The commission deliberated on a proposal by Matthew Shinny from Black Dog Productions to shoot a short film titled “Workers” at Ted Williams Camp. The film’s storyline involves two women posing as escorts who are, in fact, vigilantes, exploring themes of trauma and retribution. Filming would require access to a public bathroom and a wooded trail area, with a minimal crew of 15 people. Concerns were raised about the need for water access in the bathrooms, especially during colder weather, but it was decided that functional water access was not critical to the film’s narrative. The commission discussed the logistics of closing off certain park areas to avoid disruptions, considering the park’s regular use by dog walkers and other visitors. The filming proposal was approved, contingent upon Black Dog Productions providing a Certificate of Insurance to ensure the town is covered.

In addition to film production, the commission also addressed the 25th annual Cranberry Tri Fest event, confirming its schedule for August 23, 2026. The event, which had previously generated approximately $4,600, prompted discussions about a fee adjustment. The organizers will use Loon Pond Lodge this year, resulting in a $2,000 charge to compensate for lost revenue from the lodge’s typical events. The participant fee had increased from $5 to $8, a rate the commission chose to maintain for the upcoming event. A motion to approve the Tri Fest at this established fee passed without opposition.

The meeting also considered a request from Asawsa Elementary School to use the Ted Williams parking lot for overflow parking on three Wednesdays: December 10, April 8, and May 20. It was confirmed that these dates would not interfere with scheduled park activities, and a motion to approve the request passed without further discussion.

Another topic was a proposal from Red Hand Brewing Company to sell beer during the upcoming Christmas stroll event in the park. Concerns were expressed about the proposal, with suggestions to implement a ticket system limiting attendees to one drink each to prevent repeated approaches for free samples. There was also a call for non-alcoholic beverage options, like soda and cider, to be available. The brewery will need to apply for a permit from the select board to sell alcohol at the event.

On the operational side, the commission reviewed a job posting for the Clear Pond Park director position, emphasizing the seasonal nature of the role, with a maximum employment period of 9 to 10 weeks. Concerns were raised about clarifying the job description to prevent misunderstandings regarding payment for hours worked, as previous hiring had led to overpayment. Suggestions were made to emphasize working with the parks commission to improve park facilities and increase visitor attendance, rather than focusing solely on revenue generation. The commission decided to draft the job description for further review at the next meeting.

Financial discussions addressed league fees for 2026, revealing a need for $60,000 to cover salaries and essential amenities like portable toilets, while current fees collected from leagues amounted to $35,000. Comparisons were drawn with neighboring Bourne, which charges a higher rate per player, leading to discussions about potentially adjusting fees to better reflect actual usage and maintenance costs. Various models for fee assessment were discussed, including a hybrid model to balance per-head fees with hourly usage fees to ensure equitable cost distribution among leagues.

Maintenance issues also surfaced, notably at John Pond Park, where broken swings posed a safety hazard. It was noted that two swings had been removed due to exposed metal, highlighting the need for future playground plans to consider forthcoming engineering developments in the area. Additionally, complications with the irrigation system at Ted Williams Camp were reported, involving a malfunctioning intake valve for the pond’s pump, which required professional repair.

The commission discussed trail mapping at Ted Williams Camp, with a volunteer offering to take on the task. They noted an encroaching black fence from the fire station near the skate park.