Below is a summarized version of the Recreation Committee meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
- 📋 Meeting Minutes Approval
- ✅ Amplified Sound Permit – Alex’s Big Benefit Music Show
- 🏛️ ReCAL Operations Plan Update
- ✅ CPA Committee Representation
- 🏓 Pickleball & ReCAL Permitting Updates
- 🏞️ Birch Meadow Phase 2 Construction
- 🎾 Community Tennis Court Resurfacing
- 🧑🤝🧑 Committee Vacancy Notice
- 🌲 Conservation Funding Request
- ♿ Therapeutic Recreation & Inclusion Updates
- 🎃 Fall Program Highlights
- 🗝️ Key Outcomes Summary
🗓️ Recreation Meeting Summary – September 15, 2025
📍 Location: Town Hall Berger Room & Zoom
🎙️ Chair: Richard Hand
🧭 Facilitator: James Sullivan (Recreation Administrator)
📋 Meeting Minutes Approval
🕒 0:27–2:49
- June and August minutes reviewed and approved.
- Typo correction noted for John Federico’s name.
- Catherine Kaminer volunteered to take minutes for the next meeting.
✅ Amplified Sound Permit – Alex’s Big Benefit Music Show
🕒 3:06–4:27
- Event scheduled for October 12, 2025, at Memorial Park (1–4 PM).
- Equipment includes speakers, mixers, microphones, and instruments.
- No prior complaints; unanimously approved.
🏛️ ReCAL Operations Plan Update
🕒 4:33–19:05
Speakers: Jenna, John Sasso, Emily Sison, Jim Sullivan
- Monthly updates planned for Recreation and Council on Aging.
- Mission: Inclusive, age-friendly space with senior hub, fitness room, and shared community areas.
- Draft policies in progress: fitness room, membership, rental, indoor track.
- Timeline includes public presentation in April 2026 and Select Board review.
- Construction completion targeted for Fall 2027.
✅ CPA Committee Representation
🕒 27:04–41:25
Speaker: Eric Gaffen
- Eric Gaffen stepped down due to scheduling conflicts.
- Kate Kaminer nominated and unanimously approved as new representative.
- Committee discussed flexible attendance and backup support.
🏓 Pickleball & ReCAL Permitting Updates
🕒 41:30–44:35
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- Conservation Committee closed review; awaiting mitigation conditions.
- CPDC paused pending shared parking agreement with Burbank Ice Arena.
- Next CPDC meeting scheduled for October 6.
🏞️ Birch Meadow Phase 2 Construction
🕒 44:40–48:04
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- Post-tension concrete pad installed; playground equipment delayed until spring.
- Musco lighting and drainage systems arriving end of September.
- Courts may open in October; fencing to be adjusted accordingly.
🎾 Community Tennis Court Resurfacing
🕒 48:39–50:08
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- Vermont Recreation arrived early; DPW and Water Dept responded quickly.
- Courts expected to reopen next week after curing period.
🧑🤝🧑 Committee Vacancy Notice
🕒 51:15–52:11
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- Vacancy posted due to Michael Coltman’s passing.
- Interested parties encouraged to apply via town website.
🌲 Conservation Funding Request
🕒 52:11–58:24
Speaker: Jim Sullivan
- $3,000 requested for kiosks and signage.
- Committee raised concerns about funding priorities.
- Recommendation: Conservation present formally in October.
♿ Therapeutic Recreation & Inclusion Updates
🕒 58:41–1:09:26
Speakers: Jim Sullivan, Committee Members
- Adaptive Sports Day planned for October 11 in Andover.
- Future event to be hosted in Reading.
- Inclusive trip to Canobie Lake Park Screamfest scheduled for October 18.
- Discussion on expanding adult programming and staffing for therapeutic recreation.
🎃 Fall Program Highlights
🕒 1:09:32–1:16:19
Speaker: Ed
- Flag football launched with 550 participants.
- Intergenerational fishing clinic held August 20.
- Downtown Trick-or-Treat set for October 28.
- New STEM program “BuildWave” introduced.
- Sunday basketball registration open; staff hiring underway.
🗝️ Key Outcomes Summary
✅ Minutes Approved: June and August
✅ Amplified Sound Permit Approved: Alex’s Benefit Show
✅ CPA Committee Rep Appointed: Kate Kaminer replaces Eric Gaffen
🏛️ ReCAL Planning: Monthly updates; draft policies in progress
🏓 Pickleball & ReCAL Permitting: Awaiting CPDC parking agreement
🏞️ Birch Meadow Phase 2: Courts progressing; playground delayed
🎾 Tennis Court Resurfacing: Underway; reopening expected next week
🧑🤝🧑 Committee Vacancy Posted: Applications open
🌲 Conservation Funding Request: $3K for kiosks; formal presentation requested
♿ Therapeutic Recreation: Adaptive Sports Day planned; inclusive trip scheduled
🎃 Fall Programs: Flag football, Trick-or-Treat, BuildWave STEM, Sunday basketball
