SCOTCH PLAINS — The recreation commission will ask the township council to consider an ordinance revising the fees for groups wishing to rent picnic areas at township parks for parties.
Last month, the commission discussed proposed fee increases, and there was some discussion about not renting facilities to out-of-town groups. But at Monday night’s meeting, held outdoors at Brookside Park, Recreation Director Julie Buonaguro said she had discussed the idea with township officials and was told that it was not permitted.
The idea is to charge rental fees based on the number of guests, with non-residents paying double the charge. Groups larger than 100 would need to secure a special-use permit from the township. Fees would be waived for school-sponsored events. There also was discussion about ensuring that park restroom facilities are maintained during any large events.
In other business, Ms. Buonaguro said the mini-golf facility at Shady Rest Country Club is being repaired for the summer while longer-term solutions are considered. The course’s carpet is being glued down to make it playable, she said, and other repairs also are being made. Last month, the commission discussed the future of the mini-golf course, which has struggled financially since its opening in 2006.
The bulk of the commission’s 80minute meeting was to give neighborhood residents the chance to provide the commission with feedback and input about Brookside Park. Shawnee Path resident Steve McNally suggested that the tennis courts be lined for pickleball, much like Westfield has done at Tamaques Park and the park at the Memorial Pool. Even though the nets for tennis and pickleball are different heights, Mr. McNally said, he and his fellow pickleball players “deal with it.”
The council’s recently-approved capital budget includes funding to make the pickleball courts permanent at Brookside.
Other comments from those living near the park included making its natural environment an educational tool similar to the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. A suggestion was made to install a pollinator garden with native, non-invasive plants that attract bees and birds. The commission also was made aware that the stream and pond “could use attention,” according to Woodside Road resident Susan Dazzo, who reported that some trees along the water are falling due to eroding banks. She also favored an effort to eliminate invasive species at Brookside that are threatening native species.
Another suggestion was made to perhaps form a group similar to Westfield’s Friends of Brightwood Park to advocate for Brookside Park.
The recreation commission plans to hold its monthly meetings over the next several months at different parks to get input from residents living nearby. Its next one will be held on Monday, June 10, at Kramer Manor Park.
