EAST LYME, CT — The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously voted to name the softball field at Veterans Memorial Park for longtime coach Judy Deeb and to name the wildflower meadow at Darrow Pond in honor of Bruce Dassinger at its Aug. 20 meeting.
The commission also adopted new parks policies and regulations, approved a facility-fee modification for charitable organizations and discussed a proposal to restore the labyrinth at McCook Point Park.
Chairman Robert Tukey and commissioners Sue Kumro, David Castro and Kenzie Lloyd attended.
The commission voted 4-0 to name the softball field at Veterans Memorial Park "Judy Deeb Field."
Deeb has been a softball coach for 50 years. The East Lyme High School athletic director requested that the field be named in her honor.
Lloyd made the motion and Kumro seconded it.
The commission also voted 4-0 to name the reclaimed wildflower meadow at Darrow Pond for Bruce Dassinger.
The Darrow Pond Subcommittee, which is working to reclaim the meadow, requested the designation. Kumro made the motion, seconded by Castro.
The commission heard from residents seeking to restore the labyrinth that was removed from McCook Point Park because of safety and maintenance concerns.
Cynthia Girgenti presented the McCook Park Labyrinth Initiative and said organizers favor rebuilding it with pavers instead of stones. She said the proposed version would need cleaning about once every 10 years and otherwise require no additional maintenance.
Girgenti said a kit combined with town labor would cost about $34,000, while completing the project without town labor would cost about $65,000. The project's schedule would depend on funding and town approval.
Diane Swan said she was interested in helping with the effort because her husband had been instrumental in installing the original labyrinth. She said Niantic Community Church and the Rotary could potentially make donations and that she had set aside $1,000 received in donations at her husband's celebration of life at McCook.
Kumro suggested seeking grants and conducting fundraising. Swan, who works in the school district, said she has fundraising experience and would be willing to assist. Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Lokken said the town could establish an account to receive money raised for the project.
Joanne Moore said the previous labyrinth had been well used and proposed including a sign explaining its history. Jeannette Woodworth said supporters want the new labyrinth to remain permanently.
Lokken said any replacement should be as maintenance-free as possible and that pavers would make a labyrinth more accessible. Its location remains to be determined.
He also cautioned that donations to the town become town property and that the town cannot guarantee an installation will be maintained indefinitely.
The commission did not record a vote approving the labyrinth project.
Lokken also reported that the Board of Education is charging Parks and Recreation $7,200 for security associated with its summer camp program at the schools.
He estimated the additional expense would add about $20 per camper. Camp currently costs approximately $495 per participant, with extended care costing an additional $80 per week.
Lokken also cited an increase in the minimum wage. Tukey suggested explaining to families why summer camp costs could increase.
The discussion also turned to Parks and Recreation fields used by high school athletics. The value of that use without charge was about $19,000 during the past year, according to the minutes.
Castro suggested charging the schools for use of the fields and said families unable to afford higher camp fees would be affected by the increase. Lloyd said keeping students occupied through activities provides public health and educational benefits.
No vote was recorded on summer camp fees or athletic field charges.
Lokken said he had been asked to prepare a preliminary 2028 budget. His preliminary proposal showed a 10 percent increase, while the finance director suggested 1.5 percent.
The Parks and Recreation Special Revenue Fund will need to be used this year, and fees may also need to increase, Lokken told the commission.
The Playground Replacement Committee has selected Kompan as its preferred vendor after meeting with several companies, Lokken reported.
Committee members planned to meet with the company at McCook on Aug. 25. They expect to have a design and price available in time for the upcoming budget request.
The commission also received updates on several other recreation initiatives.
Kumro reported that Girl Scouts planned to have a booth at the Vintage Market to solicit residents' suggestions about a possible dog park. Lokken said officials have examined town-owned properties for potential locations.
Lokken also reported opposition from some residents at a recent Zoning Commission meeting to a proposed sports complex on Roxbury Road. Lloyd said the high school's fields were not being used and described that as an opportunity for additional use.
The commission unanimously adopted its final Parks and Recreation Commission Policies and Regulations. Kumro made the motion and Castro seconded it.
Commissioners also voted 4-0 to approve a facility fee modification for charitable organizations. Lokken said discounted fees are offered to charitable groups and would be adjusted based on the organization.
The commission unanimously approved its June 17 special meeting minutes and adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
The Lymes Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.