Recreation Committee — February 18, 2026

At the February 18, 2026 Sunapee Recreation Committee meeting, one disclosure stands out as a serious transparency concern: Recreation Director Steve announced that Georges Mills Beach will "no longer be considered a lifeguarded beach ever again" as a result of an LSPA erosion control project that will modify the beach with stabilizing vegetation. This was not listed on the public agenda. Families who use that beach — especially those with young children who depend on a supervised swimming area — had no notice that this permanent safety change would be discussed, and no opportunity to attend and respond. No community notification plan was mentioned, and no alternative safety measures were proposed.

Also discussed at the meeting: the skate park siting process at Veterans Field remains stalled due to a conflict over pickleball court placement. Board member Dan raised a pointed taxpayer concern, stating on record that he didn't want to disclose the remaining skate park budget because, in his view, the facility would serve "a very select few people" compared to the walking track that nearly anyone in town can use. No resolution to the stall or the values disagreement was reached.

On the budget side, the committee noted a 4% increase above the approved $221,000 baseline — driven primarily by insurance costs — but acknowledged that a transition to the OpenGov system has left them unable to track current spending in real time. No timeline for restoring that tracking capability was given.

Finally, the committee reached consensus to pursue amendments to the town's recreation ordinance that would allow vending, business activities, and watercraft rentals on public recreation property — all currently prohibited. A draft is expected in roughly two months. No public hearing or community input process has been announced yet. Residents who care about how public parks and waterfront spaces are used should keep an eye on this one.