Key Take Aways from Parks and Recreation, July 18, 2023

There was concern as Parks and Rec went over budget last year. Would the amount due be deducted from this year's allocation? Town Administrator explained, no, the committee would receive the full amount allocated at Town Meeting — the overage would be paid from Town reserves.

Monument Mountain Regional High School (MMRHS) students and staff drew up a list of plantings to create a native rain garden in the Beach parking lot. $2700 was allocated and the plantings would be done by MMRHS in the fall.

During public comments, the concerns were: Goose poop (working diligently to clean and clear but geese are persistent this year — see Reader to Reader), parking overnight in the Beach parking lot (not allowed), replacing beach sand annually (not allowed by state Conservation rules), and bringing in boats. (Boats can be moved from one part of lake to another but cannot be brought in and launched on Stockbridge Bowl except after being washed to prevent transport of Zebra Mussels. They can only be launched from one place — the designated boat launch). Town Administrator Michael Canales would like the police to help with enforcement of all of the above.

The tennis courts will be resurfaced, and nets for basketball court replaced. The committee considered if the basketball court also should be resurfaced.

It was suggested that this year the Fire Department resume doing the Halloween bonfire and hot chocolate following the Ice Glen walk.

Photo: Lionel Delevingne