A primary concern addressed during the meeting was the status of the newly constructed pickleball courts. The courts, although nearly completed, remained locked due to a delay in installing a basketball hoop. This delay prompted frustration among community members who had been turned away after attempting to use the courts. A commission member expressed the urgency of opening the courts, arguing that further postponement could extend the inactivity into the following spring. The commission generally agreed that the courts should be accessible to the public, with maintenance reserving the right to temporarily close them for necessary upkeep, such as paint drying.

The conversation also touched on the priority scheduling for the Council on Aging, which holds access to the courts from Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. However, there were concerns about the lack of consistent usage by the seniors. The commission considered reducing this schedule to two or three days a week and sought to reach out to the Council on Aging to clarify their actual needs and prevent potential scheduling conflicts with non-senior community members.

Discussion of the pickleball courts also included plans for future expansion, with the commission outlining a bidding process for additional courts at the park. The timeline suggested that the bidding would commence in late September, with evaluations of contractor bids expected in October, potentially delaying construction until the following year. Despite these challenges, the commission emphasized the importance of adhering to proper bidding protocols and ensuring fair opportunities for all interested contractors.

In addition to the pickleball courts, the commission reviewed updates on Wall-E Park’s Spray Park. The Spray Park has seen significant usage, and the commission discussed ensuring proper signage for rules, utilizing QR codes for easy access to information. Plans were confirmed to keep the Spray Park operational until Labor Day, with winterization procedures to follow based on recommendations to protect the equipment from seasonal weather.

Another proposal came from the Rotary Club, which suggested installing a light bar above the stage at the park. The lighting setup, featuring remote-controlled red, yellow, and blue lights, aims to enhance the ambiance during the eight weeks of summer concerts. Although the Rotary Club offered to cover a substantial portion of the costs, the exact financial commitment remains uncertain, with estimates varying widely. The proposal also included adding more outlets to support additional equipment, given the current limited electrical setup. The commission agreed to monitor progress on this project.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming fall ball season, highlighting communication with organizers and confirming the necessity of a certificate of insurance for scheduling purposes. The commission touched on a potential fundraiser involving the local fire department, which plans to use the softball field for a charity game in October. The fire department’s innovative solution to seek a donation from Eversource to cover lighting costs was noted.

Maintenance concerns extended to Wally Park, where the commission discussed transitioning to a new sales model for the scoreboard and the necessity of hiring a contractor for wood chip spraying, as this would be more efficient than manual application by maintenance staff.

The commission also reviewed the rail trails, noting recent tree removal efforts due to safety risks posed by fallen trees. The discussion culminated with the master plan implementation, with members reminded to complete their assigned tasks for future meetings. Finally, due to persistent high bacteria levels, the commission considered closing the beach for the season and exploring alternative activities to engage staff during closures.