Parks and Recreation Commission / October 7, 2026

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission met on October 7, 2026. The commission approved the February and September meeting minutes and, following a motion and second, approved purchasing and installing two replacement ADA chair lifts for the indoor leisure and therapy pools from Horizon Commercial Pools. The approved quote was $16,930, with up to $500 additionally authorized for hardware. Staff reported receiving three quotes and said the purchase is within the 2026 budget, using available funds to avoid an estimated $1,100 operational expense for a temporary battery repair. A Rotary donation of approximately $1,050 will help offset the costs; the donation also supports new VMAC deck chairs and water-slide and lazy-river tubes.

The commission discussed replacing the VMAC sand play area, which contributes to pool and drain maintenance; staff estimated 8–12 hours of weekly cleaning. Options included a poured-in-place surface estimated at $20,000–$25,000, or a playground package discussed at approximately $68,000. No option or spending was approved; staff will continue evaluating possibilities, including a temporary grass solution, while the splash-pad project remains a longer-term goal in the 2031 capital improvement plan. Staff also reported progress and delays on the Westside Park seating-area and court work, including work by PLM, and described plans for an accessible path at San Antonio Park. No related contract award or expenditure approval was reported.