Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting: December 3, 2025

Attendance

• Members
  • Present: Deb Faucher (Chair), Ed Harley (Clerk), Sherry Horeanopolous, Martin Sterman, Andrea Surabian (Alternate), Addison Barwise (arrived at 8:17, start of fields discussion)
  • Absent: None
• Non-Members
  • Present: Walter Zawacki (Advisory Committee liaison to P&R)
• Unfilled Positions: second alternate seat

 

Call to Order

Deb called meeting to order at 7:35 PM

Approve Minutes

Deb made a motion to approve the minutes from November 5, 2025.  Ed seconded.  Deb, Sherry, Ed, Martin, Andrea in favor.  No one opposed.

Director’s Position – next steps

No changes or updates since the last meeting.

Public Comments

•   No public comments

Updates/Discussion Items

Financial (not including donation funds)

Yearly Funds Available: Starting (7/1): $21,819, Previous (11/3): $7,689, Current (12/3): $7,229

Revolving Funds Available: Starting (7/1): $14,824, Previous (11/3): $19,836, Current (12/3): $20,035

• Minimal change since last month.

Events/Programs

Boxwood Class and Cookie Swap – Deb/Sherry

• Boxwood/Balsam are cost prohibitive so the class won’t be pursued at this point.
• Deb and Sherry like the idea of doing the cookie swap at Mountainside café, but Mountainside can’t hold the swap since it isn’t allowed by their license. Since time is short between now and Christmas, the cookie swap will be put on hold for this year.

After-school Spanish Program -Addison

• The intent is to focus on the younger kids (K-5) before it is officially taught at school.
• Addison has conducted an informal survey and there is definitely some interest. It is an idea worth pursuing.
• Next step is to find someone who is interested in teaching the class. Andrea suggested that we reach out to Miss Laughlin who teaches the upper grade Spanish.
• Martin suggested that the class also include a component on Spanish culture to broaden the scope.

Ski Program Update – Deb

• There are at least 35 sign-ups, so the program will be well attended.
• P&R will look into getting a discount code for adults and organizing a town group. Walter will get more information when he goes to the mountain next.
• Another option is to look into getting a pass managed by the library that would allow members to borrow for a day.

Basketball – Ed

• Same as last meeting. How do we send out a news blast through the town after the new year?  Can we also repost on Nextdoor?  Ed will resend the request to print an announcement in Redemption Rock News.

Fields/Parks

Krashes – Skating Rink

• The frame/boards have been set up and the liner has been ordered.
• Many more people responded to the call for help this year, so there seems to be more excitement this year. Hopefully it continues as ice maintenance is needed.
• Deb will put out another call for help when it is time to install the liner and fill the rink.
• Martin mentioned Scenic Scapes as a potential for clearing snow and maintaining the ice.

Krashes – Other

• Martin will remove the Pickleball equipment in the next few days.
• Deb hasn’t worked on the transfer of ownership of the “non-athletic” surfaces to the highway and building departments.
• Andrea/Deb proposed that we put up some holiday lights at the fieldhouse. We can do colored lights at Krashes since it doesn’t need to follow the same guidelines as the center of town.  Cost estimate for 500 ft of wire and bulbs is roughly $500.  Sherry made a motion to purchase and install the lights.  Martin seconded. Deb, Andrea, Sherry, Ed, Martin, Addison in favor.  No objections.
• The maintenance quote for the fields will expire soon. It is $14,000 for the upcoming calendar year.  Deb moved that we accept the quote and schedule the maintenance with the understanding that the invoicing is spaced with approximately half before June and the remaining in the Fall.  Martin seconded.  Deb, Andrea, Sherry, Ed, Martin, Addison in favor.  No objections.

Playgrounds

Sawyer – Addie

• Addison talked with the person who was president of the Friends of Mechanics Hall. They are planning to re-form the “East Princeton Village Improvement Society” under the 501(3)(c) organization that he has maintained.  It will make it easier to fundraise, coordinate activities, etc.

Other Business

Winter Carnival

• Addison will start working on the time critical activities for Winter Carnival, like the liquor license application.
• Saturday, February 21^st, is the day that has been selected for it.

Director’s Update

• N/A – since the position is currently vacant.
• The position was posted in September

Next Meeting

Jan 7, 2026

Adjournment

8:33 PM Deb adjourned the meeting