Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes

August 11, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.

Attending: Pete Cahn, Tom Giroux, Carrie Harlow, Jen McCuin, Karen Tronsgard-Scott; Visitors: Mike and Katie Bissonette.

Concert in the Park

Thank you for such a successful Concert in the Park season.

HCB’s performance finished at 7:20 pm. Next year please stipulate playing until 8:00 pm.

Despite rainy summer, all 5 bands performed. Posting information about Concert Series on Porch Forum may have helped attendance. Garrett Brown & Co. attracted the H.S. portion of population. To perform next summer and /or Winter Carnival. 

Skate Park Update

Currently skate park equipment is being stored at Wastewater Facility. With upgrade project beginning soon, equipment must be moved. There is no suitable location available to set up park. To move equipment will cost about $1000. Commission decided not to spend additional money on skate park. Suggestion was to donate equipment to another community. Community takes equipment, no cost to Rec. Dept.

Jen wrote a letter to the State’s LWCF division, which awarded grant in 2004 to improve basketball court/rink and skate park. Letter confirmed that current area is still a thriving recreation location, but skate park was not successful.  HCS asked Rec. Dept. to remove park in 2007 to due drug, alcohol evidence and graffiti.   

Ed O’Leary from State will review grant and update on feasibility of request.

Jen shared viewing two successful skate parks in MA – fenced in and paid attendant. Decided this was a mute point.

Recreation Field Options

Alex Weinhagen, Town Planner to present the Town Map and how Recreation fits into the puzzle on Oct. 13’s Recreation Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m.

Decided this would be a good chance to become educated on current development plans and see how members can become involved in pursuing fields and recreational space.

Discussed “pocket parks”. Land across from Triple L trailer. Tom inquired again about land adjacent to Geprags Park.

Other Items

Soccer registration has begun. Season runs Sept. 12 to Oct. 17.  Cost is $25 per player.

Mike asks each member what interested them in joining Recreation Commission, how long they’ve been a member, and their goal.

Pete Cahn – 5 years on Commission; wanted to be involved with community, focus on youth lacrosse; has coached 3/4 boys for 4 years, started a K-1-2 program two years ago, member of NVTYLL , interested in offering programs for different populations, general manager at Petra Cliffs: goal is more field space in community. 

Karen Tronsgard-Scott – 6 mos. on Commission; 2 and ½ year resident, civic-minded person, life-long use of recreational programs, wanted to contribute to community; goal is to continue development of Rec. Dept. especially in regard to attracting people to town.

Carrie Harlow – 2 years on Commission; resident since 1996, moved to Hinesburg after falling in love with the town on a Fourth of July, long time user of recreation programs with two sons, civic-minded person; goal is more field space.

Tom Giroux – Recreation Commission member since 1981; focused on coaching; took some time off living in FL for winters; official member since 2007; now key person for Concerts in Park, July 4^th, huge assistance to Jen for field maintenance in spring and fall; the “pulse” of the Recreation Commission.   

Jen McCuin – not technically on Commission - Recreation Coordinator; goal is to pursue more field space and provide assistance to Commission.

Next Recreation Commission meeting is Sept. 8^th at 7:00 p.m.