HomeMy WebLinkAboutRecreation Comm 08/26/2025Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes RECEIVED
August 26, 2025 1"OVm CLERKS OFFICE
Attendees Present: Mitch Bregnard; Chairman, Linda McCaPAS Qu-k,I A 8` 20
I;d Westhaver, Chris Leard, Patrick Latchaw
Sherri Gurnon; Parks & Recreation Director MANSFIELD
Mary Sellner; Assistant to the Recreation t�M ,��j CHUSETTS
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.
Mitch Bregard read the "Commission Meetings Operational Procedure" at the start of the
Recreation Commission meeting to inform all present how the Commission meetings are to be
held.
2. Minutes of the Recreation Commission Meeting from July 29, 2025.
Motion: By Patrick Latchaw to approve the Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
from July 29, 2025 as written. Seconded by Chris Leard.
Motion passes, 4-0-1.
3. Visitors:
Pickleball:
Pickleball participants:
John Canesi
Bob and Melanie Coia
Eileen Day
Beth and Thomas Fuller
Gail Geagan
Lisa Grandin
Carl and Kathy Flaapaoja
June Kelly
Tina Kanter
Linda Kipp
Liz Kulick
Elisabeth Miller
Bob Nugent
Cindy Stinchfield
Mitch Bregnard opened the meeting to continents from the visitors.
• Carl Haapaoja stated that lie, nor anyone in attendance at the meeting, didn't
observe any bullying.
• Bob Nugent inquired if there will be a vote at this meeting to eliminate Pickleball,
• Thomas Fuller, neighbor of Haapagjas, stated that he was not a pickleball player,
but has known the Haapaojas and stated that the word "bullying" is a strong word
and feels it has triggered this committee and the whole thing was handled poorly.
• Lisa Grandin stated that she has played in the Recreation Pickleball for three
years and Carl and Kathy are inclusive and welcoming. Ms. Grandin suggested
that the Recreation Commission should have a beginner's program. It is
intinnidating to come as a beginner as there is now a competitive factor.
• Elisabeth Garber -Miller remarked it was never made, clear why morning
pickleball is the problem when there are other pickleball programs.
• John Canesi is a non -Mansfield resident and chose to play in Mansfield as they
are a great group, couldn't find a nicer group. It is an amazing program, a credit
to Recreation and Carl and Kathy.
Mitch continued with the meeting, allowing the Recreation Commissioners to speak.
• Sherri Gurnon stated that at the July meeting, a vote was taken and there will be a
Beginner's Program, 8:30-9:30am followed by an Advanced Pickleball Program,
9:30-11:30am.
• Patrick Latchaw heard everyone's continents and agrees there is a need to split the
Beginner and Advanced Pickleball players.
• Linda McCabe noted that as far as communication, if someone comes forward, we
have to address their comments about a program.
• Ed Westhaver acknowledged that what was voted on is an excellent idea. There
are those that don't know anything and those that are ready to play more. Now
the beginners can learn skills and also allow the advanced players to play the way
they want the other two hours.
e Mitch Bregnard reminded the Pickleball players that this program, as other
Recreation programs, will be monitored to be sure it is run properly.
4. Facilities:
• Scorpions- Adam Hughes
Plymouth Street
September 7"', Turf: 12-6pm / Grass: 12-3pm
September 14, Turf: 12-2pm / Grass: 12-2:30pm
September 21, Turf: 12-6pm / Grass: 12-2pm
September 28, Turf: 12-3pm / Grass: 12-2pm
October 5, Turf: 12-4pm / Grass: 12-2pm
Oct 19, Turf: 12-6pm / Grass: 12-3pm
October 26, Turf: 12-2pm / Grass: 12-3pm
November 2, Turf: 12-4:30pn / Grass: 12-2pm
November 9, Turf: 12-3pm / Grass: 12-2pni
Motion: By Ed Westhaver to approve the request as written.
Seconded by Chris Leard.
Motion passes, 5-0.
• Women's Over 40 Soccer- Elisa Roberts
Plymouth Street, 9v9 Grass Field
8:00-10:OOam; September 7, 14. 28; October 5; November 2
Motion: By Chris Leard to approve the request as written.
Seconded by Patrick Latchaw.
Motion passes, 5-0.
Items not anticipated by the Chair 48 prior to this meeting:
• Mansfield Youth Flag Football- Tom Flinn
Lower Memorial; Saturdays, August 30 —November 15, 8:00am-3:00pm
Motion: By Ed Westhaver to approve the request as written.
Seconded by Chris Leard.
Motion passes, 5-0.
5. Old Business:
• Linda McCabe announced that 250°1 Incorporation Weekend of August 22-24 was a
success and people really enjoyed the "Kick the Bar" game. Ms. McCabe informed the
Recreation Commissioners that even though the major part of the 250°i celebration is
over, there are still ongoing activities such as genealogy and the Mansfield Stories. Linda
McCabe added that in October there will be a Harvest Moon Gala and fireworks.
• Patrick Latchaw stated that the July meeting of the Open Space Committee was
cancelled, and the August meeting he was unable to attend as lie was on vacation.
• Christine Leard expressed that there was nothing new regarding the Memorial Park
Master Plan Study Review.
• Sherri Gurnon revealed that 50 West Street was on hold due to budget constraints.
• Ms. Gurnon disclosed that, with the budgets for the Recreation department being greatly
reduced, that at first look, the Recreation budget is very healthy as of June 30 of the last
five years. However, the biggest payroll and bills are paid over the summer. Sherri
Gurnon presented the budget of each year, ending August 31, and it showed it was on
average $100,000 less by that date. The Recreation budget is still healthy, but wanted to
present a clearer picture of the yearly budget.
6. New Business:
• Sherri Gurnon announced that there are two new yoga programs: Yoga with Andrea /
and Youth Yoga.
• Ms. Gurnon updated the Recreation Commissioners regarding the Fall Program
registration that began on July 28. Little Kicks, Badminton, Volleyball and
Yoga/Meditation are full.
Karate, Yoga with Andrea, Youth Yoga and Brown Billone Tennis Lessons are still open
for enrollment.
• Sherri Gurnon notified the Commissioners that there are two more Mansfield Common
Market Day; September 13, 27.
• Ms. Gurnon reminded the Recreation Commissioners of the Arts & Crafts Show -
Saturday, October 4 and the Halloween Costume Swap, Wednesday, October 15
• Sherri Gurnon informed the Commissioners of the upcoming Halloween Parade,
Saturday, October 25, 11:00am and that there will be volunteers needed for judging.
• Ms. Guruon notified Linda McCabe that her term expires December 31, 2025.
7. Next Commission Meeting: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 6:00 PM.
To be held at the Town Hall.
8. Motion: By Patrick Latchaw to adjourn. Seconded by Ed Westhaver.
Motion passes, 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM.
Respe tfully ubmitte
L n a pccCabe J Date
Re reation Commissi i Clerk