Montville Parks And Recreation Commission Talks Summer Camp, Softball Bats

Montville's Parks and Recreation Commission continues to discuss whether fees will be raised for kids to attend summer camp at Fair Oaks School.

Parks and Recreation Director Peter Bushway said at the meeting that he expects the fees to rise. 

The camp runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day and has room for Montville kids ages 5 to 12. Last year, the program cost $20 a week and ran from the end of June to the end of July. More than 250 kids enrolled, with 25 councilors assigned to keep them busy.

This year, Bushway has responded to parents’ requests and recommended  adding two more weeks, which would probably increase the cost.

Board members were also surprised that the lowest bid for a well-drilling project at Camp Oakdale was $40,000, when they had agreed that their limit would be $25,000. They agreed to approach the lowest bidder to see if they could get a lower price — and then, potentially, put the item out to bid again.

Another potential Camp Oakdale project is the purchase of a 30-acre parcel that abuts the property. Parks and Recreation will talk to Public Works Director Don Bourdeau about what they would be able to do with the property and see about getting money from the town’s open space fund to make the purchase.

Concerning costs for referees at basketball games, the school spent $425 dollars over its $5,000 budget, despite cancellations, and Bushway and committee member Jason Clark refereeing games for free.

The group decided to transfer funds from budget for sports equipment to cover costs. Commission Chair Stanley Gwudz said that the commission would have to cut games if the referees raise their prices.

“The days of having some fat in the line item are probably gone,” he said.

Some new programs proposed for this year include the “Start Smart” program. Slated to run in mid to late May the course would be designed to teach 4- and 5-year-olds basic sports skills such as throwing, catching and hitting balls. Parents would attend these programs as well so that they could help their children practice later on.

Another offering will include a babysitting course with an optional CPR component.

Eight teams have already signed up for the adult softball leagues, putting up the $750 fee each. A point of contention between some teams is deciding what type of bat is acceptable in play — if composite bats that hit balls harder are allowable or if regulations should limit players to wooden bats.

Gwutz thought that committee standardize that specifications that Park and Recreation puts on bats so there would be less confusion.

Also among the ideas discussed at the meeting was a grant that was expected to help with the upcoming renovations to Fair Oaks School.

Boy Scout Troop 93 of Uncasville attended the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting on Thursday, as part of civic learning to watch public communication in action.