Town of Bennington 1998 Annual Report

The grounds of the Recreation Center facility now include a newly paved basketball court including six hoops, this has largely increased the number of visitors to the Center. The softball field was provided with a much needed backstop.

The weight room in the Recreation Center nearly doubled its volume of users in 1998. In addition to the physical improvements made in the weight room; the purchase of a decline bench, free bench, and Tetrix Bike Max 3000 has lured many newcomers to the facility.

In an effort to attract more youngsters to the Recreation Center the game room has been renamed the Rec CAFÉ. Expansion of the CAFÉ'S offerings include a pin ball machine, a video game, and a snack machine.

The Recreation Center program room has become the birthday party room. This program has been highly successful as part of our weekend schedule.

Improvements to the Park facilities include four basketball hoops installed around the ice rink at the Stark Street facility. A fence was put up around the rink to improve safety conditions for ice hockey use. The Stark Street building is open to the public during designated hours offering skate rental, concession, and a place for teens to hang out.

For the first time in over ten years the Recreation Center has increased the price of memberships while continuing to maintain and increase membership totals. New membership prices are: Resident Youth Year $19.00, Resident Adult Year $53.00, Resident Family Year $85.00, Resident 6 month Adult $39.00, Resident 6 month Family $50.00, Resident 3 month Adult $28.00, Non-Resident Youth Year $56.00, Non-Resident Adult Year $122.00, Non-Resident Family Year $165.00, Non-Resident 6 month Adult $91.00, Non-Resident 6 month Family $105.00, and Non-Resident 3 month Adult $72.00. Additional programs and sales revenue totaled $39,829.42.

Willow Park, Beech Street, Memorial Park, and Stark Street saw the various adult and youth leagues hold practices, games, and tournaments. Some of the special events that were held include Memorial Softball Tournament, The Chamber of Commerce/Bennington Rotary Club Antique Car Show, the Hometown 4'h of July Celebration, Catamount BMX races, Horseshoe Tournaments, Hole in One, Family fun Day, and the Pumpkin Hunt. Willow Park Pavilion is also rented out for picnics, reunions, weddings, etc... The Re- creation Center also works with non-Profit organizations and local area organizations helping co-ordinate special events including the Fishing Derby, Bennington Road Race, Tree Lighting Ceremony, The Gift of Sharing Toys for Tots and Food Baskets, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Road Race, and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

After three years, the Wellness Program, adopted by the Town in 1996, continues to enjoy success. Numerous town employees have taken advantage of this opportunity to become better educated on healthy lifestyles.

In 1998, the Recreation Department said good-bye to Julie Traen, the Recreation Director for the past 10 years. Julie left in October to become the Physical Education teacher at Arlington Memorial High School. We all wish her well in her new endeavor. As the new Recreation Director, having joined the Recreation Department on November 30, I am looking forward to bringing new activities and programs to the Center.

Respectfully submitted,
Marti Kingsley, Parks & Recreation Director