On the agenda: Wethersfield Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Harbor Management Commission Meeting Agenda (PDF) — license plate reader (Nov 19)

AGENDA
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Thursday, November 19, 2026
7:00 PM
Conference Room 3, 505 Silas Deane Highway
A. Public Comment
B. Minutes –September 24, 2026 and October 22, 2026
C. Harbor Management Commission
a. Harbormasters Report
D. Director’s Report – October
E. Letters and Announcements
F. Board Discussion
a. Cove Boat Launch Report 2026
b. Fees (Willard, Backman and Mill Woods Swimming Pond and Pitkin Community Center)
c. Mill Woods Entrance Improvements Update
d. Northeast Footbridge/Trail Update
e. Future Park Board Projects
i. Wilkus Farm Passive Recreation Usage
ii. Cedar Street Field
iii. Lacrosse Wall
f. FY28 CIP Projects
g. Parks and Recreation Project List
h. 2027 Meeting Dates
i. Follow up Items
G. Public Comment
H. Board Member Comments
I. Town Council Report
J. Motion to Adjourn
The meeting packet will be posted on the Town website at wethersfieldct.gov/government/agendas-and-minutes

Wethersfield Advisory Parks and Recreation Board
Harbor Management Commission
Meeting Minutes – Thursday, October 22, 2026
The meeting was held in Conference Room 3 and called to order by Chairman Bisi at 7:07 p.m. Members
present were Mike Bisi, Suzanne Barton, Karen Mann, and Sarah Gantley. Also present were Councilor John
Weiner, Board Liasion, and Rachael Mattioli, Director of Parks and Recreation. A quorum was not achieved.
A. Public Comment
B. Minutes
Chairman Bisi asked if anyone had changes to the minutes of the September 24, 2026 meeting. No
changes were noted by the members present. However, since a quorum was not achieved, the minutes
could not be formally approved.
C. Harbor Management Commission
a. Harbormasters Report – Ms. Mattioli distributed the Harbormaster Report prepared by the
Harbormasters. Pennants have been removed for the season. The Channel and Cove are clear,
and the main dock is in good condition. One adrift recovery and one warning were reported. The
channel buoy has been replaced, and the Goodwin dock is in place for winter storage. An RFP
for kayaks and canoes will be issued next year since the pilot was such a success.
D. Director’s Report – September
Chairman Bisi reviewed the September monthly report with the Board. Ms. Barton asked whether the
Wethersfield Art League is being charged for its use of the Little Red Schoolhouse. Ms. Mattioli
confirmed that fees are being collected. This led to a discussion about facility fees overall. Ms. Mattioli
stated that she would put together a Wethersfield facility fees fact sheet for an upcoming meeting.
Ms. Mattioli also called attention to the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, scheduled for November 11 at
11:00 a.m. at Wethersfield High School.
E. Letters and Announcements
None.
F. Board Discussion
a. WBA Non Resident Participation in the High School Boys League
Ms. Mattioli shared that the new coordinators of the Wethersfield Basketball Association (WBA)
had reached out to request permission to allow non-residents to participate in their High School
Boys League. The coordinators have been working to grow the league but are having difficulty
recruiting enough Wethersfield residents to meet the minimum number of teams needed this
year. One of the coordinators, who works as a high school social worker, shared the importance
of providing teenagers with positive opportunities to be involved in their community. The
request is not intended to replace Wethersfield residents, but rather to allow a small number of
residents from neighboring towns to participate so the league can move forward.
Board members felt this was a reasonable request and reiterated that Wethersfield residents must
remain the priority, with more than 51% of each team required to be Wethersfield residents.
There was consensus that this could be allowed for the current season, with the Board revisiting
the arrangement next year.
b. Future Board Projects
Ms. Mattioli reminded members that during the September Park Board meeting, the Board began
discussing potential future projects they would like to work on. Discussion continued on the
following items:






Wilkus Farm – Explore options for passive recreation opportunities at the property. A request
for disc golf had been raised; however, under the grant parameters that allowed for the
purchase of Wilkus Farm, disc golf is not considered passive recreation. The Board discussed
whether there may be options to make disc golf compatible with the grant requirements.
Cedar Street – Discussed the possibility of adding smaller soccer fields similar to the Little
Kickers fields at Highcrest School to accommodate recreational soccer.
Lacrosse Wall – Ms. Barton asked that Parks and Recreation follow up with the lacrosse
representatives who attended a Park Board meeting in early spring 2026 to get an update on
the proposed lacrosse wall. Ms. Barton shared that she likes the idea of locating the wall at
Mill Woods Park, between the skate park and basketball court.

c. FY 28 CIP Projects
Ms. Mattioli shared that the Town will soon begin the FY28 CIP process and asked if members had
any specific projects they would like to see included in next year's request. Board members did not
identify any specific projects for the upcoming CIP cycle but wanted to ensure that a field at the new
Highcrest School is included in the 10-year CIP plan.
d. Parks and Recreation Project List
Ms. Mattioli provided updates on the following projects:
 Community Center Bathroom Improvements
Ms. Mattioli met on site with KBA to discuss having them prepare a proposal for the bathroom
renovation design work. KBA previously completed the feasibility study for the Community
Center renovation, addition, and banquet room. Based on feedback from vendors who
participated in the site walk-through, drawings and specifications will be needed as part of the
RFP for the bathroom renovation project.
 Heritage Way Trail: Cove Park Phase 1 Matching Fund
Ms. Mattioli reported that she received notification from CT DEEP that the project application
was awarded $50,000 for design. However, the original application was submitted for
construction funding, not design. Ms. Mattioli has reached out to the State for clarification but
has not yet received a response.
 Mill Woods Master Plan
The final step is to receive the written version of the Master Plan from KBA.
 Mill Woods Pickleball Courts
Ms. Mattioli reported that the official ribbon cutting for the four new pickleball courts was held
on October 21. Some drainage and site restoration work remains to be completed, along with
replacing the sound attenuation panels with the correct color panels. The decision was made to
open the courts so the public could enjoy them before the end of the season.
e. December Meeting
Ms. Mattioli noted that the Board has traditionally held its December meeting at the Solomon
Welles House. She asked if members wanted to continue that tradition or consider holding the
meeting at another Parks and Recreation facility. The Board agreed to hold its December 17
meeting at the EBW Nature Center.
f. Follow Up Items
None.
G. Public Comment
None.
H. Board Member Comments
Chairman Bisi shared that he spoke with the Town Manager at the pickleball court ribbon cutting about
the need for an e-bike ordinance at Mill Woods. The Town Manager indicated that the Town is looking
at developing an ordinance that would apply to all Town properties. Ms. Mattioli noted that she had

previously shared the e-bike ordinance adopted by Cheshire Parks and Recreation with the Mayor and
Town Manager for reference.
I. Town Council Report
Board members requested that the following items be included in the monthly Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board update memo provided to Councilor Weiner:
 Scarecrows on Main – Scarecrows on Main was a tremendous success, thanks to the
participation and support of local shopkeepers. Trolley rides are expected to help alleviate
parking issues.
 Veterans Day Ceremony – The annual ceremony will take place Wednesday, November 11, at
11:00 a.m. in the Wethersfield High School auditorium.
 Metacomet Canoe and Kayak Rentals – The kayak rental program was a success this past season.
The Town plans to issue an RFP next year to continue the rental program and related services.
 Eagle Scout Project at Wilkus Farm – Parks and Recreation is working with an Eagle Scout to
develop a walking path and install historical signage on the Wilkus Farm parcel between Goff
Road and Willow Street.
 10-Year CIP Plan – As the Town begins its CIP process, Parks and Recreation will update its 10year capital improvement plan.
 E-Bikes in Mill Woods – The Advisory Board has begun discussing concerns with e-bike use in
Mill Woods, including damage to park areas from riding on the new pickleball courts and across
athletic fields.
J. Motion to Adjourn
As quorum was not achieved the meeting ended at 8:41 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rachael Mattioli, Director Parks and Recreation Department

Wethersfield Advisory Parks and Recreation Board
Harbor Management Commission
Meeting Minutes – Thursday, September 24, 2026
The meeting in Conference Room 3 was called to order by Chairwoman Barton at 7:02 p.m. Members present
were Suzanne Barton, Karen Mann, Mary Mahar, Sarah Gantley, and Stephanie Mokrycki. Also present was
Councilor John Weiner Lision to the Board and Rachael Mattioli, Director of Parks and Recreation
A. Public Comment
Mark Hacker, 32 Old Pewter Lane, President Wethersfield Little League. Mr. Hacker discussed the
availability of baseball and softball fields during the fall season. Mill Woods field availability is limited
as fields transition to soccer and flag football. With shorter daylight hours, the league struggles to find
enough fields for practices, which are a priority in the fall to prepare players for the spring season. The
league currently has 15 teams participating this fall, including 10 baseball teams and five softball teams.
Mr. Hacker noted a need for additional lighted fields in Town, particularly for softball, and requested
access to Mill Woods Field 5 as the league’s preferred location for fall use. He also noted that fall fields
are currently groomed only once per week.
The second part of the discussion focused on fundraising for the Greenfield softball field project.
B. Minutes
Vice Chairwoman Barton asked if anyone had changes to the minutes of the July 23, 2026 meeting. Ms.
Gantley moved to approve the minutes of the July 23, 2026 meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Mahar and passed unanimously.
C. Harbor Management Commission
a. Harbormasters Report – Ms. Mattioli handed out the Harbormaster Report prepared by the
Harbormasters. A total of 23 moorings have been rented and approved. The Channel and Cove
are clear and the main dock is good. One adrift recovery and one warning were reported.
b. Harbor Management Plan – Ms. Mattioli reported that the Town Council adopted the revised
Harbor Management Plan at their August 17 meeting. The adopted plan has been submitted to
CT DEEP and posted to the Town’s Harbor Management Commission website. The plan will
need to be revised again by August 2031.
c. Cove Cameras - Board members discussed the installation of cameras at the Cove. If the Police
Department wishes to proceed with a license plate reader camera, the department will be
responsible for its purchase and installation. The Town will move forward with purchasing and
installing a general security camera.
D. Director’s Report – July and August
Vice Chairwoman Barton reviewed the July and August monthly reports with the Board. Ms. Mattioli
reported record participation in summer camps and strong pool attendance throughout the summer. She
also highlighted the many special events planned for the fall. Looking ahead to next summer, space will
continue to be a challenge, as capacity limitations prevented the Department from enrolling additional
campers from the waitlist this year.
E. Letters and Announcements
Ms. Mattioli informed the Board that the Town was awarded funding through the Connecticut
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Urban Forest Resilience Grant Program to
support tree planting on municipally owned public properties. The Town received more grant funding
than originally requested. The Board had provided a letter of support.
Ms. Mattioli updated the Board on custodial changes at the Community Center. The two full-time
custodial positions have been transferred to the Parks Group within Physical Services to assist with

outdoor maintenance at the schools. The Town has hired Uncle Sam’s Contractors, which currently
provides custodial services at Town Hall, to clean the Community Center. One staff member will be
assigned to the first shift and one to the second shift. The day-shift employee will also assist with event
setup and breakdown.
The Parks and Recreation Department will also be hiring facility coordinators to work evenings after
full-time staff have left and on weekends during events. They will assist patrons using the facility,
provide security, and help address needs as they arise.
Ms. Mattioli also shared that the Parks and Recreation Department received the Town’s Exceptional
Service Award for Team of the Year.
F. Board Discussion
a. Spring Street Park and Dam Improvements Project
Ms. Mattioli reported that the Town is awaiting a revised conceptual plan for the park and updated
cost estimates. The dam portion of the project is currently under review by CT DEEP for approval.
b. Parks and Recreation Project List
Ms. Mattioli provided updates on the following project
 Pickleball Courts: The project experienced delays with the fence submittal process. The
contractor, KBA, and Town staff will meet on site next week to review the work
completed to date and confirm it complies with the plans before the asphalt is paved. The
project completion date has been pushed to late August/early September.
 Community Center Bathroom Improvements: Physical Services issued an RFP for the
main bathroom renovations, but no bids were received. Parks and Recreation is working
to secure a contractor to develop the bathroom design, which will be included in the
revised RFP when the project goes back out to bid. The project is supported by a
$200,000 grant that must be spent by May 1, 2027.
c. Upcoming Board Projects
Ms. Mattioli asked the Board what projects they would like to focus on now that the Mill Woods
Master Plan has been updated and approved by the Board. Discussion focused on exploring
options for bringing disc golf to Wilkus Farm. Board members acknowledged the restrictions on
passive recreation associated with the DEEP grant funding but expressed interest in determining
whether there are options that would allow disc golf while remaining within the grant
requirements. Members also discussed exploring the possibility of developing a field at Farms
Village Park on Cedar Street.
d. Follow Up Items
None.
G. Public Comment
None.
H. Board Member Comments
None.
I. Town Council Report
Board members requested that the following items be included in the monthly Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board update memo provided to Councilor Weiner:
 Spring Street Pond Project: The dam removal portion of the project is currently in the permitting
process and has been submitted to DEEP for review. Town staff are also updating the park
conceptual design based on feedback received during the recent public information meeting.





Program Growth and Facility Needs: The Board discussed the continued success and growth of
Parks and Recreation summer camp programs and the resulting demand for additional program
space. More than 3,000 campers participated in programs housed at the Community Center,
Emerson Williams, SDMS, Charles Wright, and the Nature Center.
The Nature Center was specifically identified as an area where additional space is needed to
accommodate growing demand for programs and services. Town staff are also exploring the
possibility of utilizing space in the vacated ambulance building as an additional Community
Center location.
Greenfield Baseball/Softball: The Wethersfield Little League Board President attended the
meeting and raised concerns regarding perceived inequities between the baseball and softball
programs, particularly related to facility improvements and fundraising. The Board discussed the
possibility of public fundraising efforts to support improvements at Greenfield and the
importance of considering how resources and improvements are allocated between the two
programs.

J. Motion to Adjourn
Ms. Gantley moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 pm. Motion was seconded by Ms. Mahar and passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Rachael Mattioli, Director Parks and Recreation Department

​Wethersfield Parks and Recreation​
​Directors Report​
​October 2026​
​Department Highlights​
​●​ ​Ribbon cutting of Mill Woods Pickleball Courts took place on October 21​
​●​ ​Facility coordinators hired to oversee the building security and management of​
​the William J. Pitkin Community Center during evening and weekend rentals.​
​Special Events​
​●​ ​Keane Carnival​
​●​ ​Mikey’s Place 5K​
​●​ ​Cadet Car Show​
​●​ ​TR- Annual Halloween “Boo Bash”​
​Rentals​
​●​ ​Community Center​
​○​ ​310 Rentals​
​●​ ​Solomon Welles House​
​○​ ​13 Rentals​
​●​ ​EBW Nature Center​
​○​ ​0 Rentals​
​○​ ​1 Birthday Party​
​●​ ​Fields​
​○​ ​5 Rentals​
​●​ ​Loretta's Dream Pavilion​
​○​ ​6 Rentals​
​●​ ​Little Red Schoolhouse​
​○​ ​9 Rentals​
​Outreach​
​●​ ​Nature Center​
​○​ ​Hosted 3 Outreach Programs at Livewell Yalesville CT, Discovery​
​Academy and Hartford Fall Fest​
​Programs​
​●​ ​Aquatics​
​○​ ​Swim Lessons: 107 enrolled (steady)​
​○​ ​Barracudas Swim Team: 37 enrolled (steady)​
​●​ ​Early Childhood​
​○​ ​TLC Preschool: 3’s AM: 18 enrolled (full,steady)​

​ ​ ​TLC Preschool: 4’s AM: 18 enrolled (full, steady)​
○
​○​ ​TLC Preschool: 3’s PM: 8 enrolled (increase)​
​○​ ​TLC Preschool: 4’s & 5’s PM: 13 enrolled (steady)​
​○​ ​TLC Playgroup - Monday: 20 enrolled(full, steady)​
​○​ ​TLC Playgroup - Friday: 20 enrolled (steady)​
​●​ ​Art/Dance/Chess​
​○​ ​Abrakadoodle Myths & Legends: 7 enrolled (stead)​
​●​ ​Keane Afterschool​
​○​ ​27 programs: 274 enrolled (steady)​
​●​ ​Youth Sports​
​○​ ​Afternoon Athletes - Mondays: 22 enrolled ( steady),​
​Thursdays: 12 enrolled (increase)​
​○​ ​Super Athletes - Mondays: 32 enrolled (steady)​
​Thursdays: 35 enrolled (steady)​
​○​ ​Bulldog Fitness: 16 enrolled (steady)​
​○​ ​Gymnastics: 26 enrolled (steady)​
​●​ ​Adult Sports​
​○​ ​Sunday Basketball: 53 enrolled ( steady)​
​○​ ​Early Morning Basketball: 14 enrolled (increase)​
​●​ ​Fitness​
​○​ ​Zumba AM: 13 enrolled (increase)​
​○​ ​Zumba PM: 23 enrolled (increase)​
​○​ ​Gold: 26 enrolled (increase)​
​○​ ​Pilates: 7 enrolled (steady)​
​○​ ​Core Strength: 4 enrolled (steady)​
​○​ ​Cardio Strength: 3 enrolled (steady)​
​○​ ​Tai Chi Flow: 8 enrolled (steady)​
​○​ ​Strength & Stretch: 2 enrolled (steady)​
​●​ ​Nature Center​
​○​ ​Tadpoles: 29 enrolled between 2 classes (steady)​
​○​ ​Froglets. 40 enrolled between 4 classes (steady)​
​○​ ​Animal Caretakers: 8 enrolled (steady)​
​○​ ​Nature Night Out: 34 enrolled (increase)​
​●​ ​Therapeutic Recreation​
​○​ ​TR Adult Club: 11 enrolled (increased)​
​○​ ​Special Olympics Basketball: 15 enrolled (increased)​
​○​ ​Special Olympics Bowling: 10 enrolled (steady)​
​○​ ​TR afterschool​
​■​ ​Tuesday: 5 enrolled (steady)​
​■​ ​Wednesday: 6 enrolled (steady)​

​○​ ​TR & Social and Youth Pilot Program: 4 sessions for the month​
​Projects​
​●​ ​Hired KBA to develop a design for the two main bathrooms at the Community​
​Center along with providing a cost estimate and assisting with bidding and​
​construction administration​
​Upcoming Events​
​●​ ​Veterans Day Ceremony: Wednesday, November 11, 11:00 am at WHS​
​●​ ​TR Annual Thanksgiving Dinner: Tuesday, November 24, 5:00- 6:00pm​
​●​ ​Santa Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, December 5 at 8:00 am​
​●​ ​TLC Preschool Vendor Fair: Saturday, December 4, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm​
​●​ ​Holidays on Main: Saturday, December 5, 1:00 - 6:00 pm​
​●​ ​Winter/Spring Registration: Wednesday, December 9 at 8:00 am​
​●​ ​TR Annual Holiday Event: Friday, December 18 4:00 - 6:30 pm​