TOWN OF GRANBY
PARK AND RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES
February 2, 2010
PRESENT: Edward (Ned) Allen, Chairman; Brigid Gunn, Vice Chair; Suzanne Yucha, Kathy Ungerleider and Kay Woodford, Director of Granby Parks & Recreation Department.
Chairman Allen called the meeting to order and confirmed a quorum at 7:42PM.
MINUTES
ON A MOTION by Brigid Gunn, seconded by Suzanne Yucha, the Board (3-0-1) approved the minutes of December 1, 2009 as presented.
ON A MOTION by Brigid Gunn, seconded by Suzanne Yucha, the Board (2-0-2) approved the notes of January 5, 2010 as presented.
PUBLIC SESSION
No one appeared before the Board.
OLD BUSINESS
A. GAFLAC
No report was given.
B. Bath House
Mrs. Woodford reported that the roof is being repaired. She has requested that the security lights be replaced as well as the doors on the bandshell and snack shack.
C. 225th Celebration
Chairman Allen reported that momentum is building:
- The logo designed by Granby artists has been approved.
- The Antique Appraisal Fundraiser will take place March 21, 2010.
- A Mission Statement is being written.
- The website is nearing the final stages and should be up soon.
- The Parade committee met and discussed logistics.
Members of the Board shared their ideas about the parade. They agreed that they would like to see a “quality” parade that is more “entertaining” than “memorial.” As an example of entertaining, Mrs. Woodford cited the Granby town officials who marched as Grass Roots, pushing lawn mowers in the bicentennial parade.
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Park and Recreation Board
February 2, 2010
Chairman Allen mentioned that Police Chief Watkins would need the route decision (Granby High School to Salmon Brook Park) soon since the closing of roads must be approved by the state. Chief Watkins also would need to know how much time the roads would need to be closed for the parade.
Floats were discussed briefly. Mrs. Woodford said the Granby Chamber of Commerce Horse Parade floats were able to negotiate the turn into Salmon Brook Park and Brigid Gunn responded that if the Parade Committee specifies the size, then spectators should be able to view the floats in the park after the parade.
The Board expressed confidence that since Parade Committee Chair Audrey Lampert (Marquis of Granby) has lots of experience with parades, that committee will put together a great event.
Suzanne Yucha brought a souvenir pencil from Granby’s bicentennial and Mrs. Woodford indicated she’d share that idea with the 225th committee at their next meeting.
D. Winter Skating Activity
Suzanne Yucha reported approximately 100 people came to the P&R Board’s Family Ice Skating Activity at Salmon Brook Park on Sunday, January 31. The weather cooperated, there was enough hot chocolate and goodies for all, and the bonfire was great (any nails from the burned pallets will be picked up with a magnetic roller after the pile of ashes is removed). She delivered the canned goods donated by participants to the Granby Food Bank.
Several Granby businesses donated money, goods and/or time without which the event would not have been successful. Suzanne will be writing thank you notes to Dunkin Donuts, Geissler’s, Lost Acres, Simsbury Bank, Stop n Shop, and Windsor Federal in addition to notes thanking the Lost Acres Fire and Granby Police Departments.
Chairman Allen summed up the opinion of the Board saying, “The response was better than the past Holiday Decorating Contests.” Suzanne said she is already excited about next year and has a list of what might be done to make it even better. She mentioned she’d like to see an even larger rink and definitely more advertising.
In addition to planning for next year’s skating activity, Mrs. Woodford said she is talking with the Chamber of Commerce about co-sponsoring a tree lighting event during the December holidays. She envisions a ceremony in which local stores light small trees in front of their establishments at a designated time.
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Park and Recreation Board
February 2, 2010
NEW BUSINESS
A. Program Updates
- The Youth Basketball season is going well, although there will be scheduling problems because a defective sprinkler flooded the Community Gym. According to Mrs. Woodford the floor has buckled despite the quick response by the Lost Acres Fire Department to remove the water.
- Adult Drop-in Basketball is doing well. Chairman Allen participates in this program and reported the monitor is doing a very good job.
- Thirty-nine tickets to the February 16th trip to the American Museum have been sold; however there are a few seats left on the bus for those wanting to spend the day on their own in New York City.
February and April Vacation Sports Camp are being held at Kelly Lane. As yet very few have signed up.
The After School Bowling program at Bradley Bowl was canceled due to low enrollment, but the Performing Arts Acting classes for grades K – 6 at Kearns School attracted 11 students and begin this week.
Twenty Granby people have paid to attend the Washington DC overnight trip in late March (the highlight being the Terra Cotta Soldiers exhibit from China).
Other trips being offered include day trips to the Boston Flower Show and an April Red Sox game, overnight trips to a NASCAR racing event in Delaware and Red Sox games in Toronto, and a 5-day trip to Virginia Beach and Williamsburg in October.
Mrs. Woodford said she has been lining up programs for the summer season. Many will be the same as previous summers, but some are new:
- The Copperhill Adult golf program is being restructured.
- Art classes from a group called “Let’s Gogh Art” will be offered if the school system approves the request for rooms both during the summer as well as during April vacation.
- Mystic Field Hockey Fitness will take place the week after the regular Kangaroo Field Hockey and Summer Field Hockey Camps in August.
- A new Girls Basketball Camp is planned.
- A special pre-school day camp for ages 3 – 5 will be offered if the schools approve the use of Kearns School.
- The Salmon Brook Day Camp program will be organized by “theme weeks” this summer. One such week will be about the sea and will include a movie in the park, “Pirates of the Caribbean.” (Brigid Gunn mentioned that Holcomb Farm does theme weeks and that they are popular.)
Mrs. Woodford said she is trying to keep the prices on summer camps similar to last summer. US Sports Institute camps actually will be less expensive. She is working with the schools to continue offering the summer school/half day at SBP camp option for those students who attend the school’s summer enrichment program.
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Park and Recreation Board
February 2, 2010
The Board discussed the problems arising from the school’s decision not to permit organizations to distribute flyers publicizing activities. Kathy Ungerleider said many parents are not using the school’s “digital backpack” because it is difficult to navigate. Suzanne Yucha added that residents without children in the school system have no access to the backpack. Mrs. Woodford commented that the best sources of information are the website and the Drummer. Chairman Allen said he hopes that eventually the P&R website will allow people to send their e-mail addresses so Mrs. Woodford can set up distribution lists to inform them about programs.
B. Town Parks Updates
Mrs. Woodford reported that Public Works should be working on the pavilion at Ahrens Park. Chairman Allen asked where it is located and Mrs. Woodford said it was by the garage.
C. Coalition
Mrs. Woodford announced that the Youth Services Board is establishing a coalition to address the results found in their recent survey. The coalition is to be comprised of representatives from the schools, youth organizations, churches and anyone working with youth.
She said they have written a mission statement and will target four or five areas indicated by their survey. She has asked Deborah Kulwich to be the P&R representative to the coalition, and will need the Board to formally appoint her.
D. Summer Concerts
Mrs. Woodford told the Board she has planned two summer events in the park. The first is the July 12th showing of “The Pirates of the Caribbean.” The library will be doing activities before the movie to “warm up the crowd.” She is scheduling the P&R Board Ice Cream Social for that evening. Suzanne Yucha inquired as to the cost for this event and Mrs. Woodford responded that screen set up would be $900. The movie rental will be a separate charge.
The second event is an August 5th concert featuring the local youth band, the“Mc Lovins.” Other concert costs include publicity, money for parking attendants and custodial charges should the event be moved to a school because of rain.
Suzanne Yucha reminded the Board that Wayne Chapple would like his band to be considered for a concert.
Mrs. Woodford asked for Board input as to sending local businesses sponsorship letters requesting donations. After discussion, Chairman Allen suggested she ask the normal contributors first and others if necessary. Mrs. Woodford asked for a volunteer to help with the letters.
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Park and Recreation Board
February 2, 2010
OTHER BUSINESS AS NECESSARY
A. Granby Forum Interview
Chairman Allen reported he is going to be doing a television interview for The Granby Forum program and will be talking about the Park and Recreation Department as well as the 225th Celebration, devoting perhaps 15 minutes to each. The program will be taped February 26th. He asked the Board to suggest items he might cover. Suzanne Yucha began by saying he might talk about the P&R mission and mentioning that all residents are welcome to attend P&R Board meetings. Additional ideas provided include:
- The recent Family Ice Skating Activity and the availability of the rink at Salmon Brook Park.
- The pavilion being constructed at Ahrens Park.
- The repairs being made to the Bathhouse at Salmon Brook Park.
- The numerous programs planned for the upcoming summer.
- The parking lot on Route 20 that provides access to the back soccer fields.
- The Community Gardens at Ahrens Park.
- The Dog Park.
- The availability of pavilions for family activities at Salmon Brook Park.
- The numerous bus trips.
- The newly constructed bridge at Salmon Brook Park.
Kathy Ungerleider wants him to be sure to promote the March 21st Antiques Appraisal, the first fundraiser for the 225th Celebration.
Mrs. Woodford said she will be joining Chairman Allen in the interview and she wants a sign with the P&R website address prominently displayed.
B. Celebrate Granby Day
Mrs. Woodford reported the Granby Chamber of Commerce has chosen June 12, 2010 for its annual Celebrate Granby Day at Salmon Brook Park. They are asking the P&R Board for a letter to the Board of Selectpersons requesting (1) SBP be closed to all activities on Saturday, June 12, (2) the main field be closed to all activities all day on Friday and Sunday, and (3) a permit for limited use of alcohol to allow local liquor stores to do sample wine tasting.
ON A MOTION by Suzanne Yucha, seconded by Brigid Gunn, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) that such a letter be written to the BOS.
C. Election of Officers
Mrs. Woodford suggested that the election of officers take place at the next P&R Board meeting.
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Park and Recreation Board
February 2, 2010
D. LAX Jamboree
Brigid Gunn informed the Board that this year’s Lacrosse Jamboree will take place at Salmon Brook Park on April 25, 2010.
ADJOURNMENT
The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 7:30 PM in the Senior Center/Youth Services Building, Activity Room #1. If you are not able to attend please remember to call Mrs. Woodford at 844-5356 or e-mail recreation@granby-ct.gov.
ON A MOTION by Brigid Gunn, seconded by Suzanne Yucha, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 9:10PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Ward
Recording Secretary
P&RBOARD\MINUTES February 2, ‘10.doc
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