RECEIVED OCTOBER 7, 2008 @ 9:00 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
Redding Park and Recreation – Special Meeting Minutes
Date: August 4, 2008
Town of Redding, Connecticut
PRESENT: Chairperson-Lee Morgan, Shannon Craley, Paul Degener, Susan Goldman, Liz Sager, Kim Taylor
STAFF: Rob Blick, Director; Val Koniecki, Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 7:37 p.m.
The Minutes from May 27, 2008 were reviewed and unanimously approved on motion of Mr. Degener and second of Ms. Goldman.
The Commission took items on the agenda in reverse order.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB: All of the overflow names from the Extended Day program have been contacted about the Boys and Girls Club afterschool program. At this time it is unknown how many have been enrolled. The program accepts students through grade 4.
GEORGETOWN YMCA: There is no update.
ENROLLMENT: Mimi-Camp enrollment is down. Day camp numbers are up. Topstone enrollment is down at 114 from 129 last year. The Commission discussed possible reasons for the decline in the sale of family passes. Negative perceptions about the quality of the water and the sand at Topstone and the fact that residents may not be aware of other activities available at the park may be contributing factors. Water quality is tested every week and there have been very low bacteria counts. Some residents may be apprehensive about safety issues at the park. Training programs for lifeguards and other Topstone staff have increased and every effort is being made to ensure the safety of visitors to Topstone. Lack of a playground and pavilion area may also be factors.
TOPSTONE ENHANCEMENT: The Commission agreed that the perception of the park needs to be improved and discussed having a Topstone Day event, where no fee will be charged for admission and all of the activities available will be showcased, such as kayaking and canoeing, camping and hiking. Activities that would draw interest without incurring costs were also discussed. A letter to the Pilot will be drafted and published so that this event can take place before summers end.
Another option to increase enrollment is to allow more non-residents to buy passes. The Commission agreed that at this time the focus should be on increasing resident interest and eliminating common rumors and misconceptions about Topstone programs.
LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE: There were no letters or correspondence.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DIRECTORS REPORT: Highlights included elimination of the sand bee problem at Topstone Park, the cancellation of three Concerts on the Green and an upcoming movie night.
The next scheduled meeting will be August 25, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
The Commission entered Executive Session at 8:26 p.m. to discuss pending litigation. Present were Ms. Morgan, Ms. Craley, Ms. Goldman, Ms. Sager, Ms. Taylor, Mr. Degener and Mr. Blick.
The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Submitted by vak
8/7/2008
|