WALPOLE RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 

MAY 17,2024

Members Present: Scott Rodenhauser, Mike Hayes, Marilou Blaine, Annie Ewaskio, Kraig Harlow(Recreation Department Director)

Members Absent: Katie Beam,Diane Harty; Carolyn Vose, Selectboard Liaison.

Guests: Jon McClaren

Meeting called to order at 6:10 pm

Approval of Minutes: Marilou abstained from voting on the minutes of the April meeting, as she did not attend. Minutes of April meeting approved by a vote of 3-0.

Old Business: Jon McClaren offered to run an adults only swim program. He presented his suggested swim work outs. The times and dates to be determined. Mike moved to accept his proposal, Marilou seconded the motions. All in favor.

Pool shading: Steve Varone had offered to contribute money towards permanent pool shading. Discussion as to use money from revolving fund; warrant article. Scott will talk with Steve for more information.

Pool update: Kraig said 4 lifeguards have been hired so far. Total lifeguards needed are 8-12. He believes this will not be a problem. Stephanie Green is working on pool opening, which is scheduled for June 15th.

Hike to Table Rock: Great sunset hike to Table Rock in North Walpole. 10 hikers. Next hike will be July 27th.

Chairs for Whitcomb Park: Marilou would like to purchase 4 chairs. $31.00 each. She will use the money from AIM. Scott moved to purchase the chairs. Mike seconded. Motion approved 4-0.

Summer Movies: Three different movies will be show. $400.00 each. Marilou will contact the Boy Scout organization in Walpole, to see if they would like to use their popcorn machine to sell popcorn at Movie Nights.

Flag Football, SportsEngine: Flag football is being done through another organization at FMRHS. The Selectboard turned down the proposal of using Sports Engine App.

Short Term Pickle Ball/Tennis courts proposal:  The four courts have been painted and are ready to be played on. Discussion about possibility of  a divider fence to separate the tennis court from the pickle ball courts. This is tabled for the time being.

North Walpole Plaque: not discussed

Long term Pickle Ball/Tennis courts proposal: Kraig is working on getting a total of 3 estimates to replace the 40 year old  tennis/pickle ball courts.

Summer Basketball: Kraig anticipates having 75 players. He is trying to line up indoor courts in case of rain.

NEW BUSINESS: Career Fair May 29th at FMRHS. Annie volunteered to help.

Roller blade/skateboards in park: Annie questioned whether this is a possibility. Kraig said currently there is not an appropriate place for this at the park.

Trash: Trash can next to tennis courts has not been emptied in several months. Kraig will take care of this.

Dogs at park: Dog problems still exist at both parks. Kraig said we need to find out the owners of the dogs. 

Rest Rooms: Rest rooms are only available when pool is open. There is no money for porta potties in the budget. Kraig had several ideas, and will work on a solution.

Grass: Grass had been mowed onto the tennis and pickle ball courts, resulting in time spent cleaning by the pickle ball players. Kraig will get this resolved.

Stairs at the park: Shur pac has been delivered to be used on the stairs.

Pickle ball organization: Discussion as to forming a pickle ball organization; funding, etc..

There are still many questions to be answered. 

Meeting adjourned ago 7:30 pm. Next meeting date has not been determined.