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Norfolk Recreation Committee reviews community garden expansion, program updates
Summary
At its June 16 meeting the Norfolk Recreation Committee approved minutes, heard program updates — including senior exercise, pickleball and baseball wrap-up — and discussed community garden expansion, donated lumber and a need for funds to buy topsoil for new beds.
The Norfolk Recreation Committee met June 16 and approved the minutes of its May 20 meeting before turning to program updates and garden plans.
Marc Crone, chairman, opened the session at 7:01 p.m. and the committee recorded the approval of the May 20 minutes on a motion by a member listed only as “Jess” in the minutes, seconded by Jill Hall; the motion carried with all members present. The committee also approved a motion to adjourn later in the meeting, again recorded as moved by “Jess” and seconded by Peter Crippen.
Committee members heard reports on recurring programs. Robin Centrella continues to lead Senior Exercise and Wendy Larsen conducts Senior Yoga; both programs were described as "going well" with consistent participation of about 8 to 15 people. Pickleball was reported as running successfully on Thursdays from 4:00–8:00 p.m. Volleyball is on summer break. The town’s youth baseball and softball seasons have concluded; a celebration picnic is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The most detailed discussion focused on the Community Garden. The minutes say Vickie Nelson brought children from the Summer Gardening Program to plant vegetables and flowers, and that David Gourley secured free lumber from Great Mountain Forest to build new garden beds. Committee members noted that additional funds will be needed to purchase top soil for those beds. The minutes record that all garden beds have been planted and that four beds are designated for the Norfolk Food Pantry. An Open House is planned during WIN Weekend, and the committee indicated interest in starting an after-school gardening program for older students next school year.
Peter Crippen reported he had been approached about installing a swing set adjacent to the library train set; the minutes note the library has submitted plans for that as a library project. The committee also thanked outgoing members Tammy Barbagallo and Chris Gomez. Committee members noted they will not meet in July and set the next meeting for August 19, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
The minutes do not record contested votes, dollar amounts for the top soil, or a timeline for procurement; those details would need to be supplied by staff or appear in future minutes.
