WILMINGTON, MA — Here are FIVE things that happened at the Wilmington Recreation Commission Meeting on Thursday, June 4 at 5pm in Town Hall.
#1) The Wilmington Recreation Department intends on launching online registration for its programs beginning this Fall. With input from the town’s new IT Director, Kendra Rozett, the Department is currently deciding between two registration systems — Community Pass and Rec Desk. The Department intends to roll online registration out in phases. While the chosen system will ultimately allow residents to pay online for programs via credit card, that feature may not be initially available this Fall.
“It’s going to be a lot of work — entering all the programs into the system and managing it. But it will all be well worth it,” said Recreation Director Deb Cipriani. “We are concerned that people won’t come into the office as much, and we’ll miss that.”
#2) Recreation Director Deb Cipriani told commission members that the town is currently exploring the feasibility of creating a dog park somewhere in town. Cipriani gave members “summer homework” to research rules and regulations of other dog parks in the state. Specifically, Cipriani wants to know the size of the park, if small and large dogs are separated, and which town department the park’s jurisdiction falls under.
#3) Recreation Director Deb Cipriani will have her staff explore organizing a future trip to the new Plainridge Park Casino in Planville opening later this month. Cipriani noted that the Department just offered a successful trip to Foxwoods on May 27. The 44 participants included lots winners, including a big $3,200 winner.
#4) The Wilmington Recreation Department’s summer edition of “Recreation Matters” was mailed on May 27. Read it HERE. Cipriani pointed out that the 2016 Hawaii trip, which is currently out for bid, is generating a high degree of interest. The trip’s flyer will be available on June 30 and all spots are expected to fill up quickly. Cipriani joked that many residents are coming into the office and greeting staff with “Aloha.” Cipriani noted that the popular Canobie Lake Park and Six Flags tickets are now available, which is a sure sign that it’s almost summer time.
#5) Recreation Director Deb Cipriani discussed the new AED (automated external defibrillator) that will be placed inside the bathhouse at Silver Lake. It’s the same kind of AED used by Wilmington Police and Fire. All lifeguards will be trained on it. Cipriani noted that the machine is very easy to use as it literally talks you through the steps, plus comes with helpful diagrams.
PLUS: The Wilmington Recreation Commission conducted its annual reorganization. C. Michael Burns was re-elected as Chair; Charles Biondo was elected as Vice Chair; and Laurie Robarge was re-elected Secretary. (Edited, 6/9) All votes were unanimous.
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