Park and Recreation Commission
November 2, 2020 via Zoom
Meeting Minutes
Present: Kevin Jones (Chair), Scott Palmer, Mitch Edwards, MaryLou Carlson, Lorcan O’Connor (7:39)
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:39 pm.
REVIEW OF DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick reviewed his report:
– We partnered with Neighbors and Newcomers for the “Honk Hoot and Hollar” drive-through Halloween event. Over 200 children were signed up for the event.
– Extended day enrollment is hovering around 22 so far. The program was shut down for 14 days after a staff member tested positive, which also coincided with an exposure at the Elementary School. The program reopened on 10/29.
– We still hope to offer some indoor programming this winter – Hodgepodge class and Pickleball are the most feasible.
– At this time, youth basketball is facing challenges due to Covid-19 protocols and restrictions. Much of what we can do with basketball will be determined after the CIAC releases their winter sports guidelines in the next week or two.
LETTERS OR CORRESPONDENCE
None
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM September 4, 2020
Motion to approve the minutes: O’Connor, Carlson (second), unanimous, 1 abstain.
DISCUSSION OF PREVIOUS BUSINESS
None
DISCUSSION OF RCC PAVILION
The Board of Selectman wanted an update regarding the Pavilion project at RCC. The Commission stands firm in their belief that the Pavilion is a necessary addition to the facilities at RCC and would a benefit to the families of Redding. It has been on the budget for 8 years, and is part of the long-term financial plan for the town. Mr. Blick provides updated financials for this project each year at budget time.
DISCUSSION OF NECESSARY UPGRADES TP TOPSTONE PLAYGROUND
The Commission also wants to see the necessary upgrades completed to the playground at Topstone Park. As with the Pavilion, updated numbers should be provided at budget time.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON SKATEBOARD PARK LAND ALLOCATION
The Commission discussed the promise of RCC space for a skateboard park. Mr. Jones said that it had been three or four years since the project was first introduced. He suggested it was time to allow that space to be used by another project, if the skateboard park was not going to become a reality. Mr. Blick commented that, although a fundraising effort had been made, the results of said fundraising are nowhere near where they would need to be to allow construction to begin anytime in the near future. Mr. Palmer commented that the commission most likely did not need to take action at this time, but that the people involved in the skateboard park fundraising efforts should be told that the land may be allocated to another project at some time in the future. No action was taken.
DISCUSSION OF PLAYGROUND AT RCC
Mr. Jones re-introduced the idea of a “birth-to-five” playground to be located somewhere on the RCC property. In prior years there has been a group of residents that would like to see the playground come to fruition. One member of the public joined the conversation to provide the pertinent background concerning the idea and previous efforts that have been made. The Commission agreed that it is a project worth discussing as we move forward.
ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS OR INITIATIVES
None
SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion Jones, Palmer (second), unanimous. Adjourned at 8:23 pm
Submitted: Kevin Jones