continue to grow and operate under a revolving fund, and he described plans and costs for the town’s upcoming 250th Fourth of July celebration.

Matthew said summer camp registration opened this week and that camp enrollment is up 30% day one and that the teen camp has already sold out. He said participation and fees support the department’s revolving fund, which covers salaries and benefits for program staff and does not use taxpayer dollars for those activities.

On the July 4 budget, Matthew said the committee formed for the 250th celebration is planning a larger event and requested $49,000: approximately $20,000 for parade expenses and roughly $29,000 for fireworks. He explained a five‑year contract with the fireworks company includes an escalation clause and that this year’s contract cost is about $2,050 higher than last year’s figure. The committee is pursuing tentative site approval at an Elbit Systems property, coordinating with the fire department on site safety, and exploring parking and shuttle options with nearby property owners and retailers to accommodate larger crowds.

Resident Sherry Hastings Lucy had asked earlier whether the Merrimack Youth Association (MYA) provided audited statements by Dec. 31; the town manager confirmed the NYA audits were received by Dec. 31 and were clean and available in his office for inspection per contract requirements.

Councilors asked about fundraising and sponsorship efforts; Matthew said the new committee is beginning fundraising and that donations would reduce town costs. No formal vote was taken on the Parks & Rec requests at the session.