Bad Weather, Bad Economy Hit Recreation Revenues

Rainy weather and a poor economy this summer contributed to a 15 percent drop in revenues for both Summer Theater of New Canaan and Waveny Pool.

Because of the drop in ticket sales, the Summer Theatre of New Canaan asked the Park and Recreation Commission Wednesday to reduce the theater's fees due for the use of facilities at Waveny Park from $4,700 to $4,000. Executive Producer Ed Libonati also asked that the theater be allowed to pay in installments, with $2,000 due by Sept. 30, followed by payments of $1,000 each due by Oct. 30 and Nov. 30. The theater also owes the town for tick control and irrigation. After a lengthy discussion, the commission voted in favor of the request, adding that the discount is contingent upon all payments, fees and bills owed be paid by the due dates. Commissioners also urged that this not set a precedent for fees to be negotiated in the future.
 
While the bad weather kept audiences away from the Summer Theatre and swimmers out of Waveny Pool, bad weather did not dampen concert attendance this summer, according to Recreation Director Steve Benko. Overall, Benko said, attendance at the free Wednesday night series was good.

The rainy summer cannot be blamed for the condition of the driveway at Irwin Park.  For over a year, the left side of the Irwin Park driveway has been in a state of disrepair. The commission moved to recommend that the Department of Public Works repair the driveway as soon as possible using grass pavers that will allow adequate irrigation.

Parks Superintendent John Howe told the commission his department will be regrading Coppo Basefield Field and the girls’ softball fields at Waveny, as well as some of the baseball fields at Mead Park. After field maintenance was cut back this summer due to budget concerns, the town has released $60,000 of frozen money for the regrading projects.

The Recreation Department's fall programs are up and running, with new ones, such as STAR Soccer and the Saxe Middle School Cross Country and Track Club, making their debuts. The newly resurfaced paddle courts at Waveny Park will open on Oct. 12, and permits will be on sale next week.
 
Lights at the Water Tower Turf Field have been installed, and lights at New Canaan High School’s small soccer fields by Farm Road will be up shortly. The soccer field lights will be directed to shine toward the high school and will be monitored to make sure that they are turned on and off on schedule to ensure that nearby neighbors are not bothered.

“Our goal is to provide adequate lighting as well as to have zero complaints from neighbors,” Howe said.