Uh hello. I'm going to call to order this meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Today is June 17th, 2026. Let's begin with a Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Uh can we have a reading of our statement of adequate notice? >> Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, notice of this meeting was sent to the Cranbury Press, The Trenton Times,
and Home News Tribune on January 5th, 2026, posted on the bulletin board, posted on the township's website, and sent to those who requested a copy of this notice. >> Um can we take a roll call and report volunteer hours? >> Okay, Christina.
>> Here, 1 hour. >> Brendan. >> Here, 5 hours. >> Okay, Keith is excused. Kelly. >> I was present, 2 hours. >> Okay, Omar is excused. Sally. >> Present, 2 hours.
>> Okay, Deepak, Fallon, and Michael are all excused. >> Um uh no one has any changes or questions, I'll entertain a motion to approve the minutes from our April meeting. >> I make a motion to approve the minutes from April 15th meeting. >> Is there a second?
>> I'll second. >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Christina. >> Approved. >> Brendan. >> Yes. >> Kelly. >> Yes. >> Sally. >> Yes. >> Good.
>> All right, reports. Um let's start with our report from our recreation director. >> Okay. So, summer camp registration is well underway. Um the first week of camp uh registration ended actually last week,
last Wednesday, and actually today ended the cut off was the cut off for week two. Um it's the numbers are pretty pretty much similar to last year. Um
we do have one week now that is full for the senior camp uh with a waiting list going. The the numbers are considerably [clears throat] more kids in the senior camp than there are in the junior camp. Um and if you kind of followed how the
the grades the you know, number of kids in the grades, that's kind of same same kind of thing in the school. So, um we've you know, made the arrangements for the bussing is that's all completed. The the pool's going to be the pool's
all set up, ready to go. Um we're working on the staffing, finalizing the staffing's been finalized. They're getting their paperwork together. They have to do their online training and all that kind of good stuff. We we do some uh background checks too every 3
years. So, all that we're working on all that information right now. The school um is actually charging us uh a little more. I don't want to say significantly more cuz it's not significantly more, but it is more and
they did say that this would probably stay very similar in the next for the next year or two. Um they kind of changed how they're going to how they charge us. Uh they used to give us just a flat fee
kind of per room. Now, it's a uh like a custodial cost uh what their custodial cost is. Uh so, like I said, it didn't go up uh a tremendous amount, but it did go up. So, um And of course, the minimum wage went
up uh again another like 50 cents, so that that means the camp cost us more money to run. So, that's why we did I did make a small increase in the um the fees this year. So, um
You know, we we talked about the the school would like to see more programs in the summer, and they they talked to me about um helping me get in touch with some of the coaches from the school to to run
programs. I I did I did that. We had discussion, and nobody got back to me. In fact, not even the field hockey coaches got back to me this year. um So, you know, next uh in the We also talked that we had a meeting obviously
with the school district. We also talked about using utilizing the facilities um during the week during the school year. So, uh we're going to look to try to get some um programming done um in the
evenings during the school year, and and that they won't charge us for the school use during the year or during the week. So, uh looking to bring back a some sort of basketball program and some other um like sport type activities uh during the
week. um for the fall. So, that's where we are. Oh, the um the pickleball or tennis courts {slash} pickleball courts have been opened. There is a punch list of items that need
to be addressed still. Um they took the rule sign down, and I guess I don't know where it went, but they're going to have to put it back put something back up. Some of the um sound abatement um padding was not fully
you know connected to the to the fence. One of the gates was locked. So there's a number of items that that I gave them to add to the punch list. So they're still working with the contractor to finish you know these minor
things up but but they are open. At the currently open so. >> Can I know there was a interest in tennis lessons and there was a coach from East Windsor or West Windsor reached out to you.
Is that something that's going to be part of the >> Well so I reached out to him and he was he's supposed to come in and fill out the paperwork and never did. Yeah they never he never gave anything.
We um we have run um tennis lessons through a third party uh company in the past um but the numbers hadn't really
shown up but maybe with the new with the new um courts we could we can revive that um maybe try something It may I don't think there's time for them and they probably don't have the
staff to do it for the summer try a fall program for sure. Um and get that going. But we did follow I did follow up with him too and he didn't um fill out the paperwork that we asked him to fill out. >> All right. Thank you. Is there anything
else for Ken? All right. If not let's move on to uh park preserve updates. Does anyone have anything to report? >> I do, but I'll do it under environment. >> All right. I don't have any new memorial bench applications. There are none in
the pipeline, either. Um Sally, did uh you see? >> Yes, I attended the last two environmental commission meetings, one of which was canceled that evening because I didn't have a quorum, but the June 15th meeting I attended and I have
um seven items to talk to you about. First of all is that they had um spoken to Shade Tree. Um Barbara Rogers mentioned that Shade Tree now has an ordinance in place where you must get a permit for any tree removal on your property.
And um any there's a size involved with it. But basically, you can't cut down a larger tree on your property without filling out the permit and getting a certified tree expert.
Um that's for insurance purposes. So, I think that's a new that's a big change in our in our ordinance in town. People used to just be able to cut down a tree when they wanted to, and now with this new ordinance put out by Shade Tree, you have to get permit, fill out the permit
beforehand, and you must have a certified tree expert. Um that was the first thing. The second thing that they mentioned was that in June, there will be tree work done in Heritage Park. Um they talked about the baseball game, which we do have that on our schedule,
correct? I gave them the date for that, and they wanted to know whether we're okay with getting the scouts involved. With that, um last year the scouts or a couple years ago they sold water or cookies or something. One year they just tried to get people to vote, but um I
I'm bringing it to you guys. I I don't see any problem with having the Girl Scouts sell cookies or something there. >> I mean, I don't see any problem with that, but I I I don't know like I I never know what to do when when people come to us with stuff like that cuz I don't feel empowered to say yes.
Um even though I don't want to say no, either. Um like as a commission I like I don't know what role we have to to tell people they can or can't do stuff like that. Cuz usually what ends up happening is somebody else tells us that we did it
wrong. >> I I don't see any problem with scouts >> I know, I don't either. >> doing anything and they just asked us because it's a parks and it's event that parks is running. >> If I could um give my two cents, um usually I don't speak for the TC, but
I think they would have no problem with that. So, I think go with it. Do it. >> Okay. Good. Um they were curious about the July 5th whether we're in charge of the
entertainment and um they wanted to know whether it's more than just fireworks and will there be entertainment and are we in fact going to have the that reading read what's the declaration of independence? So, that's the constitution, yeah.
So, um they wanted to know for sure about that. >> Uh sorry. I know I'm jumping >> Didn't we didn't we hire a band for that? Ken, do we hire a band for that? Okay, so we have that under control and what about the reading of the inde- indepen- declaration of independence?
And we had a resident at last meet- at our last meeting who came who was very stro- felt very strongly that he would like that done and um they uh EC thought it would be nice to have that done, too. So, I think we need to organize that, Brandon.
>> Yeah, logistically cuz maybe I've missed the band part in the past. Who's like the master of ceremonies of the band and fireworks? >> I I I don't recall there ever being one. The band plays, the band finishes,
there's a you know, some time in between, people run around, and then >> But I will just as a little bit of background, um I got three phone calls since our last meeting about this uh reading of the declaration. Um and a Mr. Butterworth said he wanted no
part of it. He just kind of threw it out there. Um and it's, you know, it I know you all agreed with it, TC agreed with it, um but no one was really given responsibility for it. And he didn't want any. Um so I got three phone calls from the TC members after our last TC meeting
emphasizing that they want this done. So, tonight we need to figure out how to get it done. >> It it's >> Who's going to read it? >> next meeting. So, I I think somebody needs to look at it and see how many people we want to read it and break it
down into >> Right. And this is the We don't have a meeting again. So, we got to figure it out. >> So, I don't even know how long it is because I wasn't there when they wrote it, but yeah. >> I mean, it's you could get through it in like less
than 5 minutes if you spoke at speed. Um you've seen the document. It's all It all fits on one page. It's little tiny writing. >> Then I I think >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um Brendan, that you should just contact TC. Are there any TC members that are interested in reading part of it? >> Frickin, I'll do it.
>> [laughter] >> Okay, there we got it. >> No, I just think that we need logistically so then it can be advertised since people are into it. I would say more important is picking a time. This is when the Declaration of Independence is being read, this is when the band is starting, this is when the
fireworks go off. People like to know, right? Then people will be there for it if they're interested in it. >> What time is the band scheduled for? >> I I'm not sure. Is it they just like play when they're ready and finish when they want? >> Well, aren't they hired >> Cuz we don't we don't have an MC. We don't have somebody who says, "Hi
everybody, it's great to be here." But right? >> Don't they have a time on their contract? >> Yeah, but they just like they just start playing, right? You know, they don't >> There's a time on their contract as Ken said. >> Okay. But they don't have like we don't have an MC situation. Like they just play and
then they finish. >> But it would be >> own MC. >> But and they also have the microphones. So could Ken, could you possibly coordinate with the band and see whether we could use their microphones either before or after they're playing? So we don't have to
trudge all that stuff to the park. >> Um we could reach out. I don't know how long they're going to I mean, if they break if they're done and they're breaking down and they're they want to get out. >> Do we have facility >> But they they play they're in the gazebo. Where are they?
>> They've been at the gazebo. I don't know where they will be this year. >> They They have a PA. Right? They have a >> Well, their music you can hear all around town. >> know if they do. They might just like have loud instruments. I'm not I'm not sure. I just don't know. >> Well, that's >> Ken?
>> Can Can you check with the band on that? And if not, do we >> We just pay for it. I mean >> Do Do we have Does the township have that equipment that if we need it, the microphone? We used it for um the dedication of the house in Millstone Park. It was not that effective though.
You really couldn't hear it very well. >> I don't know. I honestly don't know. >> So I I think this is Personally, I think this is something that Brendan and Ken need to talk about with each other and because since it's before our next meeting Ken find out if they have that equipment.
And whether they would prefer us to read it before they play or after they play. >> Or in the middle? >> Or in the middle. >> Sure. >> Then no one can complain. It's definitely already set up. >> Yeah. >> They're just taking a break. >> That's a good idea. >> Yeah.
>> Right? >> I mean, yeah. Worst comes to worst, if they have a contracted time, we just tell them we're we're taking 5 minutes of that contracted time to use your PA for our own thing, and I don't think they would >> And then they're done. >> but >> Music ends and the fireworks start.
The hoco's. >> Yeah, but there's usually a quite some time in between. >> It's like they end before it is really dark. >> Yeah. >> And they clean up. >> up and go. Yeah. Yeah. >> Um >> I guess we'll have to do a lot of this
offline, but I think we need to figure out if there is a PA, which I hope there is. And if there isn't, we'll have to I mean, somebody in town must have a a a mic and a a PA that we can use. >> Possibly either Ken can contact or can
get the contact information to Brendan, and Brendan can contact and find out from the band if >> say? >> if they have it and and when it'll be. >> Um >> It's going to
be exciting. How many people do we want? Okay. Ideally to read it. One person? >> Matt said he would do it. >> I'll do it. >> reading the whole thing. >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> We the people There you go. >> Absolutely. Be happy to. Um
>> We'd be honored to have you do that. >> you. >> I would be anyway. >> You have to audition. >> Yeah, and have to come in period costume. >> Sorry? >> Period costume. >> Ooh. >> No, I'm kidding on that part. >> I have the white hair.
>> [laughter] >> Okay, so >> If you supply it, I'll wear it. >> Yeah, I don't know what it is even. >> So, between Brendan and Ken, >> I'm going to talk to Ken about this. >> find out about the PA system. And the timing. Okay. >> So, I can take away that we're going to
figure out if they have a PA. >> I think just do it. Hm? I know. So, if they don't If they don't we have to scramble. >> Find somebody that does. >> I mean, talk to Steve Gallosono because he was the one who had it for the
the um dedication of the house in Millstone Park. They had >> So, we did >> I'm sorry. >> You said that one wasn't even good. >> It wasn't great, but it was better than nothing. >> But the crowd isn't going to be surrounding the gazebo the way they would have surrounded the the house in
Millstone. They're going to be much further away. >> Yeah. >> Currently, the town website has the 4th of July fireworks marked as just all day. >> [laughter] >> So, this in case you guys wanted to know >> Can you Can you read it once an hour?
>> [laughter] >> They have the right They have the right event. They have the right date, rather. >> So, maybe it is an hourly reading. >> 4th of July fireworks on July 5th all day. >> Okay. Um >> Well, since we don't have any answer that, I I say that we just put that on
your TTD list for Brendan, Ken, and and Matt to figure out the timing and the PA. >> Um >> Can I go on to my next uh item? >> Okay, so my next item from the environmental meeting is that there's currently a flooding survey
going on and they are um asking for people for residents to let them know areas of town that flood and I think that they're talking about like the bridge on
um Old Trenton Road, things like that. But, I asked whether that would cover the low spots in Heritage Park Heritage Park that are flooded, and Barbara said to email her and let her know that. So, Brendan, is that something you can do that in in response to the flooding
survey? We'd like to let you know that there are several spots in Heritage Park that flood and >> I mean, I sure. Like, email her that sentence? >> Yeah, that in response to your in response to your flooding survey, we
would like you to consider the low spots in Heritage Park. >> Um how is the survey like conducted? Are they just asking people to email them? >> Do you know have any more information on that, Matt? >> No, you'd have to talk to Barbara Rubel. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> I don't >> a phone call um before >> Yeah, that's fine. Barbara Rubel will know everything. >> Okay. >> All right, will do. >> Uh the next thing, they had their um trail clean up, and three people showed up that time and they did clean up Unami, and they said it's in really
good condition. And they were surprised that the Brook Trail to Unami was in good condition, too. They're still looking to try to get maybe a scout group or or somebody to work on that trail, the Brook Trail, to possibly put in board walks or something cuz it just gets so overgrown in the summer.
And then um um the head of of ECC, John, and his son went and cleared out Reinhardt. So, those are some of my in- my information on um >> Wait, Sally, I'm sorry. So, the I brought this up at the last CC meeting. The
um um the DPW crew goes out if there's like trees to be chainsawed. So, they do a lot of that. So, >> Yeah. >> are you saying that someone else >> They they went they took just took clippers. And the little stuff that's coming over
the path. They didn't do anything big, they didn't use any power tools. They We have a trail maintenance once a year, which is something that was started last year, and then this was the second one this year. And that's where we just put something out to the town. Anybody can come and help clean the trails, and this year they had just
three people came. And they just walk through Unami and take their clippers and take the stuff that's coming, you know, that's >> Yeah, no, I think that's a great idea. Like I I told you guys before, like I run in the Reinhardt. Um yeah, I feel like there's a lot of migration of the trail, kind of like because of
tree falls or whatever. So, that I think that's a great idea. >> tree falls we contact the township on, but that So, feel free to bring your clippers when you run in and just cut stuff that's coming. >> [laughter] >> Um so, >> And if I if I fall, it's >> If you fall with your clippers, yeah. Well, you're going to have them in the side, so.
>> Okay. >> Um also, they are looking the EC is looking to put up a sign at the second entrance to the Oaks Preserve. The first entrance is near where the little parking lot is, and then there's that second entrance where you kind of come out that a lot of people don't know
that that's there. So, they're looking to put up a sign there that doesn't really affect us in any way. It's a preserve, it's not a park, but I'm just letting you guys know. >> All right, thank you, Sally. >> that was it from EC. >> Um I don't have anything new from Shade
Tree uh Township Committee. >> Uh I don't have much I uh the main thing was the reading of Declaration of Independence. Um there was, give me 1 second. >> [snorts] >> Uh Mayor Kinyon had asked me
uh it's like a month and a half ago about um possibility of a movie night in the parks. I know we've done it in the past. I know we're getting kind of late in the season, but um >> Well, our parks are closed at night, so that's a no.
>> Well, to be >> Brutal crap. >> Uh towards dusk, I guess. Sorry. Which actually it's funny cuz the fireworks >> are at night. >> Well, I believe the ordinance says except for fireworks. >> in the daytime? >> except for fireworks in the ordinance about it. Yeah. The library for the past
two summers has been having maybe monthly outdoor movies, I think, or show it movie show. But I know that they're on Friday nights. So. >> On the >> summer. >> Like the back patio? >> I don't know. It it I only know because it's
conflicting with porch fest in the past. So, I haven't attended, but I don't know if they still have it on their calendar. >> Okay. Well, let me um >> Also >> point, Brandon. I know we've done it in the past. I'm not sure how that
transpired, but >> Um To pin you down there, does Lisa want to have a movie night or is she or are other people telling her that they want one or is she asking us if we're going to do one? What's the note there exactly? >> All the above.
>> It was cute. We showed The Sandlot. We had a popcorn machine. >> Well, that was in conjunction with the baseball game. >> Yeah, it was cute. >> So, we could possibly Is there another baseball themed movie that we could do around that time? >> Is A League of Their Own, too? >> A League of Their Own? >> A League. That's a good one.
>> Angels in the Outfield. >> Eight Men Out. >> It It wasn't that at the the same night as the historic baseball game? Donna's Donna's shaking her head yes. So, so why don't we why don't we look into that? Now, you have to see whether you can get the rights to show these movies
and all that stuff. >> I don't think you need rights. You just buy a copy and you play it. >> No. >> No, you have to. >> Copyright, you got to >> But you if you if the copy is prohibiting you from copying it, You buy a copy, can't what you want. >> No. >> What?
>> I don't I don't think that >> Movies without getting a license you have to get the license. >> So, I think we should we should >> non-profit organization. >> What is the date of that historic event again? >> 26th, I think of September. >> 9/26?
>> I think so. >> I understand copyright law. >> We still have some time to work on that. But I think we should look into that and now >> Well, who's to work on such things? Cuz we have a rec department and Ken's the director. Um, and we're the parks and
rec commission. And I don't know anything about running movie night. So, how does that work? >> Yeah, we did it last year, right? >> So, >> Yeah, so if Ken could get us a movie and we'll just say that it'll be the same day as the baseball game. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that's very noisy.
>> Unless Lisa's thinking about something in the summer. Cuz that's in the fall. >> Like I think this sounds like a good idea. Um, but I feel like we just slow down the work of getting it done if we
talk about it for an hour and a half every month instead of like having Lisa or Denise talk to Ken about getting it done on regular ongoing 9:00 to 5:00 basis. >> Yeah, I mean I'll look at see what the library's
doing. If they're doing something like that, we don't want to conflict with that. That'd be kind of silly to be showing movies on the either the same night or same even same weekend. But fall the fall is a really good time to show movies because it gets
darker the darker earlier. It's cool, you know, and people are back in town and stuff like that. >> We've done it before. I feel like we have. >> We've done it. Yeah, we've done a few. We've had a few movies, yeah. >> Okay. So, I mean, obviously all the
the hurdles that need to be jumped were jumped, right? I mean, the licensing and >> Oh, yeah. I I know I know how to take care of that. >> Now, have we done those in um the Cranberry Brook Preserve or in Village Park? >> Village Park, right? >> Village Park, yeah. >> So, my recommendation would be to have
it for the same night as the baseball event. >> Well, I like fall. I think it's getting I mean, people are It's >> It's September 26th. That's pretty fall. >> It's very fally. Fallish. >> Faller.
>> Fallest. >> All right. Um so, Ken, can you look into that date? Sure. Um or and and any other date if that one is more expensive or not feasible. >> I think the question is, do we also want another one in the summer for Ken to
look into? >> I don't think we do. I don't think people would go to it. >> I I tend to agree. I think um it would have to be later because it's lighter out and a lot of people are away. >> yeah, the shoulder seasons are good, right? Cuz people are back in town. >> Yeah.
>> And it's hotter, too, in the summer. >> Yeah. >> And uh uh one more thing that came from TC was that Lisa invited us all to go to the ribbon cutting of the tennis court. I don't remember the date. I think it's soon, right?
>> Um >> No, it was in July. >> July 16th. Oh, July 16th. Okay, cuz I was thinking June. I should be here then. >> Uh that just came through today. I didn't um take a look at that yet. >> I said no, but I might change my mind. >> Um All right. Anything else uh from TC,
Matt? >> No. >> Anything uh for Matt members? >> Well, I have something and it's not really parks related, but Kelly brought it up. Our um PorchFest's attendance has been really down.
And um this isn't anything sponsored by the town, but is there a way to get that on the mayor's letter? >> Uh I mean, sure, but again, as you alluded to, it's it's totally private. So, I think it
it sort of runs um I don't know if it's generationally, but you know, if people move into town and they want to do PorchFest, they do it, right? And so, I think it's a good point. Like, if you raise awareness and sort of promote it, ask people to do it.
>> There've been many articles written on our town and the quaintness, and one of the things they usually mention in it is PorchFest. >> Yeah. >> And then it just has the attendance has gone really down, and I think it's because people aren't aren't aware of it. >> Yeah, well, it's also a completely organic event. It's you know, up to
private homeowners to to to host it. So, >> this Friday it's at the Cranbury Presbyterian Nursery School. >> They have a PorchFest? >> This is their first one. >> Oh, that's so nice. >> That is cute. >> And a lot of people don't know about this.
>> I don't want to talk about this too long. >> What? >> I don't want to talk about this too long. >> Why? >> Because [laughter] we have other business. >> Well, I'm I'm reaching out to the town council to see whether they can put it on there the cat yeah, committee whether they can put it on there mayor's letter about PorchFest.
>> sure, absolutely. Um >> And you would probably I think Katie's in charge of it, so is in charge of the Facebook page. So, if we could >> I mean, if you want to >> Just each
>> Like, tell people to do it, or do you want to just be like, "Hey, PorchFest is out there." >> PorchFest and to see who is hosting it like in next week. Like, this week it's at Cranberry Presbyterian Nursery School. Um the purpose is to socialize with your neighbors, bring something to
>> So, it has its own Facebook page, right? >> Okay. All right. Okay. >> Thank you. >> All righty. Um I think that closes our Township Committee and our reports. Let's move on to old business. Um rules and regulations for municipal
parks. We went over this 2 months ago. Um I had it though as a one-page um like insert this and exclude that. I have it here reproduced the entire uh chapter with um the proposed revisions that we had
discussed. Um I don't think we need to discuss them again other than I would point out only that um on the top of page four um under uh
section B I had noted that I wanted that the wording in section B before it breaks down into uh the numbered paragraphs. I had noted that um
that that needed to change cuz it says the following provisions uh or the following activities and conduct shall be prohibited within any park and then it goes on to like not [clears throat] list conduct, but have entire sentences and paragraphs and sub-paragraphs. And if you're going
to that's just not how you should do that. You should not write here's a list of stuff colon and then not give a list. So, that's that's that just for your attention. Um So, I changed it from here's a list of stuff we don't allow to here's a list of
things that should be observed. Um or well, I didn't change it. I proposed to change. Um but we'll put I think unless you there's any need for discussion, I think we can put that to the side for now. Um especially with the lack of uh
robust uh participation today. I I don't know that we but looking forward, I don't know that we have any other changes we want to make to this chapter. Um the hours of operation quagmire is going nowhere. So, I I don't know that we want to look at that again.
Um the violations and penalties are in a different section and I actually this was weird because at the very end uh the last page paragraph A or section
A or whatever, it says uh that you these things can be punished by a fine of at least $50 but not to exceed the maximum permitted by section 1-14. I think that should say 1-15. I don't I
don't know um but it's also wrapped in with just how all the other violations of the Township code are punished and I don't think the TC or the Township attorney would be very interested in opening up that at all. Um so,
I'm looking to put this to bed. What do we think? What do we think? >> Do you [clears throat] want us to vote or something today? >> No, no, I don't want to vote on anything. Um >> I think it looks great and yeah, I mean, some of your edits are are
fine, neither here nor there. So, but you don't want to vote to put it to bed or what's the ask? Just like go through the whole >> Um is there more we want to do or do we want to next month like put this on our agenda that we're and like have it?
>> Yeah, I think put it on the next agenda the whole committee could look at it and then >> Yeah. >> put it into action if needed. >> Um the only the only answer I'm looking for today is do we want to do this more or do we want to close it out next month?
>> My opinion is to close it out. >> Yeah. All right. Sounds good. Um park and field fees I I know that we need changes. We don't make the we don't get to actually set these fees I don't think. Um I just looked at this. Why can't I
remember that? Yeah, they're set by >> by resolution. >> Yeah, of the township committee and not by us. >> Right. >> Um and so I'm going to take that off our agenda for next month cuz there's we're briefed on the fact that we have
an opportunity to get more revenue that we are in it's in demand that people want to reserve the pavilion in Village Park. Um but I I feel completely unqualified to advise on like how much higher that should be. >> Didn't we recommend to the TC that they
be raised? Okay. >> Um so that's I'm just going to >> hands basically. >> I'm just going to take that off the agenda for um next month. >> But did you give us a new schedule of set fees? Is that I don't recall. I apologize but >> I thought he just said we were told we can't do that. You guys have to decide
on that. >> You guys yeah, it's the township committee that sets the schedule and there's a provision that you can consult us if you want. Um but we have nothing to offer other than sounds good. Go ahead. >> So there's a there's a resolution
um that sets the fees for our the programs that we run but it and it also includes the pavilion rental fees. We made change I made changes to the fee the fees for camp because we had to so
they they revised that resolution earlier this year. I feel okay if you if you guys want me to be in charge of that I will take care take a look at neighboring towns and see what were our charge and and go from there and make a
you know a request to TC to change this obviously we're not going to do it this year with probably be done at the end of this year or beginning of next year before we start taking reservations. So I'll take
care of that. >> All right and can you report on that to us next meeting in your wreck director report? >> Yeah but again we won't make that request >> Just tell me what the numbers might be.
All right moving on again chest table shading I I'm going to I don't have any further business here. I don't think there is any further business. We don't really want to spend our money on trees right? We also we don't have any >> Shade tree was going to do that shade
>> And they said that they're interested in maybe doing it They're interested in doing it but it's not a immediate priority for them. So unless there's more to discuss I am going to take it off next month's agenda too. >> I did speak with the library and said
trees will be tiny and not provide shade for really for a bunch of years. >> Yeah. >> And we have to look at those sale shades and they're not they're that's not their vibe. >> All right well we have our answer there.
It's not satisfactory but we have it. >> Well I mean they weren't like >> Yeah. >> [cough] >> They're not really interested in in that sort of installation. >> Historic baseball game uh >> don't know that they have obtained a
permit for this um or made a reservation for it. Um but that's um on them to do. They They know how to do it. >> Who is the they to whom you're referring? >> Um what is it? The Hoboken
whatever. I don't I don't know the name of the group. >> Well, they have to >> Well, we I I can't get them a permit. I >> Are you talking for field usage? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> For the event that they're involved in. >> Can't we do that for the event cuz we we're the other half of the team? >> applying for somebody else's permit. I'm
not doing that. They need to do it themselves. >> it last year? >> Yeah, they They they Plus we, you know, we're going to need insurance from, you know, from this >> And we'll we'll need also need the field permit for the movie later that evening
if we go through with that. >> If If we're doing the movie, we don't need a permit. The town doesn't need permits for >> Well, don't we have to reserve it though? >> Okay. >> I don't think so, no. Um so, there's no update on that,
really. Um goals and priorities, let's get down to brass tacks here. Um I had hoped that there would be more people but there are not as many as we wanted. Um Christine, do you want to uh lead us off
here? >> Sure. So, from the um survey that Fallon and Michael spearheaded earlier in the year plus our committee input I was able to grab 17
priorities and then we could kind of whittle it down to the top three or top five that we want to focus on as a group. So, the detail is the Excel, the summary is the PowerPoint. But, just kind of run through the detail. Just and I'll I'll go through it quickly. We have
various topics, right? So, park maintenance came from the survey. It was about the roundabout spinning that was repaired months ago. So, that's closed, which is great. Um there were a couple of items or I should say couple of um requests
from members of this committee plus the um community asking for an ADA-compliant playground, renovate Millstone um to have it compliant. There's There's been numerous requests throughout the years that the slides are too high, the mulch
is not there, children getting hurt, etc. etc. So, that is a consideration. And then we kind of could identify a subcommittee if that is something that is of interest. If it is of interest, I'm happy to be on it just cuz I did the
Village Park and I kind of know the do's and don'ts. Uh circle procurement has been going rounds and rounds, no pun intended. But, uh we should brainstorm some ideas if we want to do something in that circle. I know we we mentioned the
gazebo, which was rejected by the TC. >> Mhm. >> So, we can look at landscaping, a nice garden, something along those lines to make it pretty in that space. Um the kids rec sports and activities has was
um an item that was mentioned numerous times in the survey as well as amongst um the folks in this room. So, additional rec camp sports activities, taking advantage of the school after hours. So, I know Ken um is all over
that, but we should, in my opinion, have this item plus the adult activities as a top three that we like that we pursue cuz that was a constant constant um response from numerous members um of our community.
Dog park is a crowd favorite. It's always been asked for. I know there's space issues. We kind of I know Sally took a a lot of time and effort a year or two ago to talk through it. It was kind of put to bed, but it's resurrecting again. So dog
park is up there. Pickleball, revisit the pickleball courts. That is specifically for dedicated pickleball courts. So I know that we just renovated the the ones in Village Park. We could kind of sit on that one a
little bit and see the interest in pickleball within our community and if there's a long line to get on those courts, maybe that is something we kind of consider as well. Additional. That was the ask. Additional pickleball dedicated courts.
And the question will be real estate. Like where do we put it and all of that? Um Picnic and barbecue upgrade in Village Park. That's been asked for a couple of times because of the wear and tear on the barbecue. I know a year or two ago the
grates were replaced on the barbecues and things of that nature. I don't know if there's you know, an age of how old these barbecues are and it's time to replace them, but I I think Ken, you might know. You might have been the one to procure them sometime ago. >> No.
>> No. So maybe we could find out the age or what >> Are we talking about the ones in the pavilion or the individual stand-up ones? >> Village Park, so I'm assuming But there's different ones there. We could we should look at all of them. >> Yeah, there's like three in the trees and
>> Yeah. I believe the ones in the pavilion were That's where we got the new grates from and DPW did that. >> Okay. >> But I don't know about the other ones. So maybe we're talking >> something um >> It doesn't matter which park. >> Yeah. >> matter right now for our purposes which ones. It's just that it's a the project
that needs examining. >> Um [clears throat] paddle boat I wasn't >> related. I wasn't sure exactly what this was. Was a paddle boat. And that was kind of just the comment. But I added >> Paddle? >> Paddle, yeah. I don't know if it's paddle boating >> Like one of those swan things with like
the foot pedals, I assume is what there is being mentioned. >> Yeah. But I'm not sure I have >> a big Mississippi River paddle boat. >> But it was mentioned I think two or three times on on the survey, so the walking path connection, I believe members of this committee have brought
that up a few times. Cleaning up Pin Oaks and the boardwalks, Sally mentioned that earlier as well. Lighting in the parks was mentioned a few times on on the survey. Um new space for park and rec activities
we should look at potential spaces. I I know it's limited, but the potential spaces for other activities um around the library usage and other open spaces in our area just for future endeavors.
Um enhancing the existing park activities, so under la- under utilized equipment if there is any um aging equipment and things of that nature should we should look at. Additional programming came up again,
which is and again in my opinion it should be a top three um activity that we really focus on for all age groups. Um and then some committee members spoke about a promotional plan. Kind of touched on it here of like how do we promote um promote that we're
having uh a movie day? How do we promote that we're having a baseball game? How do we promote PorchFest? So, that I think is important. There's got to be I know we don't use social media as much as we should, but maybe we could get approval to have one
for the town or for the wreck. Um because everybody uses their devices to communicate, right? Um Sorry about that. Uh table seating in public areas, improve seating of tables. I feel like
there's a lot of seating in Village Park, but maybe it has to be placed better. There's benches, so we could talk about that. >> We've done all the picnic tables. >> Yeah, but >> For years we did. >> Yeah, it came from this committee about additional improvements on tables and
seating in the parks. And then um another member of this committee also brought up evening and weekend programming. So, there's you know, a common thread between uh um item 17, item 14, and number four.
It's kind of just the programming and things available to various age groups. So, from here I guess we have to decide how we we want to go. Do we want to take a vote? Do we want to submit top three?
I mean, we only have a couple months of this calendar year and I personally think we didn't really accomplish much. We maintained, which is great, but maybe we need to think of one or two projects so we could focus that into 2027. And you know, we have a budget coming
up. We didn't ask for much, I I don't believe for this calendar year, but we have the opportunity to do something for the next year or two. >> Yeah. Um I would say right off the bat, let's
What can we cross off? Just to so we can narrow our focus a little bit. Um >> Mhm. Cross off? >> Cross off this list of stuff we don't want to consider. Uh the paddle boat, which I think is meant to, I mean, I think the people who submitted that in the survey meant pedal, like foot pedal.
Um, like >> Could be. >> I I I mean, we can't that sounds like a nice idea, but we don't we can't operate that. Um, we need staff or or whatever. >> There's other things that we've talked about in the past like the kayak racks.
>> I think we provide that. That was a great idea. It's annoying to me. >> Yeah. >> And and then >> Let's You guys, let's limit our discussion to what we have before us. >> Well, I mean >> Why? >> Well, the what we could do is, you know, we have 17 items here. We could add a
few other items. There's only three or four of us. There's not going to be a lot to add here. And then take a vote on that like a complete list. So, you could add the kayak >> I like kayak and bathroom I I do like, but >> Okay. >> didn't like it as part of the conversation of that. How can we narrow
our focus? >> [snorts] >> Um, and then I have a question for um, the TC. We were rejected for the gazebo, but it was it because they didn't like the idea or they didn't have enough information?
Because I was I was told you just threw it this at us to the meeting and we didn't know enough about it. So, if we came back with more information >> They felt and again, I'm not speaking representing the TC. This is my opinion of sitting on the TC. Uh
>> [laughter] >> They felt that we we have a gazebo. Um, and that the was not necessarily a needed item. Uh, you know, the these you know, I know you guys spend a lot of time on these on these these issues, but when they come to the TC, we spend about 30 seconds on
it. So, >> So, it wasn't a matter of not enough information. They just don't want >> or not I I felt that cuz I was at the meeting yeah, that it was that's not something that they feel they felt strongly about spending any money
on, especially with a budget that was going to be very tight. >> Right. I mean, this is this is yeah. >> because we already had one there was a they they were like, we already have one. We don't need another one. We you know, we are we're only going to address
things that we think that we you know, can actually do and we don't want to do this right now. >> that they would revisit this? >> The Okay, I'm going to put this I'm going to focus this in here because there's a there if we bring it back up to them,
they'll listen to us again and they'll tell us no again. I I I don't think this is a priority for us, at least not this year, which is the question we're answering right now. Um >> And like you said, too, there's there's
like three or four of them that are similar. So, you can combine those into one and and get those get that um going, you know, the picnic barbecue will happen. >> go take a look and and see what's going on uh
with those. Uh >> I mean, low-hanging fruit are those three items that we could combine. >> Mhm. >> Um we already spoke about the dog park and TC already said no. We already spoke about the circle procurement and they said no. So, maybe
we let a year pass and not bring those up and then bring them the next round. Um I mean, >> We already have >> Selfishly, I'm an ADA compliant playground person, so I like that one. >> We did that. >> But we did that. Um lighting was
important to the community. I mean, sports and the evening games, that's but I think we have this ordinance, right, that nothing happens after dusk in the in the parks. So, I mean, it kind of comes down to the
program, the evening programs, the senior programs, you know, the adolescent programs. I think it's that would be and that could be broken into categories, right? Like you could do it for the age groups, grade school, middle school, high school, and
then seniors or something like that. >> Um I like the programming as something to focus on, although You know what? I was just going to end it there. I like that as something to focus on, the programming. I do also like the playground. That's achievable.
There's a significant number of people who are having significant issues with it and if it can't be used, that seems like it should be our number one priority. Um >> That's number two. >> I What's [clears throat] Oh, it's it's
listed as topic number two. Yeah. Um Some of this other stuff, I think are nice to have but not priorities. >> Mhm. >> Um like some of these I think they're ambitions that are worth having but I don't think they're goals for this year. Like the dog park or the circle
procurement or uh revisiting pickleball courts. Um And if I was the decision maker, I might feel differently but within the constraints of the world we live in, I I I don't feel differently, unfortunately. Um I mean, if you remember the
the township engineer did a whole report on location of pickleball courts. That is why we have the sound of abatement equipment that is on the ones that we have and I think pretty much it was
everybody's um feeling was let's see let's see what this what comes of these courts and if there's a need, then we will know there's a real need to have a dedicated court once these are >> Yeah, I some of them like you said, we've kind
of touched on and spent money on to confirm if we can or can't, but I do think that the responses from the community shouldn't fall on deaf ears, and the promotional plan or communication plan should be a priority this year cuz like why would
I want to do another survey if no one's even looking at my results and giving me an answer of why I'm not getting a pickleball court. >> Yeah, I can just comment on the sort of procedural part. I mean, what happens is, you know, I'm I'm here as liaison, right? I'm sort of a a reporter.
Um back to the TCA what you guys talk about, and I tell you what the TCA is doing, but I'm not necessarily an advocate. So, I think that going forward, you guys figure out like what's what's the thing you really want to do, and then you need to come to the TCA,
sit down, have an hour open session, and really push and tell them why. Tell them your reasoning, tell them the process you went through to come to that conclusion. And, you know, I I think that'll that'll >> Yeah. >> help move forward.
Anything you want because what happens is that I basically say, "Oh, these guys want a gazebo. Sounds like a good idea." [laughter] But I don't have the whole process that you went through and the whole logical reasoning and you know, your decision-making process. Um so, I think whatever it is from the
survey cuz I agree, these guys put a lot of time in that survey, and the residents want to know their voices were heard, and if if they just get flippantly blown off, I don't think that's helpful for future surveys or for residents um um feeling like their government's
actually listening to them. So, my recommendation would be you guys figure out what, you know, top five are, and and, you know, come before the TCA you know, a couple times maybe and really push
and and sell these things. So. >> Okay, um thank you for that um that direction um cuz it is appreciated. Um >> So maybe each member, if it makes sense, unless you want to narrow down this
list, we give our top three. Like I could give you my top three now. >> Yeah. >> Or we could do it next week and then from there, you know, figure out majority rules or whatever or we vote, however we want to do it. >> I I'd like to see some combining here like um
numbers uh 4, 14, and 17. If we could combine all that into one. >> Yeah. >> Okay, I Is that the programming? >> Yes, and um number two and 13. And if we can
combine those. And I also like to see crossed off the dog park, the dedicated pickle ball. >> Yeah. >> The Village Park picnic barbecue upgrade, I I honestly think that's minor. I think that's something we can
look at and see and and maybe even get DPW to do something with that. >> I also have to wonder like the with these survey responses, is it somebody walk past it and said that's looking pretty shabby or is it like somebody who's desperate to be able to use them cuz in these survey responses, we don't
always get an idea of the intensity of uh people's feeling. >> What was captured on this document was that it was a repeat response from a number from I think we received like a hundred or so responses and it was a repeat occurrence of an ask or
request. >> Um that also feels like I don't know. Um >> With regards to the programming, what does that work look like for us? Um we as a commission not as the town, but as a commission
because I've been frustrated in the past personally and I think others have as well where like we individually go out and do work and it's good work and then we come back and and nothing happens to it. Um
which I find I found very frustrating or it happens extremely slowly. >> Well, I I I feel that the programming part of it that's that's my job. That's what I do. So with Yeah, and >> I I quite feel that way too.
>> So I you know, I've I've already laid the groundwork with the school to you know, know that I have some um availability there in the evenings. Um I could tell you weekend stuff is very
difficult. People typically don't sign up for that. So I think we start with weeknight stuff and and see how that goes. Um and we can certainly get back to you know, our I mean we've had tennis
lessons as recently as it might even been last year we offered them. But um because of the you know, obviously because of our tennis court renovation which took almost two years. Um it um
that that took it away. But we we will get the I'll get those back up and running again for the for the fall. Um for sure and and >> you know, I can report back that on how they're going. >> I'm trying to be cognizant of the fact
that we don't run anything as the Parks and Recreation Commission. We review and advise, but we do not operate. There's a rec department that Ken heads, and we appoint Ken, but we do not operate the rec department. Ken does. And we also do not do the budgeting,
which would obviously come to play for rec camp. I mean, that's I just feel like that's an actual like professional job that requires somebody not just to have the
credentials and time for, but like the authority to speak and as a group we all have that authority on the Parks Commission, but individually I feel like we we don't. Um Well, I I know that we don't. Um And
>> could certainly be a goal goal though to to say that we want to have more you know, programs. >> Well, I also not to I don't want to be rude to the public who filled out the survey. >> Yeah. >> But like some of this stuff is
I mean, like okay, people talked about the pickleball courts during a time when we didn't have any because we were working on them. I I don't know that there's really an item there to to do. We did do or we didn't do, but the the town commissioned a report on
locating new ones. I don't want to I I I I'd like to have more pickleball courts, but it's a question of how much it costs and how much we want to collect from people's property taxes. But there is stuff here that I think we're suited for. I I am very interested
in the playground at Millstone. It is an underused area. It has facilities. The soccer field is used, the baseball field not so much. The playground I don't see as many people on it as I see using the soccer field for sure.
Um which is interesting cuz anybody can walk over to that playground anytime. You need to have like plans to play a soccer game and you have to have those plans weeks in advance. Um, if you're, you know, using the field with the permit. Um,
lighting I mean, I don't What are we going to do with that? Lighting? We're going to light the whole park. We're going to light the path. I don't I don't think there's anything to do there. Um, >> I crossed that. I crossed that one off. >> And >> Yeah, I mean, unfortunately
legally and insurance-wise, unless we make a massive change in the town. >> And some of this other stuff is nice and I think some of this facility stuff, like the connection past Cranbury Brook Preserve, I I'm not sure that's a park issue, but I'm I'm
happy to I think it would be nice if we spearheaded it. Um, and then there is the um, What was I looking at? There was that one and there was >> What do they mean [clears throat] by >> the tables and seating? I don't think we
have any issues with tables, right? We have plenty of those, right? >> Yeah, and we upgraded them all a few years ago. >> Um, >> I'm sorry. >> That one That was the most confounding thing for me to come out of that survey. Was that people didn't think we had enough benches. >> No. >> Um,
>> But that's what came out of the survey. Came from a committee member. >> Some of it it did come out from the survey, too, though. >> I mean, look at number nine. How would you connect Reinhardt with Cranbury Brook? Do they mean uniting with >> the farms, um, like along somebody's property line potentially if a farmer
was interested in doing so. >> Oh. >> Um, like right down the the property line border if they were interested in being like, I don't >> See, Reinhardt to to Cranbury Brook. >> Like across Plainsboro Road down the field to the Cranbury Brook itself and then up the edge of Cranbury Brook back to the Cranbury Brook itself. >> Well, it's just cuz there's no way to
from there to town. >> Safely. >> There's no sidewalk and everyone >> So, like do a crosswalk on Plainsboro Road? >> And like and buy some of the farmland so that you can cut through the farm. That is actually a great idea.
>> It is a great idea, but >> an awesome >> I mean, it it needn't be expensive if there was a landowner who was willing to provide an easement or >> Yeah, but >> something. >> It it probably seems like a big challenge, but I think that would be awesome.
>> No, I I yeah, I mean, connectivity of the different preserves. But again, that's a It's a big lift. >> It would be great to connect Janney with Cranbury Brook Preserve, too, but that would be a bridge. >> Yeah. So, getting back to uh
our sort of um reaching a decision here. I I do like the programming idea, but I mean, I really don't I'm not sure how this commission can develop programming when we have a >> I think >> professional who who runs the programming.
>> I think for the programming, as we hear community members or own family members ask for things, we bring it to the attention of this committee and Ken takes note and then sees if it's feasible or not. But I think that's the direction, right? We hear we advise, we ask Ken to take a
look at it and then he'll tell us yea or nay and then take it, move it forward. The The short list, I think for the balance of this year, the promotional planning, I'm I'm really interested in that because we do so much as a committee to
maintain and and provide guidance and things of that nature, and we're also trying to promote activities. That's whether it's park or wreck or what have you. And we could fig I think we could figure that out in the next 3 months for this calendar year. And then you
like I said, I'm I'll yield to you guys, but I I do I do hear a lot about Millstone Park and Shadow Brook. Is that what's called Shadow Oaks? >> Shadow Oaks and >> Shadow Oaks, like all the family members in there have a challenge with the
equipment, like the younger families. So, and then we've heard that from previous members of Park and Rec years ago about that as well. So, whether that's a priority or not, I think we should we still to make sure it's compliant and
usable, right? >> And now, I didn't see this on our list, but I I know we mentioned it before, and I think it was in pursuit of a bathroom in Village Park. How do we feel about that as something to pursue? Not necessarily as a priority for this year, but as something to
pursue. I'm all for it. >> think, in my opinion, sovereign as like by myself, I don't think it's necessary. >> Sally, thoughts? >> I think it would be great, but I think it's a huge expense, and I don't know that it's going to happen. >> Okay.
>> I'd rather have something to do in the park before I need a bathroom. Like, [laughter] you know. >> Well stated. >> But, >> um >> No before you go. I mean, but there is port-a-potty.
>> Can I talk briefly on on programs? We have um the volleyball courts. Can we not just do a pick up volleyball game to say every Tuesday night at 7:00, come play volleyball? Um and what about a and that was the same thing with pickleball. Someone had put on Facebook
who wants to learn how to play pickleball. Can we do every an afternoon one, and then maybe an evening one? And that's that's a program that we could sponsor that would wouldn't cost us any money. You know, just >> What do you mean learn how to play pickleball? >> Yeah, there's people that would teach
it. >> Oh, I >> There's people and just a pick up games for pickleball. And the same thing with the volleyball. We We >> run pickleball lessons that people sign up for it. >> I don't We could possibly do that, but right now I'm just thinking pick-up
games and people learn that way. Um is that something that we can get going soon? Just put it out. No, every Tuesday night at 7:00 there's volleyball. Come and play volleyball at >> I mean I Can we do that though? There's There's volleyball all the time.
Um who you know? >> But Yeah, but >> I mean my husband The point of us here is not like there's a park, go use it. We're supposed to be like >> Organizing things. Yeah. >> There's a park here and let's all go have fun together outside and I'm not
going to lurk around the volleyball court and hope someone picks ME FOR THEIR TEAM. LIKE IT'S SO AWKWARD and I'm bad at volleyball but probably. I don't even know yet until >> Yeah, but I mean you can play with You can play with four people or you can play with you know 40 people with subs. I just think if we could do something
like that, you know, every certain >> Yeah, but we still We still kind of need somebody to >> Show up with a volleyball. That's all we need. >> be there to say, all right, I'll do that. I'll help. Organize like Kevin Bobotich was
was the one who spearheaded that whole So I think so so Maybe we could call on him because he's, you know, he He was a coach He's a coach, too. I mean >> Let's put Let's put something out in our promotional plan that just says we're interested in starting a pick-up
volleyball. Is there anybody who wants to help run it? And the And the same thing with I mean kayak races on the lake. That was fun when that happened. That was a Tim Brennan thing. Um Like I said, the the pickleball if we just know every Wednesday at 1:00
there's going to be pickleball. Come >> Right, these are sounding like good ideas, but these are not sounding like priorities, Sally. >> I don't understand why not. I mean these are something thing we can do now. >> for the year is to >> No, I'm talking >> get more people to play volleyball. I don't I mean >> Well, I'm talking about programs for Ken.
I'm sorry. >> That was just Our priority bigger picture is to get people to use the parks that we have. >> I can >> together. >> My frustration it is I think apparent, but it's not with the people in this
room. It's with the structure of like this commission and like the things we're meant to achieve in the limited means by which we are actually able to achieve them. >> Okay, so we have some things already. We have two and 13 combined. That's number one.
>> Okay, I don't I'm I'm sorry. I don't know what that means without looking at >> Millstone Park. >> Okay. >> I think that's one that we should decide on. The next one 4, 14, and 17 programs. Somehow or another we'll do the wording to combine those. Okay, so those are two of our priorities. You said to come up
with four. We need to come up with two other priorities from this list and Brendan will be happy. >> Oh, well, I'm never happy. Um >> Then we should just >> so inspiring. >> I know. We're doing great, guys. >> I want if we could consider the
communication and promotional plan. >> Okay, so that would be our third one. Number 15. And then what we as the four of us can decide on one more that we think is important. We've crossed some out completely.
Some we know are will never happen. >> Um >> What about what Kelly mentioned with the kayak rack? I know it's not on the list, but >> Yeah, let's We can we put that >> upgrade. Like >> Well, the the barbecue thing I don't I
think that's such a short >> what did you say? >> Kayak barbecue upgrade. >> Oh, okay. Yeah. >> I see. >> Yeah. >> I think the barbecue upgrade if we want to do that one, let's make that our fourth one.
And and um that should be separate from kayak. That could be fifth. >> So, I mean I don't I mean I'm not averse to that, but I don't I'm not sure what there is to do or what the state is. I mean I guess we can take people at their word, right? >> Well, Ken was going to go and check them
out. So, for right now, let's make it a temporary one and if Ken says, "Boy, they're in bad shape." Maybe we can order new ones. If they're fine, we cut we take it off the list. >> Um for the Millstone Park, I I I feel like let can we focus that just on the
playground um for priority purposes as opposed to other improvements? >> I think along with the playground, if that's what you're talking about, you're going to have to have um um uh ADA parking spaces, you're going to have to have an ADA walkway to the
new playground. So, I mean that's I think Is there a walkway? >> Uh Parkview. >> From Parkview, there's a walkway through? >> Yeah, I I'm not sure if I don't think it gets you right to the playground, but it gets you close.
>> Well, as far as the as far as the playground you know, that's all involved with upgrades to the park is access to the playground. And I don't I don't think the park needs anything else besides the playground. We have the
we have the water bottle drinking station there, we have the house, we have the plaque in front of the house, we have the fields, we have picnic tables. >> we talking about? >> Millstone. >> Yeah, I I I think just the playground area. >> All right, so I have for us programming
promotional uh stuff, barbecue, and the playground. And I mean, some of I'd like to see a lot of this stuff happen. I just don't, you know, we're doing priorities, we can't hit it all. They I mean, I like that idea, but they came at us pretty hard last time with a no.
>> Well, why can't we do all four? I'm You can say no to me 20 times. If it's a great idea, >> So, >> So, is it a list of priorities, or is it a list of just uh goals? >> Maybe we don't have to title it >> I I feel like that's
We don't have to, but I if >> I know, but you're getting really caught up in what our priorities >> Yeah, I mean, none of these things are expensive. >> Yeah. >> Particularly. The kayak rack, if I can just give you a little um window on the TC, we came very close to
approving it, but there was just some discussion about like who's going to maintain them, and you know, is it really necessary? It's one of those things where I felt if you guys were there, it made a difference. Could have made >> was there. >> Oh, yeah. >> [laughter]
>> Somebody more forceful than Kelly. >> Well, it made a difference with Matt, but it didn't make a difference with some of the other TC members. >> revenue positive after like the first year. There's literally nothing like >> I it to me it I I won't be on the TC when you're >> Well, then you can sit next to me.
>> Yeah, maybe I'll come. But I I I would go at it again, cuz I think that's I'm I'm pretty in favor of kayak racks. I think that's a great idea. >> so. >> And if our like pillars of thought masses are accessibility,
you know, like playground-wise, and programming-wise, and we have it all ages, and everybody's getting programs, and everyone's getting to access the water, like then we're working towards our goals. We're working towards our priorities. >> All right. All right, so we have five.
The programming, the the promotion, the barbecue, the playground, and the kayak rack. And we also have the original list, which, you know, other than the things we said we regrettably can't do. Just cuz it's not on our top five doesn't mean we shouldn't we can't
concurrently pursue it anyway. Um I feel good with this. >> What were the five again? >> Uh programming, promotional, barbecue, Millstone playground, and kayak rack. >> Barbecue. Okay, that was one. >> Um >> Number seven is one of them. Okay.
Okay. >> Is that satisfactory? Is it unsatisfactory? Am I doing a bad job? >> Um >> Should we talk more about something? The answer can be yes. I I asked the question because I wanted the answer. >> So
for the top five that were selected from this group, I think the next step, if we agree, or if we should explore are like subcommittees. >> So, I'm going to I personally going to look at the Millstone Park playground. There's also like ideas that we tossed
around for the previous renovation of Village Park about exercise equipment and things of that nature. We can explore it all and then chisel it down. And then, um I would like to also look at the communication and pro uh promotional plan. So, I'll put my name for those
two. Whoever wants to join me, feel free. >> And we also want to trees uh along the um Village Park new walking path. >> Okay. This is You guys, we have to We can't do everything every single meeting. We really need to focus. >> But we sort of do nothing because we
keep on saying, "Let's focus." Every time someone has an idea. Respectfully. So >> path in Village Park. My son mentioned that that bicycle path in Village Park, there used to be dirt that you could, you know, ride your bikes over, like a dirt bike track and that's really really
needs maintenance. That one way in the back of Village Park. >> But like maintenance is we inform the Township and the Township maintains it. Like again, we don't run the rec department. It's specifically in our ordinance. We don't run the rec department.
And I mean, various members of the TC may not care that that's what's in our ordinance. I don't know. Um I don't know. Yeah. But we were supposed to do I thought pick priorities and I feel like we have now more things we're trying to accomplish
than when we we arrived today. Some of them are little, yes, but that is Yeah, I don't know. >> [snorts] >> All right. Um how do we want to move forward? Somebody tell me. >> We decided on the five things already.
You take it from there. >> All right. >> Well, what I'm going to do is I love the kayak rack um ask we can't make it until the fall. I'll present it in the spring like
early spring. But put that on the list and that's the earliest we can do it and we're envisioning boats on Cranberry Lake in the summer of 2027. Done. >> Like that. Um the barbecue, do we need a
subject? >> [laughter] >> Hi. Um my recommendation would be have a plan for maintenance. Who's going to take care of these racks? Um and I completely with your vision and
and love it, but um you know, reiterate that this is something that will, you know, grow the town. People really want it and and offer example of other towns that have done it without people, you know, losing their house because of kayak racks.
>> What's the Is there maintenance? Is it not just metal that's bent into a shape where you can put a kayak on it? Like what is need What needs to be done? >> I Yeah. >> I guess everything needs to be maintained at some point at all. >> Yeah, but isn't that >> is the TC's concern that like somebody needs to go out there and rub it with a with a cloth every day? Cuz I don't
think there's that much maintenance involved, right? >> No, but I'll just I'll like just get the lifespan of whatever the material is. >> Yeah. >> Cuz we're not having it built out of wood, which maybe um which was not what we had previously envisioned cuz they were going to be
purchased, but um you know. >> I think another big stickler was how we um regulate the kayaks on there with stickers. Do they buy a sticker from the township and the sticker's good for a year? >> We had it all >> Yeah. >> These are These are private privately
owned kayaks. They're not >> Yes. >> rental. >> Right. >> Right? >> Yeah, you need to bring your own kayak. >> Yeah, yeah. >> But I think whoever did the lights and did the one like Yeah, or they thought it was a I I don't think >> Well, we'll bring them nice pictures. >> Yeah, I recall there being some concern
about the aesthetic. >> Yeah. But So, my two cents >> dirt hill, like >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [laughter] >> Um >> Well, we're hoping to get the new launch area as well. >> The like a floating dock thing?
>> Yeah, the floating dock was put in for I, you know, I put it in a grant um application for that. So, >> We might have to be close to it or far away from it depending on how what it looks >> Well, no, that's already in the works. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. If you want to put something that
you can easily obtain, put [laughter] that on there. Hopefully we get the grant, but >> Um barbecue, I don't think we need a subcommittee for that, right? We can just have Yeah. Um >> Ken, what's the timeline on that grant?
>> You know, I was just as we're in this meeting, I'm like, man, when is that stuff going to be announced? Because it was due at the end of January. It's going to be soon. It'll be soon. >> Okay. Again, as someone is leaving public governance, if you don't get that grant, I would recommend you
guys just tell them to budget for I mean, that's a that's a liability issue. >> Yeah, it was a It was like It wasn't a large amount of money. >> No, it was super annoying to me that we couldn't just budget it, but if we get the grant, great. If you don't, I mean
You all seen that dock? >> Yeah. Yeah, it's like a death trap. >> [laughter] >> The existing one. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I brought photos and everything. It was 15,000. >> Um >> That's how much the dock is? >> Yeah.
>> How much? >> How much? In round? >> It was 15, I think. I I I built in a little bit extra because I got a price like a year and a half ago. And as you know, things don't get
cheaper anymore. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, it's a canoe. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, actually has a canoe on one side and a kayak on the other side. Yeah. >> Talk to Kelly. Really close. >> I don't know if I want to show it to Kelly. >> All right. Um
so, looking forward, um Ken will talk to us next month with the findings on the barbecue. Um what about these other four items? What's happening next month?
>> I will start exploring with Ken Millstone. Remember the good old days? >> Um >> And I will put some ideas for communication and promotional plan, but I think maybe Michael and Fallon may be interested in
that cuz I believe that's their like their lane, so they might jump on that one. So, I I'll send them a note or a text and just ask their opinions. >> Okay. >> Is there an easy way to get something added to the town calendar?
The cal- even just like the fireworks, how it says it's all day. And it would be easier if residents could like click on the town calendar and see real details. How do- how is that updated? Do you know? >> There's somebody that does that, Matt, I
think. Yeah, I would I would send an email to Debbie, Debbie Rubin. Be like, what >> Yeah, or even like a simple thing like with a survey. Like, thank you for spelling it out. We've taken the time to do X, Y, and Z. Not everything could get
done for you. However, these are the top two things we're working on. Like, you know, something like that. >> Just communication. >> Yeah, just says like, we hear you. We're doing our best. Keep your voices, you know, you know, heard or whatever, you know? Something like that.
>> If it could be an interactive one even, I I don't know, like Facebook or something then we can say we're we're interested in having a weekly volleyball during the summer. Does anybody want to do it? >> So So we had So we had a Facebook page that Tim was running for a summer.
And there were some issues with privacy that were crossed so we the township decided that we we had to get rid of that summer recreation Facebook page. However, I was told if I wanted to
to maintain one for the for the recreation / town that I could do it. But it's you know, it's a lot of work to to just initially get going and then and get people to you know,
like it or follow it or whatever. So I haven't I haven't started that yet. But I I I was told that I can I can do it. So the township >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I mean, quite honestly, a lot of the
parents in the summer camp would would follow that. And then if we had issues with bussing coming late back from a trip or something, we would post it there as along with email everyone. So um yeah, I'll I'll start
working on that. >> Um my two cents are that we focus that on actual like I don't know how to how to say this. Like basically advertisement instead of like
I don't know I followed so many accounts that I've unfollowed because every day they're just like post picture like here's us doing the same thing we did yesterday and we'll do the same thing we'll do tomorrow. I'll kind of um Yeah, like oh, here's a picture of our park to remind you that 7 months from now we're having a camp.
Um but like [clears throat] relevant uh current news kind of, I guess. Um Are we ready to close out uh the goals and priorities? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> All right, well, let's do that. Um
>> Can I Sorry, very quickly. Can I report to the TC that Ken's going to create a new Facebook page for Parks and Rec? Yeah? >> Yes. >> [laughter] >> Don't make trouble for us, Matt. >> Wait, please allow me to check with administration again to make
sure that they're okay with that before we say we're definitely doing it. >> Okay. >> Because I was told I could do it. That was a while ago. >> I'll ask him to make sure I'll ask him at the meeting. Monday. >> [laughter] >> All right. >> I will reach out to administration. >> Fair enough. >> And I'll let you know. >> Thank you. >> Um
We discussed the fireworks already. Um historical preservation uh commission, they have I mentioned last month uh the our developer is looking at
uh they're well, they're putting in a development uh vote warehouse, like an actual warehouse where they house the wares, not a fulfillment center. And it's on Station Road by where the old little train depot building is.
And they the landowner is interested in like preserving that and making it a bit of a facility that people could go to and sit at. And it would be like his property still or the company's property.
But, they HBC asked me if we had ideas for what we wanted in town, and I told them that we had a lot of ideas. Um, but given that little narrow strip land between the the road and the railroad, it's like very long and not very
wide. Um, there's not much that would fit there. The or if it would fit there, like people wouldn't go. Um, and the developer wouldn't want But, I I
ran through with her, um, like if you can get interested in things like uh a pickleball um court or a dog park or um, I said no one's going to go there for a splash pad, but I did mention it.
Um, I I put that out for her and her her work with um uh the developer. There is not really a role for the town to or for like the township to play because it's not going to be a town park.
Um, and also there is concern from some of the residents over in Halsey Road about like not making it a destination or a way stop for like truckers who are mooning around or or like parking overnight as I understand they sometimes do in that
area. Um, so I um that's what I have for us. Is there anything you we're we're missing here? Anything more we could do, do you think? >> Well, can you can I just This is what I heard you say.
That there's a new warehouse going in and that the seller of the land is interested in donating some of that space for a park, but it's a short strip. So, it wouldn't be much of a park except benches. >> No, it it's um the owner of the land is
putting in a warehouse. They're they're not selling anything to the town. >> So, whoever bought And they own the old station? >> Uh, yeah, that's my understanding. >> Well, I think it would be nice to see that preserved, and I don't think we need much except maybe a couple benches
and a garbage can. >> Yeah, that Well, they're def- That's why HSBC is involved. They want to preserve the building, but there's other space there. >> So, are they asking us if we want it a park? Is that what you're saying? >> Yes.
>> Well, I I don't know whether we want it designated as a as a park because it will be their >> wouldn't designate it as a park. >> be their private property. If they want to put some benches in and and HB, whatever it is, is going to renovate the building or whatever, do something to keep the building up, I
mean, that's great, but it I don't think we need to designate it as a park. >> That was They weren't asking for that. >> What were they asking for? >> was designation of a walking trail or something around the property. Think that was my understanding. It was a TC meeting at
>> The question was, is there stuff that we would recommend or ask them if the developer to put in? >> Walking trail and benches, that's a garbage can. >> All right. Um, and items.
I am going to talk to Matt and Ken about the Declaration of Independence and microphones. >> I have an update. >> Okay. >> You do? >> I do. So, >> [laughter] >> So, uh, turnout at the Memorial Day parade
was kind of low, but for those of you that went, if you recall, um, at the end, you know, we meet by What's it called? Flag Park? The one by the fire department? Memorial. >> Memorial. >> Memorial, yeah. >> No, the little tiny one. >> Memorial. >> Next to the fire department?
>> Yeah, like this big. Okay, good. Bye. Um There's a PA that we have there. So, um apparently Jerry's going to drop it off at my house. Yeah, so you're all set. So, I'll show up at the gazebo with the PA and I'll
read the Declaration of Independence. >> If it's light enough, can you walk around and read it while you're >> Sure. You Will you carry the PA by me or >> I'm getting a wagon. >> Wait, yeah, I have a wagon. >> All right. >> Uh but so so
>> I really think you should pick a time so that we can put it on the website. >> yeah, so >> everyone's asking for it during >> Right, so I need to know the band the timing >> Yeah. >> and when you all think would be appropriate to read. I agree, before the fireworks band does
their thing, read the Declaration. Fireworks. Yeah. Okay. Um I don't know the the reach of the PA. It's probably like 50, maybe 100 ft. So, it won't be the whole park, but those within proximity of the gazebo will be
able to hear. Yeah. >> And you also don't have to do it from the gazebo. You could do it from >> But need power. >> But you need power. So, but you could do it from the um >> Is there Is there an outlet in the gazebo, right? Yeah. >> Wait, isn't there also an outlet
>> in the pavilion? >> in the pavilion, yeah, which is where more people are over there. >> Okay. I feel like the acoustics I I don't know. It'll be better in the gazebo. >> you plug it in in the pavilion and then you stand right outside and then >> basketball court.
>> No, no, closer to the where people sit. >> the the sound clouding from the pickleball. >> I think you you should go a few days before and test it out, you know. >> Thank you. I will be reading the Declaration of Independence and I'll have a PA. So, but
I need Thank you. I need uh to get coordination on the band and so they know. >> All right. And with the fire department, I guess that's off the fireworks to wait until >> Yeah.
But is there a food truck by the this year? Cuz that's really loud. >> What? I'm sorry? >> Like you know when the when the food when there's a food truck there and >> Oh, yeah, you don't be near that. So, we better be Still though. The din is very loud. Maybe gazebo's better.
>> It it's possible that the band may have a really loud system, too. >> Yeah. >> You can still ask still check with them. I would because it might reach further than the PA. >> So, the band Are you Brendon well? Somebody will? >> Yeah.
I don't I don't know who they are. >> It might be Donna because she has the contact. >> Okay. Fair enough. >> Thanks, Donna. >> All right. So, is that an action item I >> Yes. Do you think that you could send an email to this group when we have the
time sorted because in addition to promoting it on the town calendar, and it's like good for us to be able to >> Yeah, so yeah, so another action item should be to an updated um
syllabus of the 5th of July. >> That that should go to uh it can go out in the mayor's letter. >> Yeah. And be put on the township website. So, mayor's letter and the township website. >> And our new Facebook page.
>> And the new Facebook page. >> Ken. What are we doing? When are we going to be on TikTok and the Parks and Rec are going to >> Uh, yeah, and the new >> [laughter] >> the new Instagram page and Okay, so we have those two items.
The fireworks and, um, the well, the fireworks event and the fireworks decorate website thing and the fireworks decoration events thing. Um, we're going to email Barbara about the walking path.
>> Water. >> Which which one? Which path? >> She's doing the flood survey. And, um, she wanted to know and I I asked her whether we could include the walking path and she said it didn't hurt. So. >> Um,
Yeah. Yeah. Programming. >> Ken, I look there's no library movie nights December. Are there any look like there are Fridays at 3:15 inside. So, to the extent we want to have that or summer movie,
we're not competing with anyone. >> So, when I report back to TC, we have a history of doing movie nights, correct? Ken? >> Yep, but only one a year. >> Okay. >> So, I mean, we used to have we did a community campout here we go.
>> Oh, yeah. >> And we had a movie night with that. We did that for like two or three years and then that then people it dropped off the participation so we stopped doing it. Um the So, we did them for that. We had
them a few We've done about probably we've over the years we've done like five or six of them. >> All in Village Park? >> Um actually no, one year we had it over on the west property cuz we got this I was during it was
during COVID so we did it like a drive-in kind of thing. We had this digital thing. It was pretty crazy. But, um yeah. So, we've done them before. >> And that was done by Parks and oh, Parks or
>> By recreation, yes. Yeah. >> Okay. Cool. >> All right, so I have um and for the movie can for the barbecue can for the Facebook page can for the park fees
um I already have that. Um and we are going to do the work on our uh kayak racks and programming and promotional and I'm sorry Nelson playground
groups things. >> So, if we wanted to a movie in the summertime, we got to pick We got to pick a a date for this so we can I can move. >> I thought we decided the summer of is too late at night. We were going to do it in the fall.
>> That's we did >> Yeah, so let's >> discuss that. >> Let's just do one in the fall then. >> That's my inclination, but I mean >> Yeah, let's wrap this up. >> All right, so >> September 26th >> So, September 26th we'll do a base try to do a baseball theme one again and
we'll go from there. >> Yeah, and for next spring and summer let's maybe plan it out every other I don't know how we would want it every other month or something so we could do something at the end of the school year. >> The >> August or so. >> very expensive very quickly.
>> Okay, so two or whatever we decide. >> Sorry, you guys always use a vendor like a third party comes in and inflatable something right? >> They they yeah, inflatable screen and then they they you know, the movie is about $500 just to get the license for it.
The company coming in is probably going to be $1,500. I mean you're talking two yeah, you're talking two two grand at least to for each one. >> [laughter] >> No.
So, just know that you know, it's easy to say oh we could just do a movie night you know, why don't we just do it? Costs a lot of money. >> a silent movie that's at a library. >> I mean we get we get $1,000 in our budget for movie night and
or um concert or something for the you know, in the but that's >> But is it a band? Do we have to pay a band? >> Yeah, we if we did a concert we'd have to pay the band, sure. >> No, but I mean the The 5th of July concert that's $1,000 go for that so then we don't have much left.
>> No. No, so not really. >> But you know what? There's bands this summer at the library so we'll just >> There you go. All right. >> Maybe maybe we don't want them. >> movie on the baseball night there if it's that much money. And and if we don't >> We don't have the money in our budget
because the $1,000 that we already have is going to pay the band on 5th of July. Do we want to >> we have a balance in the trust fund that I'll forget. >> Okay, so >> And some people have really giant screens that they own.
Like you know, for their own backyard movie. Maybe we could borrow somebody's. >> All right, well the action item is we're going to look into all of that. >> do you would you say would you >> [laughter] >> would you suggest that the wise thing to do is borrow somebody else's equipment? >> [laughter] >> You guys do that sound like I need to
buy one so that I can the town borrow it? >> [laughter] >> Because I'm into it and it's on the list. >> And I plan on going to the EC meeting. When is it, Donna? >> Okay. >> [laughter] >> It's too late. You put me on the spot.
I'm like, "Sure." >> Yeah. >> All right, that's our those are our action items. Let us open up public comment for any members of the public who would wish to comment. >> Hello, I'd like to enter number public. >> Okay, you have 3 minutes.
>> complain about the pickleball courts. Um >> Wait, I have to get my flashing clock. Do we have it? >> No. Uh >> Okay. Here we go. There it is. >> I don't have to use it, so There we go. >> Too late. I can't see it.
>> This is this is what 3 minutes looks like when it's in a pie chart of 5 minutes. >> It's like you're in timeout when you're a child. >> [laughter] >> Oh. >> All right, please begin. >> Okay. I'm just going to wait till the last 30 seconds. Um no, so I I play tennis a lot of
Village Park and the the not really complaint, more of a comment. The people who use pickleball pull out their nets. They don't put them away. Um and there's like been a lot of like trash and stuff cuz like the kids actually come and they play like
I don't know what you call it. They will like take a basketball and like bounce it back and forth on the pickleball. Um so there's been like a lot of like sort of refuse and um which is fine. I'm glad people are using it, but I would just like maybe like a
sign thing like, "Hey, if you're going to use pickleball, put the stuff away. Please clean up your trash." That's all. And then one other comment, I wonder about the longevity of the sound cladding cuz I've seen a lot of kids who are like using the sound cladding as um
uh What? Yeah, rebound. Thank you. Um but that's neither here nor there. That's like a long-term project, but I've seen kids like ball pit. So, that's all. >> Well, thank you. That sounds like something to keep an eye on. >> How long was that? >> 1 minute.
>> It was like a Yeah, it wasn't a very well done >> It's in our rules and regulations that they can't leave garbage, so >> Well, I know, but I think that's I think signage would be good. Like you like do >> I mean I I would hope so. Um I but like if you have grown adults
or even adolescent children who don't need a sign to tell them they can't leave garbage on the ground in 2026, I don't I'm not sure how much you're going to gain with a sign. >> You know. >> Although we have a sign, but it's gone missing, the rules sign. >> And you know what? I thought that was
popular. That was popular comment. >> Yeah. >> To get rules up there. So, people are looking for it. >> Yeah, but isn't it DPW's job to to clean that up? It is. It is their job to clean up the parks. So, I'd like to make a motion to adjourn. >> Well, hold on. Um I have to close public
comment first uh apparently. That's how it works. Public comment is now closed. >> I'd like to make a motion to adjourn. >> or comments. Sally, your motion. Is there a second to adjourn? >> Second. >> All right, we're adjourned, everybody. Thank you. >> Thank you. Christina made me do