Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting - January 21, 2026
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting - January 21, 2026
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on January 21, 2026 (the meeting was called to order at approximately 1:02 PM, though the official start time was listed as 6:00 PM). The board approved minutes, reviewed ongoing park maintenance, discussed the controversial installation of heritage plaques at Riverside Park, and received updates on a proposed volleyball court and a community track project.
Consent Calendar
- The board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting. Motion made, seconded, and passed by voice vote.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public were present to provide input.
Discussion Items
- Old Business – Riverside and Lambert's Park Updates: Rob (DPW) reported that after snowmelt and rain, crews cut down growth at Lambert's Park, though the wood chip pile was frozen and could not be buried. Cemetery trimming and other site work were completed. The board also discussed storing cornhole boards on an A-frame closer to the pavilion to accommodate players seeking shade. New cornhole bags were made with “Hooksett DPW” markings to deter theft, and a portable set of boards and horseshoes were acquired.
- HYAA Report – Goodwin Building Flooding: Scott reported that the Goodwin Building (blue building) flooded with water that froze due to a frozen ground and thawing. This is a recurring winter issue; the board typically uses sandbags and squeegees. A French drain exists but does not fully prevent the problem. Suggestions included regrading the area to pitch water away from the building.
- New Business – Heritage Commission Plaques at Riverside Park: The board extensively reviewed the Alfred J. Lambert sign, identifying multiple errors: (1) The park name was listed as “Alpha J. Lambert Riverside Park” instead of “Alfred J. Lambert Riverside Park”; (2) A reference to “brother” should be “uncle” and “nephew”; (3) The “Parks and Rec Committee” should be the “Parks and Rec Advisory Board”; (4) The phrase “Ann Hooks and Falls” was included despite the board and council having voted against that addition. The board noted that the Heritage Commission had reneged on prior agreements to include radii and to send draft text for review. The board made a motion to approve installation of the plaques contingent on making the corrections submitted to administration. The motion passed 3-0. The board also discussed controlling QR code content through the town administration to prevent unauthorized changes.
- Fraser Park Volleyball System: Judy presented research on outdoor volleyball systems, with prices ranging from $250 to $2,500. The board favored a removable pole system under $1,000. They will look into funding from the operating budget, capital reserve, or donations. Rob will help identify a suitable location away from wet areas.
- Sam's Running Track Project: An update was provided: Sam is obtaining quotes for fencing, benches, and concrete work. She plans to solicit donations directly to the town, which will be accepted via consent agenda at council meetings. The project is moving forward but requires significant fundraising.
- Proposal for “Cars and Coffee” Event: Andy suggested a free, informal car show at a park, but other board members were not interested and noted their schedules were already full. No action was taken.
Key Outcomes
- The board passed a motion (3-0) to approve the installation of the Heritage Commission plaques at Riverside Park only if the corrections (corrected name, family relationships, committee title, removal of “Ann Hooks and Falls”) are made. The motion will be forwarded to the town moderator, Leanne.
- The board will continue to review the other two proposed signs (industrial era and indigenous people) for accuracy, with members researching local historians and sources.
- The volleyball system proposal will be further researched, with a target cost under $1,000, and funding options will be explored.
- Sam's track project will proceed with donation solicitation; the board will assist as needed.
- No action was taken on the car show idea.
Meeting Transcript
Down there chains on a wheel. So you have to be in motion. Oh yeah, those things are they come down, they whip underneath so they're right there. Yeah, your drive shaft here, the rear ends here. Those are here, so you gotta turn your head sideways to hold the chain to stick your head through and reach up over. Oh no, kidding. Oh you have to be a little gummy when you get a slick idea, but it's got some better idea. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, cool. Okay, are we ready? This is this is all we got. Yeah, I know Ben said he was probably gonna come here. Oh, okay. We get he can come in, we can get started if okay. So I'll cut meeting, call the meeting to order. Do you see the time? It is 102, yeah. 101 102. 102, thank you. No. Okay. Okay, attendance is uh Andy, member. Cathy member, Judy, member Rob Parks Records. Okay, Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the five of the United States of America. Okay. And then it's all with the renewability and just this ball. Okay. So I'm sure everybody has seen the November 18th minutes and reviewed them. Hi Ben. Oh great. And so does anybody have any problem with those minutes? No. Anybody want to make another motion to approve them? Um I'll make a motion to approve. And I'll second it. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Appointments. Nobody here. Public input? Nobody here. Old business. This is the ongoing projects at Riverside and Lambert's Park. Uh that would be Rob. But you've and we can do everything together because you're next on the staff report anyway. So uh Laborts Park when the snow melted and we actually had some rain. We actually were able to go over there and cut all that stuff down like that. You know we did pile the wood chip pile was frozen, so we couldn't bury it.
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