Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm.
This meeting is being recorded for accuracy of minutes.
Committee members present: Scott Rodenhauser, Diane Harty, Mike Hayes, Marilou Blaine. Selectboard liaison Carolyn Vose, Recreation Department Director Kraig Harlow.
Committee members absent: Annie Ewaskio, Katie Beam
Members of the public: Cindy Hayes
May meeting minutes: Mike motioned, Diane seconded to approve the minutes for May meeting. 3-0 vote in favor. Diane abstained, as she was not present at the May meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Pool shading: Carolyn stated that permanent shading structures are needed, and that local contractors should be utilized. Scott will contact Steve Varone.
Lifeguard Staffing and Pool Updates: Pool is fully staffed. Pay rate is $13.50/hour.
Popcorn machine and movie nights: Carolyn stated more publicity for the movie nights is needed- such as Facebook, fliers, signs, sandwich boards. Scott will check on sandwich boards.
Diane declined having popcorn machine at the North Walpole movie nights. NW park receives donations, and the donations are used to purchase drinks and snacks so they are free to the public. Scott will follow up with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Marilou talked about the need for swimming lessons at the pool. Susan Johnson, from the Women of Walpole, volunteered to sponsor lessons and pool memberships for families that are unable to pay. Kraig will check with the principal of the Walpole School for names of families in need.
Scott said the Twin Falls gym is looking for fundraising opportunities.
Halloween Movie Night Idea: This idea was tabled. Weather is a big factor.
Fall Mountain Career Fair: Annie not present to discuss, but Kraig said it went well.
PickleBall Association: This is off the table.
Parking Lot Fence: “It looks like crap” said Scott. The fence is owned by the school ,not the town of Walpole. Scott will attend a Selectboard meeting to discuss further.
Skateboard Park Idea: Annie not here to discuss. The Recreation Committee needs to see numbers, to establish is there if a need/want for the town of Walpole.
Keeping bicycles, skateboards, etc. off the pickle ball and tennis courts: Mike reported there are marks and dings on the pickle ball courts, that are not from sneakers/tennis shoes. The pickle ball courts have just been resurfaced, by volunteers. It was suggested that signs stating that “no roller blades, roller skates, bicycles, scooters” may be a deterrent, as the courts need to be protected from damage. Scott suggested possibility of security cameras, but the subject of enforcement was discussed.
Trash at the park: This has been picked up. Going forward, DeCamp Trucking will do trash removal every Wednesday.
Annie Ewaskio sent an email to Scott regarding skateboards on pickle ball courts. Wondering if this is a possibility. As previously discussed, skateboards and other wheeled type activities are not allowed on the pickle ball and tennis courts; or the basketball court. Carolyn also had an email from Annie, wondering if there is an alternative. Mike suggested closing off the road around the Walpole Common; or using the NW basketball court.
Marilou asked about possibility of a sand box at the pool , for the families with young children.
Rec Soccer: Will start after Labor Day. Games on Saturday mornings 8-12, practices on week nights.
North Walpole Park: Benches have been repaired. The sign needs to be repaired and Chris Kopij volunteered to fix it. The Christmas tree needs to be trimmed. Mike volunteered to do the trimming. Diane is ready for mulching; Kelly Lawn Service will deliver. Some of the NW residents are looking for a fun town activity to be held at the park. Tom Hasselman has volunteered to come with his horses. Diane will pursue with the residents.
Marilou went back to the possibility of using the NW basketball court for skateboard type activities. It was discussed, but it’s a complicated issue, not being sure of the ownership of the court. And it is used for phys.ed. classes at NW school, and many kids in North Walpole still play basketball on the court.
North Walpole Park: Discussion about possibility of a pickle ball court. Carolyn discussed using local contractors, if possible. Diane had a estimate of $22,000-24,000 to replace the volleyball court with a pickle ball court. Long discussion about previous promises for “ free” court to be installed, with donations from local contractors. Carolyn will follow up with Selectboard regarding possible donations of services.
AIM: Marilou said there are now two air conditioners in the town hall. AIM is going very well.
Long term Pickleball : Kraig talked with Gary Clark from Wilson and Lawrence. He is retiring and selling the company, so he is unable to provide an estimate. Gary and Kraig discussed the importance of finding reputable contractors at a time when many new companies are getting involved in pickleball. Kraig has two possible leads: Cape Cod tennis and a business out of Springfield, MA. He will pursue. Mike asked Carolyn if she thought a warrant article for refurbishing the pickleball/tennis courts would be approved by the Selectboard. She said she could not really answer that question. Marilou suggested getting a petition of the Walpole residents that are currently playing pickle ball- to be presented to the Selectboard for the warrant article; and to have a show of pickleball players at the budget hearing for the warrant article.
Park Restroom Facilities: It was suggested that money from revolving fund be used for porta potties. The cost of porta potties was reviewed. Kraig offered a key to the poolhouse, but Carolyn objected, saying “Rules and situations need to be applied to everyone”. Kraig withdrew his offer of a key. Diane moved to have Kraig ask the Selectboard for permission to use money for the porta potties, to be taken from the revolving fund. Marilou seconded. All in favor. Motion passed. He will attend Thursday night’s meeting.
Role of Recreation Committee: Diane brought up the topic of Katie Beam’s absenteeism. She has not attended a meeting. Marilou questioned as to whether the Rec Committee has by-laws, which would address the absenteeism. It is unclear if by-laws exist.
Kraig said she has been sworn in. The committee needs to find out her intentions. Scott will call her to discuss.
Recreation Committee Goals: Marilou brought up topic of sand box and swings at the park.
Next meeting is July 15th
Role of Rec Committee: long discussion regarding revolving fund: what it is, how it is to be used, budget constraints. Complicated issue. Carolyn will help Kraig work with Selectboard about this.
Opening pool earlier for 2025 season: this may come down to a budget issue; as finding lifeguards that are available while school is in session is sometimes difficult.
Pickleball round robin play: Mike and the pickleball players do not want money from the town- they just want to be able to have fun round robin play, clinics, etc. Long discussion as to using town ( Carolyn used the word “borrowing”) property for a non-town sponsored club, which involves non-residents. Carolyn stated Mike would have to go to Selectboard meeting to discuss. More discussion about charging to play pickle ball; or just charge the non-residents.
Mike moved to adjourn meeting. Marilou seconded. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Next meeting: Monday July 15th @ 6:00 pm at Walpole Town Hall.
This meeting did not adhere to the agenda in the order it was presented; thus the minutes are long and disjointed. The meeting was almost two hours long.
Respectfully submitted
Mike Hayes
The Walpolean 
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