Hooksett Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting - May 19, 2026
Hooksett Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting - May 19, 2026
The Hooksett Parks and Recreation Committee met to discuss park improvements, fundraising strategies, gym rental fee adjustments, and a commemorative sign for a bridge. The meeting included corrections to previous minutes, updates on ongoing projects, and plans to secure funding for park amenities without burdening the town's default budget.
Discussion Items
- Minutes Correction: Judy corrected the minutes to reflect that the committee decided to buy one volleyball net for Fraser Park (not two) at a cost of $799 (without installation), leaving room for a temporary second net if needed. The minutes were approved unanimously.
- Fraser Park Funding: Rob (maintenance) indicated he has no budget due to the default budget. The committee discussed approaching the town council for funds. Ideas included raising a small "kitty" of $1,000 to cover a net ($799) and benches ($269-$279 each) without needing council approval each time.
- Gym Rental Fee Increase: Members proposed raising the gym rental fee from $25 to $30 for four hours (currently $50 for a full day) to generate funds. Concerns were raised about the impact on senior citizens who pay $2 to play pickleball. The committee noted that some non-residents use the gym and could be charged a higher rate. The proposal will be discussed with Ben and Evelyn.
- Corn Hole Board Storage: The committee wants an A-frame stand to store corn hole boards near the new pavilion. Cost estimated similar to benches ($269-$279). Suggestion to use pallets for a low-cost option.
- Hackett Hill Walkthrough: A walkthrough with Roger Council (Dohan) has not been scheduled due to no response. The committee will proceed with a walkthrough with Randall instead.
- Wood Chips for Riverside Park: Wood chips were used to kill knotweed at Riverside Park. The committee needs to source more chips and will check with previous contacts.
- Staff Reports: Rob has been cutting, raking, fertilizing, and preparing for Memorial Day. Dana inspected the concession stand. The old barbecue pit will be removed in July. Randall was coaching baseball.
- Macy Bridge Sign: The town council approved a sign for the bridge. Nick Mercier is handling sign fabrication, covering the first $200, and Ben will cover the next $150. The bridge was installed in January 2024.
- Impact Fees or Warrant Articles: Christine Tokesbury (finance) suggested using impact fees or warrant articles to fund projects. The committee will explore this option to create a dedicated fund.
- Future Meetings: The committee agreed to postpone or cancel summer meetings if no new business arises. Members will communicate via text to decide.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes Approved: Motion to approve corrected minutes passed unanimously.
- Fraser Park Tabled: Funding for Fraser Park items will be discussed with the town council before further action.
- Sign for Bridge: Nick Mercier and Ben are covering costs; sign expected within weeks.
- Gym Fee Increase: Committee will consult with Ben and Evelyn about raising fees to generate a small fund (capped at $1,000).
- Impact Fees Inquiry: Committee will ask Christine Tokesbury about using impact fees or warrant articles for a dedicated fund.
- Summer Meetings: Meetings may be postponed if no agenda items arise; decisions will be made via text.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, so you're looking for people to run for this. Oh uh it's essentially just you know things that we try to hold the lawmakers accountable for. Um usually pretty not or pretty uncontroversial, but uh you know, you never know, I guess. Some people read it. Do you know Yuri? Umri, his last name. He's a state senator. Isn't it Yuri Polovich or something like that? It starts with a P, I know that. Yeah, they're I think they're all out there at mirror. This is only parks in Mark. Oh, is this the parks and break meeting? Is there a hook set county? Is that upstairs? Maybe that's what it is. Uh that makes more sense. That's what I was kind of trying to tell you. I don't know what room, but just go. I guess I'll listen for people laughing. Up the stairs, yeah. They're all up there. Well, sorry about that. I didn't know there was another meeting going on. Well, that's what I was trying to kind of tell you. No, I appreciate it. Thank you. Hey, good luck. Thank you. I'll keep you a card. Yeah. I mean, oh yeah, do you want your card back? No, it's all right. Like I said, I've got plenty of other excited to hand them out. Okay. All right. Good luck. It's like the Republican blah blah. Um good one. I'm not sure how you get up the stairs without getting started. Or are they locked? He'll figure out. Huh? I don't know how to. Oh. Yeah, he's gonna go outside and go in the phone. Oh well that he went that way, so maybe he knows. Oh pretty sure. Oh you have a hard time reading those numbers. What? You have a hard time reading those numbers.
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