Within the scope of these discussions, the commission also addressed the insurance needs during the construction phase of a skate park and the implications of dividing the Marshall Park playground project into two separate grants. These decisions were guided by the goal of making a strong case for grant applications to fund these initiatives.

Moreover, the commission considered a dredging grant of $96,000 to manage weeds and debris at Marshall and Town Beach, with updates needed from the town manager. The ongoing review of an Owner’s Project Manager agreement, with a not-to-exceed value of $260,000 for the first year, was also examined.

In preparation for the summer season, the commission discussed the Memorial Day arrangements at Veterans Park, deciding to display flags even if a formal ceremony is not held. The commission explored the addition of evening swim lessons to accommodate working parents and discussed staffing for the beach, including upcoming interviews for potential candidates. Updates on summer programs were provided, including art classes, beach yoga, and sports activities. The commission debated the need for additional help during summer events, taking into account the facilities director’s upcoming paternity leave.

Another concern was the availability of chairs for rental programs, with the option to use donated chairs and the need for adequate storage being discussed. The commission also reviewed the storage container situation at Pow Field and discussed the color choices and installation timeline for the beach house flooring.

The meeting extended into an update on various grants, including the Park grant, the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, the Trails grant, and the ADA grant.

The meeting touched on the possible engagement of an NHS (National Honor Society) student for project assistance and provided an update on the Lake Shirley parcels and the agreement review. The Master Planning Steering Committee was briefly mentioned.

Lastly, the commission addressed logistical matters, such as the approval of meeting minutes and the rescheduling of a meeting to June 25th due to a conflict with the June 19th holiday. A public comment was made regarding the Marshall Park caves, with assurances that there would be no disruption during the first phase of the project.