Park and Recreation Commission
January 3, 2022 Redding Community Center
Meeting Minutes
Present: Kevin Jones (Chair), Pete Graziano, Lorcan O’Connor, Mitch Edwards, Tami O’Connor, Kim Becker, MaryLou Carlson
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm
REVIEW OF DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick reviewed his report:
– Our basketball league started in December and people have been attending Open Gym in decent numbers.
– Masks are now required for all participants of all programs, including basketball.
– We continue to contact trace for participants and staff, as needed
– Topstone gate has been opened by volunteers this fall. Usually, our volunteers open the gate until early December. Due to unusually warm temperatures (with no snow) they have continued to open and close the gate daily until this weekend when we will stop after Friday 12/3. Thanks to Beverly Wirth and Liz Sager for their help these last few years.
– We are looking for volunteers to help with the snow shoveling of our ice rink.
– The new Pavilion’s concrete base was set up a few weeks ago. The supplies for roofing and framing have been delayed.
– Basic numbers have been sent in for the 2022-2023 Budget.
– Mary Jo Dix and Rob Blick met with school officials on December 20 to discuss rising school attendance projections, but we will still be able to use one room in the school likely into next school year.
– We continue to plan the proposed Walking Path at RCC. We will be looking for some funding to start an early phase of this project.
– Mr. Blick also reviewed the capital items that will be presented at the town budget workshop later in January.
– The Winter Program was posted online only. There have been some challenges with the print version of the program that need to be ironed out before Spring.
LETTERS OR CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Blick received multiple letters supporting increased time and facilities for Pickleball
PUBLIC COMMENT
Several members of the public spoke on the popularity, and health/social benefits, of Pickleball.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM December 6, 2021
Motion to approve the minutes: O’Connor, L ; Edwards (second), unanimous.
DISCUSSION OF PREVIOUS BUSINESS
Regarding the Walking Path at RCC, the commission suggested a committee be formed to decide what features would benefit the town, and what town resources might be used to help the project get started. Mr. Jones stated he would discuss it with the First Selectman.
Regarding the capital requests, Commissioners Graziano, Becker and T. O’Connor asked to investigate more options with the elementary school administration before attempting to add an addition to current facility at RCC.
DISCUSSION OF ONLINE PRESENTATION OF BROCHURE
The brochure has proven to be difficult to print in its current form. They have not been mailed out due to Covid and a reduction of programming. Members of the commission volunteered to help solve the issue. Mr. Jones agreed to meet with staff to assess what needed to be done to resolve the issues.
ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS OR INITIATIVES
none.
SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLIC COMMENT
A member of the public asked the commission to consider adding permanent Pickleball courts if the Tennis Court repair is approved. Currently, that would require the loss of one or more tennis courts. Mr. Jones and Mr. Blick agreed we could look into some design ideas that may accommodate some permanent courts.
A member of the public offered that, in her time as a teacher in Weston, educators were asked to come up with creative ideas to provide space for after school programming and suggested that Redding might do the same, if space is an issue at the school for the After School program.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion Jones, Carlson (second), unanimous. Adjourned at 9:28 pm
Submitted: Kevin Jones