Ideas for future programs flow at Park & Rec meeting

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KENT—Park and Recreation Commission members recently had a fruitful session when they reviewed potential activities that could be offered to the town.

Ideas flowed easily Monday, Dec. 16, when Recreation Director Matt Busse asked for suggestions of programs that would interest children and adults.

Busse queried the commission about the desirability of obtaining access for residents to the Housatonic River. Kent has a rich recreational program, but oddly, for a town located on a river, has never had a spot where residents could legally fish or launch a boat.

“People have asked me about fishing from the shoreline,” Busse said. “How does the commission feel about river access?”

Lynn Mellis Worthington, the Board of Selectmen’s liaison to the commission, said it would be “amazing to have access,” a view echoed enthusiastically by other members.

But where that access might be found was an issue.

A boat launch was once considered on North Kent Road but was never realized. Worthington said the site is complicated because rail lines pass through the area and parcels of land are owned by state agencies.

Busse suggested that the area behind Kent Center School would provide easy access to the river and parking in the school lot.

“It’s really the only place we have any claim to access,” observed Chairman Rufus P. de Rham, “but I can see KCS, when school is in session, not wanting strange cars there.”

Worthington noted that it is public parking.

Miranda Lovato said that permission would be required from the Inland Wetlands Commission and Worthington added that the Housatonic River Commission would have to be consulted. 

de Rham suggested negotiating with Kent School, which owns a long stretch of river front property and it was mentioned that the town’s Sewer Commission also has a long area of access.

Busse said he would follow up.

His second question to the commission was whether Park and Rec should offer a spring break camp. He said he had been approached by seven families in the last month, each with two or more children, but that he was not confident that he could provide staffing.

The requests came from families with children in grades pre-k through 8, and staff would have to deal with activities appropriate for different ages.

“It would be great if we could offer that, but I can envision the challenges you outlined,” said member Claire Love. “But if you have talked to seven families, it sounds like there is a latent demand.”

de Rham suggested talking to the Kent Community Nursery School to see if it will be in session and, if not, whether any of its employees would be interested in working at the camp.

It was also suggested that the camp take advantage of cultural activities in town such as trips to the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association, with the associated mineral museum, and taking part in library offerings.

“That all sounds very exciting,” said Love.

Busse asked the group if a parking lot should be developed for four or five cars near the pavilion in Kent Common.

“I found a file with a proposal for a parking lot, but it was never done. It would be great because it would be more handicap accessible,” he observed.

Worthington said the site has been used for parking informally, but that no gravel was ever laid down. 

The group agreed it would be a good idea.

Ideas really began to flow when Busse asked for programs commissioners would like to see in 2025-2026. A return to tennis lessons ranked high, although Busse was unable to find coaches last summer.

Worthington suggested more seasonal activities, with an emphasis on adults. “We definitely have people who want to be creative and there is enough artistic talent in town that someone would probably lead that.”

Lovato suggested a wellness series with activities such as yoga at the pavilion and sound meditation at Emery Park at sunset.

Sip and paint classes were suggested, featuring a “Kent perspectives” such as a Hike and Paint on Tom Mountain or perhaps getting permission from homeowners for sessions in their gardens. 

de Rham suggested another creative outlet, cake decorating, which received enthusiastic support.

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