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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_08_12 Recreation Commission Minutes TOWN OF MAMARONECK RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES August 12, 2025 PRESENT: James Druker, Chairman William Paonessa via Phone Darren Moss EXCUSED: Joyce Callahan Graham Gutter Susan Sigel Brian Welsh ALSO PRESENT: Jill Fisher, Superintendent of Recreation Eileen Puleo, Commission Secretary Jeffery King, Town Board Liaison Meredith Robson, Town Administrator Robert Wasp, Town Engineer CALL TO ORDER: The meeting held at the Senior Center, 1288 Boston Post Road, Larchmont was not officially called to order due to the lack of a quorum. ACCEPTANCE OF MEETING MINUTES: The Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2025, were deferred until the September meeting due to the lack of a quorum. SHADE EVALUATION STUDY PRESENTED BY LABELLA ASSOCIATES: LaBella Associates was retained by the Town of Mamaroneck for the evaluation of site conditions at Memorial Park and to determine appropriate measures to improve shade coverage at the park. Mr. Michael Cocquyt, Labella Associates, presented to the Recreation Commission and members of the Town Board in the audience their proposal on three different shade options at Memorial Park. The proposal included new trees that would provide a natural shade canopy, shade structures and a combination of both trees and shade structures. Mr. Cocquyt shared 3D visualizations at different hours as the sun moves through the park. From this, he was able to show how the different options from trees and/or structures would provide areas of shade in the park. Natural shade from tree canopies will take years for growth and maturity to shade the space appropriately. Trees also provide benefits beyond shade for both people and the ecosystem. Trees are never a guarantee, and their development and eventual maturity are subject to proper care and environmental factors. Manufactured shade structures provide an immediate solution and are most effective on the playground features. These structures require maintenance, and the fabric will eventually fade and deteriorate from exposure to the sun and elements. Fall zone restrictions also limit the locations for shade structures. The two manufactured options consist of freestanding shade and tension shade systems. Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission August 12, 2025 — Page 2 SHADE EVALUATION STUDY PRESENTED BY LABELLA ASSOCIATES CONTINUED: Labella Associates recommends: • To introduce shade trees with a root barrier and soil cell system to serve as a long-term solution. • If feasible, purchase a cost-effective shade structure for the playground to act as an immediate solution until the trees reach maturity. • Ensure trees are multiple species and will grow to the optimal heights. The Commission thanked Mr. Cocquyt for his informative presentation and will take all options into consideration. HYBRID TURF PRESENTATION BY TURF TALENTS: Mr. Aaron Golembiewski of Turf Talents gave a Zoom presentation on their product, Hybrid Turf. Hybrid Turf is a natural grass system reinforced with 5-10% synthetic fibers incorporated into the root zone. This process creates a durable playing surface designed for safe, multi-sport use. While it maintains the look, feel, and playability of natural grass, Hybrid Turf also offers the added strength of artificial turf. Mr. Golembiewski also introduced Drain Talent, a "high-tech rain barrel" system. Drain Talent captures rainwater that falls on the field and redistributes it directly to the root zone as needed. This technology supports effective and cost-saving water management, keeps the grass consistently ready for play, and reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers. The Commission noted that this system could be a strong option for the Carpino- Steffens Fields. The Commission thanked Mr. Golembiewski for his informative presentation and will take the Hybrid Turf and Drain Talent systems into consideration.