OLD LYME, CT — The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed a proposal to bring back a basketball program for middle school-age children and reviewed plans for accessibility, maintenance and dredging work at Hains Park during its Aug. 6 meeting.
The commission met at Town Hall, with Chairman Bob Dunn, Mary Ellen Garbarino, Ryan Lee and Brendan McKeever attending. Parks and Recreation Director Don Bugbee also attended.
During public comment, Al Furrow presented a proposal for a youth basketball program for students in grades 6 through 8. The Parks and Recreation Department previously offered a program for that age group, but it ended because of insufficient participation, according to the minutes.
Commission members expressed support for exploring a new program but raised questions about potential participation and available space. Furrow was asked to investigate the possibility of joining with East Lyme and determine what would be expected from Old Lyme. He is expected to return to the commission in September with additional information.
Commissioners also continued planning several projects at Hains Park.
The commission discussed construction of an accessible path to the park's new playscape. Estimates will be needed for a new concrete path constructed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Members also discussed the path's color and a potential timeline. Bugbee said he would speak with Public Works about improvements to the area near the parking lot.
Commissioners said efforts to address Canada geese at the park have improved conditions but need to continue. The minutes said applications of the goose deterrent Goose Scram have been helping.
Members also raised concerns about maintenance at Hains Park, saying the property needs cleaning, beach raking and grass cutting. Public Works has been contacted about the conditions. Commissioners discussed the possibility of hiring a company to maintain the park but said they hoped Public Works could continue handling the work.
Planning for dredging at Hains Park was another topic. Dunn said an engineer will be needed before dredging can proceed. The process will also require satellite photos, preparation of a request for proposals and solicitation of proposals. Dunn said he would work on the RFP with input from Facilities Director Erik Olsen.
Bugbee reported that the department's six-week summer day camp and aftercare programs were scheduled to end Aug. 7. The day camp had 266 registered children, while 53 were registered for aftercare. The programs employed 33 counselors and included 19 volunteer counselors-in-training.
Summer sports programs included a girls volleyball camp with 24 participants and two boys basketball camps that drew 14 and 27 participants, respectively. A girls basketball camp scheduled for late July was canceled because of insufficient registration.
Beach yoga at White Sand Town Beach is continuing Wednesday mornings through Sept. 9, with five people registered as of the meeting. The CAS soccer camp at Town Woods Park was delayed by heavy rain Aug. 3 and rescheduled for Aug. 4-7, with longer daily sessions planned to make up for the lost day.
Youth soccer registration is open through Aug. 28, with the season scheduled for Saturday mornings from Sept. 12 through Oct. 24. Adult soccer is scheduled on Sundays from Sept. 6 through Oct. 25 at Town Woods Park. Adult volleyball and men's and women's basketball programs are being planned for September.
Bugbee reported that town recreational facilities were open and being used daily, with no major facility issues noted. White Sand Town Beach has been busy, while Cross Lane Park, Town Woods Park and Hains Park have hosted activities including baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, rowing, tennis and pickleball.
The commission approved its June 6 meeting minutes and adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Its next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 3.
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