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Weare board approves reduced summer hours at Chase Park amid budget shortfall
Summary
The select board approved a Parks & Rec proposal to reduce Chase Park operating hours for June 19–Aug. 31 to save payroll under a default budget; Parks & Rec said the plan keeps the facility open six days a week with one weekday closed and fewer staffed hours, and emphasized safety staffing levels.
The Weare select board on June 8 approved a Parks & Recreation proposal to trim Chase Park’s summer hours and reduce staffing, citing the town’s default operating budget.
Parks & Rec supervisor Kristen and the parks committee presented a plan that preserves 54 hours of weekly operations during the peak season (June 19–Aug. 31) by shortening hours on four days, remaining fully open on two days and closing one low-traffic weekday chosen from a three-year usage analysis. The parks committee said the goal was to trim payroll while keeping the facility available most days of the week.
Committee members underscored that staffing and safety requirements drove the scheduling: the supervisor said one person cannot safely run the facility during busier shifts and that most weekends and changeover periods require at least two staffers and more on special days such as July 4. The board’s finance representative said the change would reduce payroll by roughly $12,090 and improve the department’s operating balance for the fiscal year.
Several public commenters urged the board to keep Chase Park open — emphasizing access for children, seniors and local families — but also acknowledged budget constraints. The board voted to accept the proposed summer schedule and asked Parks & Rec and finance staff to track use and revenues and report back.
Next steps: Parks & Rec will implement the summer schedule as approved and provide usage and revenue updates to the board so officials can assess whether further adjustments or town-meeting actions are needed for long-term funding.
