Disa’s haunted house concept, aiming to attract thousands of visitors, included plans for additional parking, which would involve clearing sections of land. This suggestion met with strong resistance from commission members who underscored the importance of conserving park land. One commissioner emphasized a firm stance against cutting trees for temporary events, stating, “We’re not going to clear any trees for anything for any event that’s going to be here for a month.” The sentiment was shared by others who expressed apprehension about the long-term effects of such alterations.

The conversation revealed a divide between the desire to host popular community events and the necessity to adhere to conservation regulations. The proposal also included plans for partnerships with local vendors and the use of carnival rides to enhance the event’s appeal, further complicating the environmental impact considerations.

Safety and infrastructure requirements were also major points of discussion. Disa detailed the need for a new 200 amp electrical service to power the event, estimating costs upwards of $10,000.

The haunted house proposal highlighted the broader issue of how public spaces are utilized for events and the potential conflicts that arise between usage and preservation. The commission deliberated on the feasibility of Disa’s plans, weighing the benefits of increased community engagement against the potential environmental costs.

In addition to the haunted house discussion, the meeting covered several other topics of importance. The commission addressed the need for installation of security cameras at local parks to enhance safety. A proposal included three stationary cameras and one PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera, emphasizing the necessity for continuous coverage. Concerns were voiced about potential blind spots and the importance of integrating the cameras into the town’s existing infrastructure to avoid additional costs.

The commission also tackled the financial challenges associated with league fees for recreational activities. It was noted that league fees currently cover only 17% of expenses, prompting a discussion on potential fee increases to ensure sustainability. The need to balance financial realities with accessibility was emphasized, with members considering small, incremental fee adjustments to avoid pricing families out of participation. The conversation highlighted diverse perspectives on managing rising costs while maintaining affordable programs.

The meeting further delved into the scheduling of sports programs, including a proposed NFL youth flag football league. Field allocation and potential conflicts with other sports, such as soccer, were discussed, resulting in a motion to reserve field time for the flag football program. The commission stressed the importance of timely communication and coordination with local sports groups to prevent scheduling conflicts.

Lastly, the commission discussed maintenance concerns, particularly the condition of electric poles and park infrastructure. Recent damage to poles during a storm highlighted ongoing challenges in managing aging equipment. The need for strategic planning and potential funding sources to address these issues was emphasized, with members recognizing the importance of maintaining safe and functional park facilities.