Hooksett Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting – September 15, 2026

The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, updates on park projects, a fee increase for gym rentals, a dispute over the storyboard process with the Heritage Commission, and exploration of a potential new park on Park Lane. The board also elected officers for the coming term.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of August 18, 2026 minutes: The board noted that an addition discussed at the previous meeting was not included in the circulated minutes. Members decided not to amend the minutes and instead address the omitted topic during current discussions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered.

Discussion Items

• Nick’s Sign Project: Chair reported that Nick is now producing a sign instead of the originally planned stickers on steel. No update on the sculpt project (Jeff not reachable).
• Pavilion Walkway & Gym Fee Increase: The board discussed using the $5 fee increase (approved by Town Council) for gym rentals to fund a paved walkway to the pavilion. Members noted that the additional revenue ($60/week estimated, ~$2,500/year) goes into the Parks and Recreation Revolving Fund, and any project expenditure requires a formal request to Town Council with staff report and quotes. The walkway could be done in‑house with Highway Department assistance.
• Rob’s Park Superintendent Report: Activities included painting athletic fields (Colie, Petersbrook, Donati, flag football, soccer, field hockey), moving flag football fields to reduce wear, filling low spots for safety, fixing an irrigation valve, installing storyboards with safety corners at Riverside Park, setting up for Old Home Day, mowing the Hedge trail for the 5K race, receiving benches for the track (one donated by Sam), obtaining a low quote from a paving company for the walkway (possible installation this fall), delaying net installation to spring, awaiting top dressing for the 11v1 field, and planning aeration, slicing, and fertilization.
• Randall’s Town Council Update: Confirmed the fee increase and reiterated that for project funding, the board must present a staff report, quotes, and make a case to Town Council. Stated unsold town‑owned properties are being auctioned, with proceeds going first to back taxes, interest, and legal fees.
• Park Lane Property: Members discussed a 9.8‑acre town‑owned parcel on Park Lane as a potential small park or picnic area. Concerns were raised about funding for existing tennis courts needing costly replacements. Another 25‑acre property near Polley (landlocked, offered by owner at nominal fee) was mentioned as a possible conservation or recreation area; the board noted it is under consideration by the Conservation Commission and Town Council.
• Storyboard Dispute: Chair expressed ongoing frustration with the Heritage Commission’s handling of the Riverside Park storyboard project, citing disrespect and delays. Council member Randall advised the board to move forward, implement better communication protocols (formal emails, agenda tracking), and accept that as an advisory board, their recommendations may be overruled. He also offered to look into whether Heritage Commission meetings could be videotaped.
• Election of Officers: After initial reluctance, Judy was nominated and unanimously voted as Chair. Andy was nominated and voted as Vice Chair. The secretary role was kept as a revolving duty among members.
• HYA Report (Scott): Summer sports are winding down; fall sports (baseball, soccer, flag football, basketball) are starting. Confirmed the $5 gym fee increase. Noted the Park Lane property as a potential site for a new park, dog park, or playground, pending further investigation and history of the parcel.

Key Outcomes

• Fee increase: Effective for gym rentals; proceeds go to the Revolving Fund. The board will track the additional revenue.
• Walkway project: Will move forward with a formal request to Town Council once a clear cost estimate and funding plan are prepared.
• Election: Judy as Chair, Andy as Vice Chair; secretary duties to rotate.
• Property explorations: The board will contact Town staff to obtain more information (history, wetlands, access) on the Park Lane parcel and monitor the 25‑acre land offer.
• Communication improvements: Future interactions with other boards will be documented in emails with minutes and timelines to avoid past misunderstandings.