Park and Rec Commission begins budget review, weighs Fairbank fee and membership model

SUDBURY — May 13, 2024 — Sudbury Park and Rec opens FY26 advocacy push as Fairbank funding gap and pool shutdown loom. The commission used its first post-Town Meeting session to map fee changes, school field maintenance and a possible recreation-membership model at the new community center, with no funds budgeted for operations there. Director Dennis told members he cannot staff drop-in gym time at $16 to $17 an hour without revenue. Combined Facilities Director Sandra Duran said the $2.35 million pool repair will require five to six weeks of grouting shutdown alone, with construction RFPs scheduled around summer camp and swim season. Member Mara Huston's slide deck pegged recreation at 0.21 percent of the town budget and parks and grounds at 0.25 percent, with residential taxpayers covering 87.8 percent of revenue — roughly $30 and $35 a year on a $960,000 home. The commission approved the April 1 minutes 4-0; member Robert Beagan was absent.