The proposal for the “Littleton in Bloom” art installation, organized by the Cultural Council, was a primary focus of the meeting. The initiative involves distributing flower and butterfly cutouts for community members to paint, which will then be displayed around Fay Park’s gazebo and common area. The commission reviewed the proposal and ensured that maintenance considerations were addressed with the highway department. To avoid conflicts with other events, particularly the town’s 250th anniversary celebrations on April 19th, the installation was scheduled to begin around April 12th. After confirming these details, the commission unanimously approved the use of Fay Park for the installation.

Another topic of discussion was the exploration of fee adjustments and donation strategies to support lake cleanup efforts. The commission considered a “Clean Lakes fee” of $5 as a pilot project to gauge public interest. There was also a proposal to integrate a donation option within registration forms, allowing residents to choose their contribution amount. This flexibility aims to encourage broader community participation in funding lake maintenance. Concerns were raised about the lack of enforcement and revenue collection from beach users who do not pay for access, highlighting operational challenges. The potential benefits of directing parking ticket revenues to clean lakes initiatives were also discussed.

In line with these discussions, the commission considered adjustments to the beach fee structure. Suggestions included a $2 increase for couples and a $1 increase for individuals, while maintaining current rates for seniors. The proposal emphasized that a portion of the beach pass revenue would support the Clean Lakes initiative. Ensuring clear communication about these changes was deemed critical to avoid confusion among residents. The commission decided to delay the posting for a full-time recreation supervisor position until July, allowing for adequate preparation before the summer program starts. This decision highlights the importance of strategic planning and resource management in implementing successful community programs.

The commission also addressed updates on ongoing projects, such as the middle school tennis courts and Wickham Field. The planning board approved the stormwater permit with conditions, and the bid process for the project had been completed. With contractor mobilization scheduled for June 17th for the tennis courts and July 30th for the baseball field, the timeline for substantial completion was set for August 23rd and September 26th, respectively. Discussions with the planning board resolved initial confusion about public usage of facilities during construction.

Additional topics included the upcoming Touch-a-Truck event and the introduction of a children’s entrepreneur market. These events aim to engage the community and provide educational opportunities for children. The Touch-a-Truck event, which has historically attracted around 5,000 visitors, will feature notable vehicles like a DeLorean and offer a sensory-friendly environment for children with sensitivities. Partnerships with local police and fire departments are expected to enhance the event’s offerings.

The commission’s financial health was also reviewed, revealing a current balance of $275,000 in the revolving fund, with $600,000 earmarked for the upcoming fiscal year. A request for comparison data on month-to-month balances over the years was made to ensure accurate financial tracking. The commission received approval for $15,000 in additional funding to purchase equipment for the fishing dock and swim zone dock, pending town meeting votes.