Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Projects Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Middlebury commissioners review $581,000 MRA pavilion plan, set summer concert schedule tied to America250
Summary
Commissioners reviewed architect renderings and budgets for an MRA pavilion plan that estimates $581,000 total and discussed shifting summer concerts to Thursdays with a possible July 2 show; staff also reported program updates, a school‑use security complaint, and a geocaching proposal.
The Middlebury Parks & Recreation Commission on Feb. 3 reviewed final renderings and cost estimates from the MRA Study Committee for a multi‑phase parks project and discussed summer programming tied to America250.
Chair Carolanne Browne said the study committee received architect renderings and a budget sheet showing a minimum of $270,000 to bring the existing cottage up to code (Browne said the chimney cannot be saved) and $190,000 to build new double pavilions with foundation and stonework. The materials list a combined project total of $581,000 that also includes a proposed guard shelter and a new garage. Browne said the plan does not include separate future work for parking, tennis and basketball courts, drainage or security, which would be staged and funded separately.
Commissioners expressed support for the concept and for drafting a pavilion rental reservation policy. Browne said the pavilion work would not happen this year and is being presented for review and comment before the First Selectwoman and further budgeting.
On events, Robert Mastroianni said the America250 committee discussed holding a concert on July 3 but acknowledged that the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year and that a Friday concert might reduce attendance. Browne proposed moving the summer concert series to Thursday nights and asked staff to invite the band Capricorn to perform on July 2. Mastroianni also noted the town will host a Declaration of Independence reading at Town Hall on July 4 and plans to extend the America250 cookbook and drawing contests. He reminded members that America250 is copyrighted and recommended using phrasing such as "Middlebury Celebrates America250" for town merchandise.
Director Betsy Anderson reported department programming and operations: the holiday tree lighting and adult exercise classes were successful; the 1st–2nd grade basketball program concludes this week; staff are planning summer camps but face calendar constraints as current sessions would end July 31 and may need an additional session. Anderson raised a complaint from Middlebury Elementary School about PBC's unsupervised use of the school on Wednesday and Thursday nights—children have been roaming halls and accessing school materials. Anderson said she has spoken with Becky at PBC and that Becky will monitor Wednesday nights while arranging a parent monitor on Thursdays; Commissioner Mike Roach said he will also follow up.
Anderson also presented a geocaching proposal from Jason Walker to place caches at Lake Elise and the Meadowview Park entrance; Robert Mastroianni suggested Walker explore tying the caches to America250 activities.
The Commission voted unanimously to approve the committee reports and the Director’s Report on a motion by Mike Roach, seconded by Robert Mastroianni. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
