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Parks and recreation present pool reconstructions, staff additions and field-fee changes
Summary
Parks Superintendent Brian Conant and Recreation Administrator Lauren Byers outlined pool reconstruction plans, requested three additional grounds positions, and said field fees were adjusted to fund maintenance; the city will keep funding for long-running youth programs though operations may shift to private groups.
Brian Conant, superintendent of parks, told the Nashua Board of Aldermen the department plans several near-term capital and maintenance projects, including reconstruction of Rotary pool, structural repairs at Holman Stadium and bid work for Greeley Park wading pool and a new splash pad at Jeff Morton Park. "We're looking to reconstruct this year," Conant said of Rotary pool and confirmed contracts with design firms for stadium and pool work.
Conant requested budget increases to cover three additional grounds positions (two funded through the general fund, one through TIF), a $15,000 addition for pool repairs, and a $25,000 request for building grounds and maintenance related to lighting infrastructure.
Lauren Byers, communication and recreation administrator, said the recreation division is elevating "summer fun" programming, expanding senior programming and is hiring seasonal staff for three city pools. She noted the department is offering a lifeguard weekend stipend and is adjusting field-use fees to return revenue for maintenance. On the city's long-standing Babe Ruth baseball program, Byers said the funding is in the budget but the department is exploring transferring operations to private youth organizations like Cal Ripken or Little League so the city can reallocate resources to expanding girls' softball.
Why it matters: the staffing and fee changes affect program availability, maintenance capacity and how recreational services are delivered. Aldermen asked for follow-up on actuals for field revenue and for clarity on where changes will affect residency and pricing.
No formal votes on parks projects were taken; aldermen requested follow-up data on field fees and program finances before the budget is finalized.
