Recreation Commission Reviews Summer Program Success and Considers Future Funding Options
Meeting: Whitman Recreation Commission
Date: July 24, 2025
Summary:
At its July 24 meeting, the Whitman Recreation Commission discussed the financial status and operational updates of the summer park and pool programs, including unexpected maintenance costs and staffing logistics. The commission approved a staff appreciation event and explored future funding avenues, including approaching the Finance Committee for reserve funds. Members also reviewed community feedback from the Open Space and Recreation Plan and considered ideas for new initiatives such as a dog park and fishing derby.
Detailed Overview:
The meeting opened with approval of the June 12 minutes and a welcome to guest Kevin Leinem, who expressed interest in joining the commission. The commission then reviewed the summer budget, noting that all expenses are currently being covered by the revolving fund. Program fees have successfully supported staff salaries for both the pool and park programs. Attendance has been strong, with 100 campers enrolled in weeks three through six of the park program. However, an unexpected $5,000 expense for pool maintenance—including repairs to the chlorinator, filter, and pump—raised concerns about the sustainability of relying solely on the revolving fund.
Commission members discussed the possibility of requesting support from the town’s Finance Committee reserve fund for future unexpected expenses, such as replacing the pool lift and covering high electricity costs. They also considered alternative funding sources like community preservation grants. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining services while managing limited resources.
Updates on swim lessons revealed declining enrollment in later morning sessions, despite strong participation in the 8:30 a.m. slot. Members discussed potential strategies to improve publicity and scheduling, including outreach through local media and coordination with other town programs. The commission also reviewed field usage, noting that AAU baseball teams and Whitman Little League are utilizing Memorial Field, while the Special Olympics softball tournament will be held at Whitman Middle School on August 3.
The meeting concluded with discussion of the Open Space and Recreation Plan, which includes ten action items and goals. Recreation Commission members clarified their role in supporting community-driven initiatives rather than infrastructure maintenance. Ideas such as a fishing derby at Hobart Pond and a dog park near the community garden were proposed, with members expressing interest in exploring feasibility, liability, and funding options. The next meeting was scheduled for September 11 at 6 PM.
Meeting Minutes:
Key Decisions & Votes:
Motion: Approve minutes from June 12, 2025.
Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Notes: No discussion.Motion: Fund staff appreciation event with approximately $300 for food and drinks.
Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Notes: Annual tradition to thank summer staff.
Major Topics Discussed:
Topic: Summer Program Budget and Pool Maintenance
Discussion: Reviewed use of revolving fund for salaries and repairs. Unexpected $5,000 pool expense prompted discussion of seeking reserve funds from Finance Committee.Topic: Swim Lesson Enrollment
Discussion: Strong attendance in early sessions; later slots underutilized. Suggestions included increased publicity and coordination with other programs.Topic: Field Usage and Special Olympics
Discussion: Memorial Field used by AAU and Little League. Special Olympics tournament scheduled for August 3 at Whitman Middle School, with field adjustments due to limited availability.Topic: Open Space and Recreation Plan
Discussion: Ten-year plan includes goals for community engagement. Recreation Commission clarified its role and discussed potential involvement in cleanups and events.Topic: Dog Park and Skate Park Proposals
Discussion: Community survey identified strong interest. Members discussed possible locations, liability concerns, and past efforts. Dog park near community garden considered feasible.Topic: Fishing Derby Proposal
Discussion: Suggested as a low-cost, community-oriented event at Hobart Pond. Potential coordination with existing Scout events noted.
Public Comment: No formal public comment section was held, but members shared community feedback regarding swim lessons, dog park interest, and skate park liability. Concerns were raised about the Recreation Commission’s capacity to manage additional responsibilities without expanded resources.
Action Items & Next Steps:
Explore requesting reserve funds from Finance Committee for pool repairs and future unexpected expenses.
Obtain quote for pool lift replacement and assess funding options.
Increase publicity for swim lessons through local media and town channels.
Coordinate with Special Olympics for August 3 tournament logistics.
Invite Jason from Old Colony Planning Council to present Open Space Plan at next meeting.
Investigate feasibility and liability of dog park and skate park proposals.
Plan potential fishing derby event at Hobart Pond.
Next meeting scheduled for September 11, 2025, at 6 PM.
*editor’s note: automated article experiment