Kensington Recreation Committee Minutes

February 16, 2005

Draft subject to change prior to approval

Meeting began at 7:00 at the Town Hall

In attendance: Kathy Cook, Lorraine Petzy, Mary Jane Solomon

Guest: Steve McDonough

Minutes of the 1/19/05 meeting approved.

Steve McDonough was present as a response to an invitation to this meeting to discuss current status and needs of KYAA. Steve reported there are changes in structure and needs at this time for a variety of reasons. Inadequate number of fields in town last year required more practices and games to be scheduled in neighboring towns. Many families felt if they were to be traveling to participate in a sports program, they would prefer to explore the many alternative options available today, such as lacrosse, spring soccer, and golf. This has reduced the number of children registering for the KYAA softball/baseball programs. Another change will be the shift for 9 – 10 and 11 – 12 year olds to feed into the Exeter baseball program. Steve reported that of the 90 – 100 participants of last year’s program, approximately half that will be registering with KYAA this spring. These factors reduce the urgent need for more playing fields at present, but Rec. committee members believe it is still extremely important to keep our eyes on the future to determine and prepare for future long term needs.

Last summer a baseball skills program through KYAA was initiated. There remains an interest in continuing to run that program this summer.

Steve also asked that if KYAA should dissolve in the near future, what role the Rec. Committee would play in taking over. Currently, the Rec. Comm. is not set up to handle this. It is a town committee unable to conduct fundraisers needed to support such a program. This is another future issue to be considered.

John Clark sent a report through Kathy that the Learn to Ski Program at Bradford Ski Area was very positive. The weather cooperated for the most part and participants seemed to enjoy the program. John hosted a party for the skiers at the culmination of the session and plans to offer the program again next year.

Loraine offered to format a yearlong calendar to bring to the next meeting to map out events and offerings and who will be in charge.

Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting March 9, 2005

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Jane Solomon