Park's & Recreation Committee - 05/04/2026

The Town of Bridgewater Park and Recreation Committee held a meeting on May 4, 2026, focusing primarily on budget challenges and staffing reductions impacting the Parks and Recreation Department. Committee members expressed concern over recent cuts, including a reduction in hours for key staff, and emphasized the department's underfunding compared to other town services like the library. Discussions included the financial management of recreational facilities, such as Legion Field and the town golf course, with attention to contract terms, revenue from tournaments, and the potential for increased fees to support programming. The committee also explored options for reinstating summer programs through self-sustaining models and partnerships, including potential collaboration with external providers like Skyhawks. Capital funding was noted as the highest in over a decade, yet still insufficient to address deferred maintenance and equipment needs. The meeting highlighted the importance of improved communication and collaboration between town management, the committee, and external contractors to ensure transparency and effective stewardship of recreational assets. Additionally, there was mention of upcoming RFPs for surveying town land and discussions about accessibility improvements and safety equipment installations at recreational sites.