The meeting began with a presentation by Courtney, who has been conducting a Sunday morning boot camp class in the park. She shared positive attendance figures and expressed interest in expanding to Wednesday sessions. Her proposal included an $8 drop-in rate per class, with bulk purchase discounts, and offering the first class free to attract participants. Courtney assured the commission of her compliance with insurance requirements and described her proactive communication efforts through a Facebook page and website.

Subsequent discussions among commission members focused on the implementation of a user fee for these classes. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of fees on attendance, but it was noted that most participants were returning clients from Courtney’s previous studio. The commission compared this fee structure to those for other park activities, ultimately deciding on a $1 per participant per class fee. The motion to adopt this fee was unanimously approved.

Another prominent topic was volunteer involvement spearheaded by a Lakeville resident, who proposed organizing her company, Johnson and Johnson, for community service at Clear Pond and other parks. She emphasized the need for improvements at Clear Pond, citing the park’s potential and current deficiencies. The commission expressed support for the collaboration, recognizing the benefits of such volunteer efforts, yet stressed the necessity of navigating town procedures and obtaining necessary approvals to ensure adherence to updated volunteer policies.

Attention then turned to the Ted Williams concession stand, which has been unused for a year. Members agreed to discontinue its electricity, saving $14 monthly, given the negligible cost of reactivation. The conversation expanded to the ongoing plumbing issues in park facilities, with over $1,000 spent annually on repairs. In response, the commission decided to trial a switch from two-ply to one-ply toilet paper to mitigate excessive consumption and subsequent plumbing problems.

Financial matters were another critical area of focus. The Park Enterprise Fund budget was reviewed, revealing over $69,000 in retained earnings, although this figure awaits finalization in September. The commission clarified budget discrepancies, particularly concerning utilities, noting that while some areas faced increased costs, overall financial health remained stable. Discussions also highlighted the need for precise accounting of revenues and the potential for increased income through enhanced park services.

The meeting also addressed facility usage concerns, particularly regarding sports fields and Clear Pond operations. There were issues with field application processes for softball and baseball leagues, and the commission debated the adequacy of communication with these organizations. Meanwhile, Clear Pond’s operations faced scrutiny over budget projections, with potential deficits looming if staffing increased. Yet, there was optimism about revenue generation through rentals and the introduction of Adirondack chairs at the beach.

As the meeting concluded, the commission explored the feasibility of introducing a farmers market in park spaces, noting the need for suitable locations amid existing park activities. The potential installation of outdoor fitness equipment was also debated, with safety concerns cited as a significant consideration. Additionally, discussions broached the installation of electric vehicle chargers, delayed by grant application issues but expected by fall.