Durham Park and Recreation Meeting Minutes

February 16, 2005

Attendance:

          Charlie Bray, Karen Kean, Sherry Hill, Diana Dahlman, Ann Figoras,

Linda Handley, Bonnie Arcari, Kate McLaughlin

Absent:

          Carol Herzig, Jeff Stahl, Chris Bascom

The meeting was called to order at 7:14 pm by Chairperson Karen Kean. The committee

welcomed new committee member Bonnie Arcari and prospective new committee member Kate McLaughlin.

A motion was made by Karen Kean to accept the minutes from the November 16^th, 2004

meeting, and was seconded by Diana Dahlman.

Old Business:

Several coats were collected at the Tree Lighting in December and donated to St. Vincent DePaul Place. A thank you letter from St. Vincent’s was read by Karen Kean. A copy of the letter will be submitted to Maryann Boord.

Sherry reviewed the Winter Recreation Programs.

The Youth Basketball program ends on Saturday March 5^th with pizza parties for each division. Sherry has received positive feedback regarding this year’s program. The February Basketball Clinic still has a few openings. The clinic runs Feb. 22^nd - Feb. 24th. Sherry also reviewed upcoming Spring Programs.

New Business:

The Town Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday March 26^th at Allyn Brook Park at 9am. Committee members should be there by 7am for set up. Age categories and corresponding prizes were discussed. An instruction sheet with a map of age categories and corresponding areas will again be given out this year. Sherry remarked that this worked well in organizing the Hunt last year. The committee also discussed the need for parents to accompany three year olds out into the field. It was remarked that in the past some parents have been too aggressive in helping their children find eggs, however there are many 3 year olds who need a parent with them. The committee agreed that a parent would be allowed to accompany 3 year olds into the field if their child needs assistance.

Committee members will supervise the areas to help ensure a smooth process.

Committee members will buy prizes and supplies needed for the egg hunt.

The committee will meet on Thursday March 24^th at 6pm - 8pm to color eggs at Strong School. Children are welcome to assist. Pizza and soda will be provided.

For the benefit of new members, Karen discussed the practice of boiling and coloring 1500 eggs.

Sherry mentioned that plans to renovate Town Hall allow for office space for the Recreation Committee. Currently Town Recreation materials are stored at Sherry’s home.

Sherry also mentioned that minutes should be handed to the Town Clerk in a timely manner as The Committee has recently not been compliant with this.

Bonnie Arcari questioned Sherry regarding the history of the Durham Recreation Board

and it’s role. She inquired if the Recreation Board had any long term goals at this time.

Discussion ensued regarding what some reasonable ideas might be.

Bonnie proposed that in light of the National Obesity Epidemic, the committee research and think about activities that would reach all children. One suggestion was that perhaps we could research the possibility of a bike path. It was agreed that we would try to identify needs of the community as it is growing.

It was agreed that our next meeting will take place on Thursday March 24^th at 6pm at Strong School.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:29pm by Karen Kean and seconded by Charlie Bray.

                                                                                         Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                                         Ann Figoras

cc. Laura Francis, Town Clerk

** These minutes, although submitted to the town, have not been approved by the recreation committee and may be amended prior to approval.