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Peterborough raises nonresident seasonal recreation fee, approves breathing‑air equipment purchase
Summary
The Select Board approved increasing nonresident seasonal passes and other recreation fee changes after concerns about crowding and conduct at Cunningham Pond; the board also authorized purchase of breathing‑air compressor equipment for the new fire station, funded from capital reserve and district expendable trust funds.
The Select Board of Peterborough on Feb. 18 approved an increase to the town’s nonresident seasonal recreation pass and authorized purchase of breathing‑air compressor equipment for the new fire station.
Recreation Director Craig Fraley proposed raising the nonresident seasonal pass from $150 to $185, saying the department sold 100 nonresident passes that sold out in two weeks last year. Fraley also said guest passes will remain available at $20 per day, with a limit of 20 per day, and recommended increasing kayak rental fees to help replace equipment that has a roughly five‑year useful life. Resident Randy Homan urged reverting Cunningham Pond to residents‑only use, citing overcrowding and incidents of disrespectful behavior, and said the pond’s original gift intended resident use. Fraley said the department will improve tracking of usage data and that nonresident pass sales help offset maintenance costs.
Chair Tyler Ward acknowledged the behavior concerns. After discussion, Bill Kennedy moved to approve the proposed rate changes; Bill Taylor seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to carry it.
In separate action under New Business, staff requested authorization to purchase a new breathing‑air compressor, a fill station and cascade bottles for the new fire station, to be funded from the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund and by requesting to expend funds from several district expendable trust funds and capital reserve accounts. Bill Taylor moved to approve the expenditures; Chair Tyler Ward seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Why it matters: the fee increase is intended to generate additional revenue for recreation maintenance and equipment replacement while guest‑pass limits and tracking changes respond to resident concerns about overcrowding and conduct at Cunningham Pond. The breathing‑air equipment purchase supplies essential firefighter safety systems and will be paid from existing reserve and expendable trust funds, not from a new tax vote.
What’s next: the rate changes become effective per the amended Recreation Facility Rules and Regulations; the town will proceed with procurement of the breathing‑air system and related equipment under the authorized funding requests.
