KENT—In a special meeting Wednesday morning, May 29, the Park and Recreation Commission authorized Director Matt Busse to purchase a backboard for the town’s tennis courts as well as to buy a portable stage for community events.
Busse was given a budget of up to $6,000 for the purchase and shipping of a backboard, which will be used on one of the two courts. Different sizes were discussed with the commission settling on one that is 10-feet-by-16-feet.
“If you are having tennis lessons, you could have two kids using the backboard while another two were on the court,” said Park and Rec Chairman Rufus P. de Rham. “That would be more useful than one that was 8-by-10.”
Busse said the backboard could be installed by the commission, saving money.
Looking toward the end of the fiscal year in June, member Claire Love suggested that some money be spent on an audio system for the Community House. Busse said that should fall under the purview of the Community House management and that Park and Rec already has a small portable system. He said he could buy a microphone for that.
More useful would be a small portable stage that can be used for the six concerts Park and Rec Plans for this summer and fall, as well as for other community events such as the Memorial Day ceremony in front of the library and the October Fun Run for children. In response to a question from member John Grant, Busse listed at least nine annual events that it would serve and suggested that other events would surely arise. “I think it will be utilized pretty well in future years,” he concluded. “I think it will be a great item to have.”
Again, debate ensued over how large the platform should be. Busse originally suggested one that is 4-feet-by-8-feet, adjustable in height to 32 inches, that would cost about $1,300. De Rahm suggested that might be too small for a band to use and said an 8-foot-by-12-foot version could be had for $2,200. He also questioned the height, which he saw as a liability if someone were to fall.
In the end, the commissioners authorized up to $4,000 for purchase and shipping and left it to Busse to decide the configuration—either one larger unit or three smaller stages that could be put together as needed.
Busse said the stage(s) can be stored at Emery Park or in the shed at the school and that the land trust has also offered space in its building.
