Kensington Recreation Committee Minutes
February 13, 2008
Approved March 12, 2008
Meeting began at 7:00 in the Town Hall
In attendance: Kathy Cook, Dave Macek, John Andreasse, Mary Jane Solomon
Minutes to the December 12, 2007 were approved. There was no meeting in January.
There has been no more communication with Doug Merrill regarding his Eagle Scout project after walking the area in December, though at the time building a bridge was being considered. Mike DelSesto asked about scouts building benches for the picnic tables. This would not be an Eagle Scout project but troop leader, Frank Smith, was asked if perhaps other scouts might do this. He will look into it.
A copy of the invoice from Seacoast Tree for tree work along the trails amounting to $5,000 was obtained. This was paid by the Trust as Rec. had previously paid for different tree work.
Mary Jane attended the Dec. 17th selectmen’s meeting to ask how best to get information regarding park progress, especially in regards to the play area. It was stated there had not been trustee meetings up to this point and with winter upon us, construction was basically at a standstill. The park is considered a construction zone so skating will not occur this winter.
John reported he had attended a Park Trustee meeting on January 23rd. The gift for park improvements has been increased to allow work on trails through the wooded area between the ball fields and Rte. 150. Rec. wishes to meet with Seacoast Tree in the spring when tree work commences to discuss further cleaning up of the wooded area where trails have been started around the pond area. Focus will also turn to the play area in spring. Stonewalls, like the one at the town center, will be built along the park side of the parking lot. Work on the concession stand should be completed by the end of March. The deed has been transferred so the town now owns all the land which houses the park. Discussion on clarification of rules and responsibilities regarding park maintenance occurred. It was decided there should be a maintenance committee. Dave will be the Rec. representative and Bruce Cilley will represent the trustees. It was proposed profits from the concession stand be split 60% to the trustees/40% to KYAA. All efforts will be made to have a Rec. member present at all future Trustees meetings to keep updated.
John is working creating a master schedule for the fields. This will be posted on the KYAA and/or Rec. website for easy access. EJBL does not have their schedule complete at this time but it is believed any night games will be held on Fridays. There are also several tournaments planned for this coming summer. Usage fees and concession operation need to be decided upon.
A playground planning meeting was held January 24th. Mary Jane was notified but was away and unable to attend. Other Rec. members were not aware of this meeting. Mike DelSesto sent a first draft plan he stated he was not satisfied with. John LaRue of Big Toys and HBLA were working on changes. Rec. was concerned with the lack of shade trees around this area. Mike D. stated it was because of codes and acidic soil created by wood breaking down. During park planning meetings it was stated shade around the pavilion and play areas was essential for summer use. This will need to be looked into as this area gets developed.
John Clark sent a report on the ski program. This was the fourth year and another huge success involving 50 participants. Thanks, John!
Kathy and MJ met with Shelly Ellis of Hampton falls to discuss the position of camp director. It was decided she would be great for the job. Shelly will be offering five weeks of day camp this summer, each with the basic 9 – 1 camp time, but also with the option of extended care beginning at 8:30 and continuing until 3:00 keeping with school hours. Camp dates are June 23 – 27; July 7 – 11; July 14 – 18; July 28 – August 1. Each week will offer games and crafts but each will be centered on a theme. Two weeks will offer ‘Stomp’ like activities, the other weeks will include theatre, team sports, and nature. Kathy and MJ will continue to work on details of camp costs and salaries. Kathy will compose a new brochure. Julie Noyes will conduct CPR and First Aide training for Shelly as well as KYAA coaches sometime in April. Shelly will also be asked about the possibility of being the concession stand overseer during baseball/softball season and summer tournaments.
John handed out copies of the by-laws from various recreation committees. We will read and highlight them for discussion at our next meeting. Nancy Roffman will be contacted about obtaining a copy of the Rec.’s original purpose and responsibilities, if possible.
Meeting adjourned. Next meeting March 12, 2008.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Solomon