UntitledTOWN OF WAPPINGER
SUPERVISOR
CHRISTOPHER J. COLSEY
DATE: September 19, 2009
SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE
20 MIDDLEBUSH ROAD
WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY 12590
(845) 297-2744
FAX: (845) 297-4558
MEMO
TO: Ralph Holt, Recreation Chair
Cc: Town Board
RE: Use of Town Parks
I am receipt of your memo as attached for the Town Board's review.
TOWN COUNCIL
WILLIAM H. BEALE
VINCENT BETTINA
MAUREEN McCARTHY
JOSEPH P. PAOLONI
The Town Board did not entertain any discussion or resolution affecting the authority of the
Recreation Committee. Earlier this year, the Town Board did wish to be apprised of new and
significant events on Town property, such as the Winterfest at Carnwath.
If there is confusion, a discussion did occur between myself and the Soccer President on the late
evening of September 15``', following a call from the Sheriff's office that cars were being parked "all
over the (Quiet Acres) fields" and there was a fear of damage to the fields by several local residents.
Evidently, your advice to the Soccer club to not park on the fields and to allow a one-hour interval
between practices and games to limit the parking problem was not adequately communicated or
heeded.
I initially asked the Soccer President to have the cars moved to alleviate the complaints, and was met
with resistance in the form of `letting it go for the night and meeting with you (Ralph) in the
morning.' After this response, I told the Soccer President that I was speaking as the Town
Supervisor in circumstances of police being on the scene and angry residents. He was then told to
have the cars moved off the fields and basketball courts immediately and such order was mirrored
by the Sheriff.
As you noted, Quiet Acres, amongst other parks, has been used by Soccer, Pop Warner and Little
League for the last 20+ years as an alternate site when the respective fields are unusable due to
weather or maintenance issues.
In closing, I would suggest that the Town Board has no intention of micro -managing the day-to-day
affairs of the Recreation Department or Commission, and simply wishes to know of new, larger
events for which they may attend or consider the liability v. benefits.
Should there be any planned events for 2010, please let us know at the Budget meetings, which will
be held in October.
CC.hiSi erely,
Lk
ri
cstoo her blsly, p isor
Town of Wappinger
CHAIRMAN
RALPH HOLT
TOWN OF WAPPINGER
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
20 MIDDLEBUSH ROAD
WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY 12590
(845)297-0720
September 16, 2009
MEMO TO: SUPERVISOR CHRISTOPHER COLSEY
FROM: RALPH J. HOLT, CHAIRMAN, RECREATION
RE: USE OF TOWN PARKS
SUPERVISOR
CHRISTOPHER J. COLSEY
TOWN COUNCIL
WILLIAM H. BEALE
VINCENT BETTINA
MAUREEN McCARTHY
JOSEPH P. PAOLONI
It has recently come to my attention that Recreation is no longer allowed to grant
permission to individuals or groups who are interested in using our fields and parks, but
that all transactions of this nature would have to go to the Town Board for approval.
Since its inception over 25 years ago, Recreation has been the governing force as to who
uses the fields and when.
As I understand it, this policy has changed since we are now a Committee and no longer a
Commission. It seems to me that it would be time consuming and a waste of the Town
Board's valuable time to become involved in this process.
I am requesting that Recreation be given permission to continue as we have in the past. If
you wish to go over our procedure with me, I would be happy to answer any questions
you may have.
Thank you sincerely,
4�xi�
Ralph
RJH:eam