Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

Date: 
Thursday, January 14, 2021 - 7:00pm

Monthly Meeting of Antrim Parks and Recreation Commission

Agenda forthcoming

Draft Minutes from previous meeting: 

Antrim Parks and Recreation Commission (APARC)
Draft Minutes Monthly Meeting
December 3, 2020
Meeting called electronically on Zoom, due to state of emergency/COVID 19
In attendance: Celeste Lunetta, Bob Edwards, Joan Gorga , Isaac Lombard
Absent: Tim Morehouse
Old Business/Updates:
Minutes of October meeting were presented and accepted as written.
Minutes from November meeting are pending, Isaac will be providing.
Celeste reminded the group that meeting minutes should be available to the public within a few days of the meeting.
TOWN GYM:
Celeste reported that the doors on School Street still do need to be replaced, on set in particular doesn’t always close properly. This item was brought to the attention of the facilities department in 2019. It has been quoted for repair. Celeste will get a progress report from the facilities department.
The district has invoiced the town for electricity,
Update about school and department use of gym, review of the protocols. Joan inquired to assure that best practices are being followed, under the most current public health recommendations, Celeste confirmed that for Rec Department programs, masks are required for the entire duration, all participants are required to register, RSVP, sign waivers, attest to be symptoms free, and are screened upon entry, Best practices according to specific sports, health and fitness organizations, federal, state and local requirements are being followed.
SHEA FIELD:
Celeste reported that the home plate and pitcher’s mound infield tarps were put in place before the snowfall. Celeste reported keeping the field open for public use as long as possible.
Celeste reported that the department intends use for winter programming, including snowshoeing, hopefully some Nordic skiing, and other programs.
Celeste reported speaking with Donna to follow up with school district about the Shea Field agreement.
MEMORIAL PARK:
Discussion ensued about winter maintenance for the parks, mostly in regards to maintaining the walking path. Celeste will check with Highway department.
Celeste reported that the recreation department decorated the bandstand, for the first time in several years. The decorations were retrieved from old supplies from the former Friends of Recreation tree lighting events.
Celeste reported good use of Gaga Ball Pit, as well as the skatepark, right up to the day before the first significant snowfall.
Lengthy discussion ensued about the opportunities for applying for LWCF or other grants for Memorial Park improvement. It was decided that this year, there would be no inclusion of warrant articles for Memorial Park requests. Additionally, discussion about considering LWCF, tennis or other grants in FY 2022.
GOODELL PARK:
Celeste reported that Highway department had come and removed our leaf piles, and she is grateful for the help.
Isaac reported that a dead tree had come down during the recent snow and ice storm, and volunteered to cut it up and stack the wood.
GREGG LAKE:
Celeste reported that the picnic tables had been relocated to the point, and that Tim had relocated the Kayak rack. Discussion occurred around the need for large rocks to be puyt up in trailer area to separate the kayak rack. Isaac brought up the need for our policies and procedures to be finalized for use of the rack. Celeste reported that one parking lot barrier had been broken, and that she will report that to Highway.
WALKING TRAIL:
Bob reported that he has not found anything that indicates a ROW feom Buttercup Lane.
Isaac reports he will reach out to Peter B and the conservation commission to continue discussion, wioth a focus on the bridge.
Members reported they had viewed the small parking area in Francestown off Route 47, and agreed it was a good example for size. Celeste will determine the cost and funding source that was used for that lot. Discussion about the Recreational Trails Program grant possibilities for the walking trail, and will share that information when the new grant round is released.
REC DEPT UPDATE:
Celeste reported about the Holiday Tour of Lights, Joan reported the existence of an exciting avaiary themed display on Brimstone Corner road.
Celeste provided an update report on the Recreation Department 2020 budget, including a request to the commission to approve a request to the Richardson Trust for the funding of summer camp salaries. Commission approved unanimously.
Next Meeting for APARC is January14,  at 7pm.