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Parks and Recreation Committee approves 2026 meeting schedule, outlines programs and events
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Committee approved its 2026 meeting dates, reviewed program updates including Bethany Hoops and summer camp enrollment, and discussed family events and a safety concern about pairing childcare with off-site events where alcohol is present.
The Parks and Recreation Committee met and at 6:35 p.m. approved a schedule of meeting dates for 2026, set plans for a logo unveiling and community events, and heard updates on youth and adult programming. The chair called the meeting to order and confirmed a quorum before the vote.
Committee members decided to keep regular meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month with a few date adjustments for spring break and the holidays. The chair read the proposed calendar, members discussed conflicts for February and March, and the committee voted; the chair announced the motion passed unanimously.
The vote settles the calendar the group must submit to the town clerk by the end of the week and clears the way for planning meetings and public outreach tied to the Parks and Recreation agenda.
Members reviewed program updates. Organizers reported Bethany Hoops is active, with 113 children enrolled and nine team sponsors; an end‑of‑year party is tentatively scheduled for March 21, and a part‑time basketball coordinator has been hired to provide Monday and Wednesday coverage. On summer camp, which opened registration Jan. 5, the committee noted there were 12 registrations so far; staff recruitment is planned for late February and interviews are scheduled in mid‑February.
The committee discussed expanding adult programming and rescheduling a pickleball clinic that lacked sufficient sign‑ups; members agreed to try again in March or April and to give instructors more lead time so events can be marketed effectively.
On special events, organizers proposed a March 15 family pizza‑making class (up to 20 families) and a music night fundraiser to raise scholarship money, with an annex activity for children to allow parents to attend. One member cautioned about coordinating child care with events where alcohol may be served, citing a risk if parents arrived intoxicated to pick up children. The chair said the concern was noted and the group would explore safeguards and logistics before committing.
The committee agreed to postpone detailed action on the new Parks & Recreation logo until the next meeting when the designer (Mike) can attend; members planned a formal unveiling that would include children. The Tom Dunn basketball scholarship still requires final approval by the Board of Selectmen; the committee expects the scholarship account to be set up after that board's approval and attorney review.
The meeting closed after a short discussion of outreach options — signage, school communications and social media — and the chair adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:54 p.m. The committee asked staff to circulate the approved 2026 calendar and to place park‑and‑rec items on the next agenda for more detailed discussion.
