Park and Rec director reports rising program registrations, pool plans and Claxton construction progress
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Summary
Director Stacy Mulroy told commissioners registrations are up for spring programs and pool passes; summer staffing is improved though staffing remains a concern; the Claxton project has ongoing construction and the town is handling irrigation and paving phases; many grass fields remained closed for drainage and seed‑germination reasons.
Park and Recreation Director Stacy Mulroy updated the commission on April 7 about program registrations, pool plans, summer staffing and the Claxton construction timeline.
Program and registration trends
Mulroy reported more than 1,100 program registrations since March 1 (excluding pool and court badges) and said many spring programs are filling. Pool passes had a “huge jump,” she said, and a temporary 25% discount has driven sales. Pools are targeted to open May 17, weather and staffing permitting, with lap swim only the first weekdays and full hours once school is out and seasonal staff are available.
Summer staffing and camps
Staffing for camps and pools improved from recent years: Mulroy said the department had returned 26 lifeguards secured at the time of the report and was close to finalizing seasonal hires. She described routine late withdrawals and the repeat need to hold offers until hiring is certain.
Grass fields and closures
Mulroy and staff described widespread field closures because soils are cold and saturated. Ed and field staff prepared a slide package showing bare areas where grass seed is not germinating because cold soils prevent growth; commissioners and user groups received an explanatory PowerPoint. Mulroy said staff and the parks crew are making day‑to‑day decisions and that user groups are also asked to check permits and coordinate weekend calls.
Claxton project and tennis courts
The Claxton (active recreation) project advanced: Mulroy said irrigation work was nearing completion, stone paths and paving would follow, and dugout storage access had been secured. Commissioners agreed to meet on site as needed; construction meetings are arranged as progress merits. Mulroy said the project timeline will be set in coordination with the contractor and that staff are tracking access for events such as fireworks.
Other operational updates
Mulroy reported continued high interest in puzzle leagues and other adult programs; court badge revenue has remained near prior years and marketing will continue. She said staff continues to reconcile prior field fees with permit holders and is auditing fall fees.
Quotes
“Our pool passes have had a huge jump,” Mulroy said, calling sales strong but dependent on weather and staff availability. “We will open as much as we can.”
Ending
Mulroy said staff would continue to update the commission on pool staffing, Claxton construction milestones and field‑opening decisions tied to weather and turf germination. Commissioners asked for clearer day‑to‑day field‑opening notices on the website and for continued coordination with user groups and DPW.