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Kennebunk Parks & Recreation director outlines programs serving over 130 children, highlights scholarships and accessibility services
Summary
Parks & Recreation Director Bill Reichl told the Select Board the department’s after‑school programs serve more than 130 children from about 100 families and described scholarships funded by the Tommy McNamara Foundation and GS3, weekly summer camps, beach wheelchairs and community events such as Concerts in the Park and the Artisans Market.
At the May 12 Select Board meeting Parks & Recreation Director Bill Reichl gave an overview of the department’s programs, participation and recent changes. Reichl said the department’s largest revenue‑generating program is after‑school care at Kennebunk Elementary School and Sea Road School, serving more than 130 children from roughly 100 families. He described weekly summer day camps offered for eight weeks, active adult trips, and two mini‑buses (42‑ and 81‑passenger) used to transport participants to programs.
Reichl highlighted scholarship support that helps families afford programs; the Tommy McNamara Foundation and GS3 were named as major donors that enable scholarships, particularly for summer day camp. He also described seasonal and recurring community events the department organizes or supports: the Artisans Market (Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend through October at the Waterhouse Center), Concerts in the Park (noted as fully sponsored by Kennebunk Savings) and a new downtown scavenger hunt during Harvestfest. Reichl said beach wheelchairs are available for free rental through an online process; users must pick them up.
During a brief question-and-answer period, Select Board member Kortney Nedeau asked about program attendance and cancellations; Reichl said cancellations are uncommon and that space and parking constrain some expansion ideas. Nedeau suggested programming to raise awareness of Rogers Pond, such as a food‑truck night; Reichl said the river already gets a lot of use but welcomed ideas that fit within space and parking limits. Chair Miriam Whitehouse and other board members thanked Reichl for the presentation; Karen Plattes requested a copy of the presentation for board members.
The presentation provided a snapshot of participation levels, funding partners for scholarships and several operational details that staff and board members may use in planning future events and park programming.
