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Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda (minutes)

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Town of Chester – Recreation Commission Meeting – June 8, 2026
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Town of Chester
Recreation Commission Meeting
Monday, June 8, 2026
Municipal Complex
Approved Minutes
I. 
Preliminaries
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Dircks called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1.2 Roll Call
Members present:
Kathryn Dircks, Chair
Kim Rairdon
Ed Stuart
David LaVita, Selectboard Liaison
Members absent:
Sandy Wright, Vice Chair
Staff present:
Corinna Reishus, Recreation Director
Guests present:
Jennifer Gagne
Dana Theokas, Selectboard Member
PACT
II.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Stuart moved to accept the minutes from the March 8, 2026, meeting as written. Ms. Dircks 
seconded the motion. A vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously.
III.
Reports
3.1 Recreation Report
Director Reishus reported all Town departments have been on a three-month spending freeze. 
She was able to get prior approval from the Finance Director and the Town Administrator for 
necessary playground repairs, including the adaptive swing harness, belt seat, and replacement
bubble from the toddler unit. The Maintenance Department will install these. The buoys are 
scheduled to be put out and the bubbler turned on. She will talk to Supervisor of Roads Piper 
about the access to the handicapped Porta Potty. The Commission discussed where playground 
equipment replacement and fitness area equipment fall on the CIP.
3.2 Spring Hill Farm Advisory Committee

Town of Chester – Recreation Commission Meeting – June 8, 2026
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Ms. Rairdon reported that the vernal pool walk was well attended, in spite of the rainy 
weather. They hope to offer another nature walk in the fall with Moosewood Ecological. There 
was a work day in May. They are discussing holding other events throughout the year. 
Selectboard Member LaVita suggested posting information on volunteer opportunities on the 
message board in the center of Town. Fall Fest will be on September 19th; they are limiting 
participation to 30 vendors. The Spring newsletter was sent out.
3.2 Wason Pond Conservation and Recreation Commission
Causeway Bridge: This project is complete.
Wason Pond Wrangler: The Wrangler was canceled this year due to lack of participants.
Asphalt Near Cottage: Ms. Dircks received updated information from Rockingham County 
Conservation District (RCCD) that adding asphalt does not fall under the easement’s allowance.
Fields: Usage is high and parking continues to be a concern. Ms. Dircks suggested all parties 
meet to discuss ways to resolve the parking issues occurring during events.
Master Plan: The Commission is researching the original Master Plan for the property and 
discussing the makeup of the membership of the Commission. They are also discussing the 
mission of the Commission. Director Reishus said she reviews facility use requests for the 
property with the Commission. 
IV. Old Business
4.1 Recreation Programming (ongoing)
All Levels Boot Camp: Are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. They are running two 
four-week sessions due to where summer break falls on the calendar.
Canasta: Is open to all and held on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center.
Open Gym: Offered on Monday afternoons through the school year.
Pickleball: Continues indoors, even during warmer weather. There are pickleball lines painted 
on the basketball court at the center of town. They continue to offer pickup in the MPR four 
days a week. 
Senior Move It or Lose It: This is a free program open to all Chester seniors 60+. Classes are held
twice a week, with once-a-month in-person sessions.
Stay & Play Family Playgroup: Continues on Friday mornings in the Recreation Activities Room 
in the Town Annex. They occasionally meet outside or at the Wason Pond playground.
Walking Club: The MPR is reserved on Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Participants either walk 
indoors, on the Wason trails, or in a local neighborhood.
Women’s Strength & Stretch: Ongoing on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:15 p.m. They are 
running two four-week sessions due to where summer break falls on the calendar.

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Yoga: Due to a large turnout, they are offering two classes on Wednesdays at 4:00 and 5:30 p.m.
in the Rec Activities Room.
4.2 Seasonal Programming
Spring Soccer: The season is ending soon. There were four teams, one for each division that 
plays in the Southern New Hamshire Recreation Soccer League. All four teams will be in the 
playoffs, with two teams being in first place.
4.3 Seasonal Events
Kids Fishing Derby: The 24th Annual Kids Fishing Derby was held on June 6th at Wason Pond. 
Recreation and the Chester Police Department split the cost of the fish drop; Recreation also 
purchased additional prizes. Director Reishus thanked Ark Animal Hospital, the Chester Rod & 
Gun Club, and Charlie Moore the Mad Fisherman for their donations. She also thanked everyone
who came out to support the Derby.
V. New Business
5.1 Upcoming Programming
Summer Program: The Summer Program is scheduled for June 29 through August 7. 
Registration will continue through June 15th. Staff training is scheduled for the week of June 
22nd.
Soccer Skills & Drills: Is expected to run in August for grades 5 through 8.
Fall Soccer: The Soccer Board will be meeting this month to review registration for the 
upcoming season. The program runs from the end of August to the beginning of November.
5.2 Upcoming Events
Chester Town Fair: Will be held on September 12th; the rain date September 13th. They will 
continue with the four-hour block prior to the fireworks. They are seeking sponsors for the 
midway and other events, so there will be no cost to the town. The next working group meeting 
is on June 29th.
5.3 Any Other Business
New Members: Ms. Dircks reviewed the requirements for membership on the Commission.
VI. Adjournment
The next meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Stuart moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Rairdon seconded the motion. A vote was taken. 
The motion carried unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Hanggeli
Recording Secretary