[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6467919,"mediaKeyId","5783740-7353615c5c63c67aef48796ed9acc5e3","parentId",5783740,"title","Parks staff report summer pool attendance, rising youth soccer enrollment and new adult draft leagues","audioSeconds",422,"startMs",2292000,"endMs",2714000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783740-7353615c5c63c67aef48796ed9acc5e3&start=2292&end=2714","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783740-7353615c5c63c67aef48796ed9acc5e3/thumbnail_2292000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6467919/Bangor-City/Penobscot-County/Maine/Parks-staff-report-summer-pool-attendance-rising-youth-soccer-enrollment-and-new-adult-draft-leagues","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467919-6f788f30af74bf11c43b3fd0ce419540/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178233&Signature=b2RcqxwrK6gZ8v1lerxC1adnLzTEdRkE6lqouIz~1h5wyAjtY~NyXWXCAXK2gZc2sM-4A6ED2yD9ObYnaP-zOX1x7SCPBKKeE1fT~3CuNBBlI0u8G075lLA7DmNBYuB3tODynmjCIqvXN5fJsbIwHPirto1td0lCAFli45Ah0sV1RkYqut87D78nXDrWTTJnmtVycA2qvZJZ669fFavoOt3HJm9p6vZohzU2Muq~eZTGAV5iyAM5I15p0uwhRXEZZyh179bK2BaPyseYOUzdpCqAKkN3BXng2s38WCEkTsyi0X1Hz1quSXyWmyQFJWt2fA3cxpTaFOSmCyX2JFpp6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Bangor Maine","date","2025-09-12T10:03:04Z","article","Parks & Recreation staff gave a programming update Tuesday highlighting this summer’s pool attendance, strong youth soccer enrollment, and two newly offered adult draft softball leagues.

Staff reported the pools system saw roughly 13,600 total visits over the summer. They also said attendance at one community pool averaged just over 1,300 people over the season; staff framed those figures as signs of strong community use and continued demand for aquatic facilities.

In youth sports, the city’s fall soccer program has more than 420 participants across more than 40 teams and requires additional volunteer coaches. Staff said scheduling at Union Street is constrained while lighting work continues — Field 3 has new LED fixtures but some teams must still shift to other fields on nights when lights are unavailable.

Parks staff described two new adult draft softball leagues introduced this year: an over-40 men’s draft league and the city’s first women’s draft league. The draft format allows individuals who lack a full team to register and be assigned to teams; staff said both leagues were well received and helped fill gaps for players who cannot assemble full teams.

Staff also reiterated that facility scheduling can be complex in the fall as leagues, youth programs (including a large homeschool group), and Mighty Mites (ages 2–5) programming overlap; Union Street scheduling in particular requires balancing youth practices, games and other community uses.

Speakers during the programming update included Parks & Recreation staff and program coordinators. Staff said no new fees for pools are planned at this time and that many programs remain intentionally affordable to support families, youth and seniors.

No formal actions were taken during the review; staff said they will continue to adjust scheduling and cross-field use while Union Street lighting work concludes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Parks, Recreation and Harbor Advisory Committee - 9/11/25","oneSentenceSummary","Parks staff reported systemwide pool visits of about 13,600 for the summer, one pool averaged just over 1,300 daily visits, youth soccer enrolment exceeded 420 participants, and new adult draft leagues were launched; scheduling and light availability at Union Street remain constraints.","taxTitle","Bangor City, Penobscot County, Maine","taxId",2586,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6467924,"Judson Heights, trail repairs and lighting projects highlighted in parks update",628,1658000,2286000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783740-7353615c5c63c67aef48796ed9acc5e3&start=1658&end=2286","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783740-7353615c5c63c67aef48796ed9acc5e3/thumbnail_1658000.jpg","/articles/6467924/Bangor-City/Penobscot-County/Maine/Judson-Heights-trail-repairs-and-lighting-projects-highlighted-in-parks-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467924-f3c4046cf3ae690d721ff2e2620e74da/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178233&Signature=nXgoJJSOzTPu-UZ9mwIPf0XrTfyiUznNt8l7HxwK-5wr6T6xXKZGfozGs76gNfmtst65vRys3vgSRnIpUMLAp5E~iRY9vr9x9KhEwNZFvFPnGigcbJlQpoeNq76Kouf64qLOoR9TGxv22UV-cyN1~r8ZRhBQktNV9QVY8EFUgbMFzVLMm4in~CzAfHJmvwCqqPFo6WjCvXCj-BXosEJInCNBZ-wAiqjXXwL-Hy~Exe6JMdOuCllqrYBSqpEicDKoYjsgN8Xg9eXETBmZz2ChLu1BcmFE7HUFjW3xkzt~CZoMJyrXkn8g2TsCi0QHfxtxnq5MpXGqb1YjETWApc9IgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks and forestry staff on Tuesday summarized several ongoing and upcoming projects across Bangor, including work at the Judson Heights parcel, a temporary trail closure for a bridge rebuild, new crossing improvements near a housing complex, LED field-light upgrades and community partnerships for trailheads.

Staff said a roughly 0.59-acre parcel at Judson Heights — city-owned and long vacant — has been mowed and cleared so crews can bring it to the same basic standard as other city parks. The plan is not to develop active sports fields at the site but to create an amenity with walking paths and basic open space for the surrounding neighborhood.

Staff described the Fall Line Bridge Trail as closed because a bridge is out; the city plans to remove the damaged bridge in the next three weeks and rebuild a replacement by the end of the fall season. Officials said they coordinated the bridge work with public works and that the trail will remain closed until repairs are complete.

The department said it received a “little communities” grant to install a flashing-beacon crosswalk near a recently completed housing complex (referred to in the presentation as PENQ). The beacon will mirror the flashing crosswalk installed on Valley Avenue and is intended to provide safer pedestrian access from the housing complex to Prentice Woods.

Staff also reported waterfront vegetation clearing on riprap, culvert repairs by the city forest crew, and that a new city forest ranger has assisted with culvert repairs. The Union Street field-lighting project is underway: Field 3 has new LED fixtures and crews expect additional fixture replacements at Mansfield when funding is available.

Staff flagged ongoing attention to the Condesa (Condessa/Condesa) Extreme Trail corridor: engineering work on nearby Fourteenth Street will add sidewalks and the city plans additional lighting, gateway parking-lot illumination and trailhead signage in partnership with Rotary. Community groups will continue monthly cleanups and vegetation work, and staff said much of that work is identified in the city master plan and a walking audit performed as part of the little communities grant.

Speakers included City Forester Ben (identified in presentation as the city forester), staff member Courtney (map/graphics support), and Parks & Recreation staff. Several community partners and volunteer groups were acknowledged.

No formal actions or votes occurred during the update; staff asked the public to expect trail closures and future public notices for work windows and partnerships.","Parks and forestry staff provided updates on multiple projects: the Judson Heights parcel maintenance and path plans, a temporary closure and fall rebuild of the Fall Line Bridge trail bridge, a funded flashing beacon crosswalk near a housing complex, waterfront vegetation and culvert work, and LED field-lighting upgrades at Union Street.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6467929,"City delays citizen vote on major parks-and-recreation feasibility plan to June for additional review",256,1382000,1638000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783740-7353615c5c63c67aef48796ed9acc5e3&start=1382&end=1638","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783740-7353615c5c63c67aef48796ed9acc5e3/thumbnail_1382000.jpg","/articles/6467929/Bangor-City/Penobscot-County/Maine/City-delays-citizen-vote-on-major-parks-and-recreation-feasibility-plan-to-June-for-additional-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467929-2ee8c678f34cfba59e2634b92f859570/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178233&Signature=iYQ-lDTgXgLSE0WceipgFYddYpv~Ola7qBHmsP0AzaJbucVGfWW2KKseCZPxNcXR~yti1XyqWqrT25PIPUxSdPUsh-j-2EWP59nafE5B524jYTHb3Pfhlch97F0ebGj0kWWIjpPGP7Y0YTsIDpL0gco9uJT~vuD0BE1mo94Sh39hXmCP5wBtiVEVHnmNyAlvUXpZqtydmwSGwzlA6zmiP62GOZ00tHHxEwwDSxw9CJ-R-xZRRi5PlC1xE-UZWt2uHDDD-cy119EZmP4RVvZ2RVE9ybem8vTVbMn0X6HLovc9dOoaKW1~UWYbMXr-88x20F3W-7~0uJB1UllipXWWMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told residents on Tuesday that a proposed citizen vote on a major parks-and-recreation feasibility plan will be delayed from the originally discussed November timetable to June, to allow additional planning, bonding analysis and public outreach.

Staff described the project as one of the largest the city may undertake and said concerns raised in prior public meetings — particularly the potential impact on the municipal mill rate — require more time for legal and financial review. The city plans to use bonding scenarios developed with the city’s bond attorneys and to revisit concepts with its consultant team before forwarding a final proposal to voters.

Staff said the feasibility study’s underlying need remains unchanged and that facility needs continue to grow. Barry Dunn and his consultant team were named as having provided needed concept work; staff said the current materials are sufficient for review but that the schedule shift would permit refinement and additional public conversations. If the special committee charged with earlier review needs reconvening, staff said the council would make that call.

Officials said the June schedule aligns with the city’s calendar for bond and voter processes and allows more time for community engagement and attorney-led bonding scenarios. No formal decisions were made at the community conversation; staff framed the change as a pause to regroup so staff and consultants can return with refined materials and bonding options.

Speakers who discussed the feasibility update included Parks & Recreation staff members and references to the special committee and consultant Barry Dunn. Staff said work on facility planning will continue, and that operations staff (including Joe and his crew) will move forward with near-term tasks while the city finalizes the public process timeline.","City staff said the feasibility study for a large parks-and-recreation project remains necessary but the timetable for a citizen vote moved from November to June to allow more bonding and planning work and further public review.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6467934,"City staff outline membership fee increases for Green City Golf Course to cover rising costs and repairs",1272,166000,1438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783740-7353615c5c63c67aef48796ed9acc5e3&start=166&end=1438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783740-7353615c5c63c67aef48796ed9acc5e3/thumbnail_166000.jpg","/articles/6467934/Bangor-City/Penobscot-County/Maine/City-staff-outline-membership-fee-increases-for-Green-City-Golf-Course-to-cover-rising-costs-and-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467934-c1b8cc7dbc224fcc02b822062333b997/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178233&Signature=Q1RX1lINzDqj8FHTAU94U3mOLj42dY0TYNi136LHkqDuuaYFoRdwBItRs1TYJXggcJTl-OTKEGLyFn~aKcpua-VVrsRDcbZthVUUDUqNuB1RLihaXREhhhxsCDa1qj-9OltmZl7gdJc3usKljRdio0~rj6klUZhPTwlPpDuCvCzWBbKaA10NsJCYr0SyTJfzh9Fmz0wE6rMX7DtEaKG2oVBwW-S5s10kwSfvm0EFIKpi4FZ~yZu9inmoQ9C-s6HiRfXC3b8p~yJZ2wX8p86atanWEycJRWwfTZIQ~OrYOvs4ARGtP6B9J5NreLeAoozq1JJEjpQ92abucKPPpMshaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City parks and recreation staff on Tuesday outlined proposed increases to membership fees at Green City Golf Course, saying the course has not had a comprehensive fee update since early 2020 and needs additional revenue to cover rising operating and capital costs.

Staff said the golf enterprise fund covers course employees and the annual bond payment for maintenance, and also contributes to the city general fund. But they argued the fund needs higher membership revenue to replenish reserves and pay for equipment and repairs without unduly relying on operating dollars.

The staff presentation said the course’s single nonresident membership is currently $780. Based on a survey of nearby municipal and private courses, staff said Green City’s nonresident rate is substantially lower than many peers — they reported being about 56% below two municipal comparables and about 27% below three closer competitors — and proposed raising some categories to narrow that gap. Staff highlighted an example under consideration: increasing a nonresident senior membership from about $585 to $700. Staff emphasized the proposals target primarily nonresident categories.

Officials said several cost pressures underpin the recommendation: employee costs including benefits have risen (staff cited roughly a 10% increase in health-care-related costs), equipment and supply prices have jumped (one sprinkler head rose from about $240 to $410 year over year), and recent emergency repairs used reserve funds after a pump failed. Staff said they have set aside about $50,000 from course profits this fiscal year for cart paths and bunker work but that larger, periodic capital projects (bunkers, cart paths, tees) will require more comprehensive planning and use of reserves.

Staff described the course as having a hybrid public/club character: about 450 playing members alongside regular public green-fee play. The presenters said the clubhouse and other site elements were not designed for the current level of use and that modest building repairs — roofing, windows, bathroom updates and flooring — are likely to be funded from reserves rather than operating accounts.

City staff said the membership changes are part of a three-year planning approach rather than an annual increase and that the proposed fee changes will be reviewed by the Business & Economic Development Committee. No formal action or vote occurred at Tuesday’s community conversation.

Speakers named during the discussion included Debbie Jamano, assistant director, and several Parks & Recreation staff members who presented financial and operational details. Committee member Pamela Cropp Anderson and other committee members asked questions about how fee revenue is used and the timing of further review.

The staff presentation said the course remains heavily used and compared its facility and demand favorably to nearby courses. Staff noted some categories at peer municipalities differ (for example, some comparables do not offer nonresident senior memberships) and that direct fee comparisons are imperfect because courses vary in size and community incomes. Staff said they used 2024 census comparisons to contextualize local income differences when benchmarking fees.

The fee proposal will be discussed at the Business & Economic Development Committee before any final decision. Staff said they will share the underlying spreadsheet and data with advisory groups to improve transparency and anticipate public questions about how new revenue will be spent.","Staff presented proposed increases to membership fees at Green City Golf Course, citing three years without a comprehensive update, rising employee and materials costs and planned reserve-funded projects; the proposal will go to the Business & Economic Development Committee for review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks staff report summer pool attendance, rising youth soccer enrollment and new adult draft leagues

Judson Heights, trail repairs and lighting projects highlighted in parks update

City delays citizen vote on major parks-and-recreation feasibility plan to June for additional review

City staff outline membership fee increases for Green City Golf Course to cover rising costs and repairs