Park and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting
September 12, 2007
Meeting called to order: 7:35 PM
Commissioners in Attendance: Andy Paterna, George Caye, Rich Mabey, Al Larson, Rob O'Connor, Dan Rezende, James Snow, Jason Race, Ray Favreau
Also in Attendance: Chief Tyler, Sergeant Dobler, Parker Stockford, Brenda Chaisson, Dale Werkoven, George Marcotte, Gina Bolduc
Minutes of the July meeting were approved and seconded.
Public Input: Parker Stockford had a complaint about the maintenance of the Wapping Tennis Courts. He would like the area around the courts cleaned and weeded. He wants the cracks repaired and the backboards repaired. There are no trash receptacles near the courts. He is asking PARC to look into cleaning the area. Cary Prague has spoken with Matt Gantick and will look into further clean up of the courts.
Chief Tyler and Sergeant Mike Dobler presented a plan to PARC for a Bark Park. The park will be located at the top of Nevers Park near the police phone. The land was cleared by the Park Dept. the last month and is ready for fencing. They presented PARC a handout of the layout of the fencing along with pictures of a Bark Park in Wethersfield. Some of the needs of this park
1) Fencing; The area to be covered is about 250' by 180' The cost will be approx. $33,000 for fencing and installation.
2) Wood chips; Hope to get donated and spread by the dog owners.
3) Benches, trash cans, dog poo bags and a can to throw bags out. All these should be able to be obtained through donations.
A motion was made to spend up to $35,000 for the Bark Park fencing. This was seconded. There was discussion on limiting the amount spent for only fencing. This was agreed upon by the members and voted and passed to spend up to $35,000 for the fencing only. All other needs for the park will be met by the dog owners. Chief Tyler informed us that there are over 6,000 dogs licensed in town.
Sgt. Dobler handed out two flyers on research on an ordinance restricting sex offenders in town parks. When he gets a proposal set he will present it back to the PARC for review.
Report of Open Space Task Force Liaison: The task force is walking the Dzen property this week. Ray will send out a letter to PARC for review in trying to connect all the open space in the property site and to place a sign designating it for a future park.
Report of the Recreation Director
Lawrence Road Park: Lawsuit has been postponed until September 2008
Bids are going out soon for the soccer fields at Rye St. Park
Wapping Fair: Attendance was up 40% from 2006.
Summer concert series was a huge success. There were record crowds at Evergreen Walk.
4th R program is up and running and attendance is good
Camp Discovery: most of the8 weeks were at capacity with an average of 141 per week. That a 15% increase from last year.
Ropes Course: First corporate rental (Aldi) was a successful.
Youth Sports Culture Initiative: The Rec. Dept. is looking to book Joe Ehrman in November. PARC will look into helping out in the cost.
Boundless Playground: There is still a parking problem at the Community Center. A new parking area is in the works by the playground.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM
Next Meeting: 7:30 PM October 10, 2007
Respectfully Submitted
George S. Caye
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