9031-R3_CC_Hollis_2023-2024_AnnualReport_Web

SPORTS COMPLEX COMMITTEE JULY 2023 – JUNE 2024 TOWN REPORT

The Sports Complex Committee is responsible for the oversight, maintenance, and ongoing development of the Hollis Sports Complex, located at 14 Lower Tarbox Road. This vital community space serves as a recreational hub for residents of all ages. The committee meets monthly on the second Thursday at 6:30 PM at the Hollis Community Building. Current committee members include Coco Hirstel, Charles Currier, Cheryl Joyner, Josh St. Pierre, Jen C’es, Debbie Tefft (Recreation Director), and Mary Hoffman (Select Board Liaison). We welcome new members and encourage anyone interested in supporting this important work to contact Debbie Tefft at (207) 929-5142 to get involved. The committee manages the Sports Complex operating budget and is responsible for the site’s general upkeep and ongoing improvements. The budget supports a range of essential services including irrigation, landscaping, mowing, field maintenance through Davey Tree, utilities, portable toilet rentals, and necessary repairs to both equipment and the field itself. One of the most exciting developments this year was the addition of pickleball courts on the existing tennis court surfaces. This new offering has been met with great enthusiasm, with a growing group of residents regularly playing on weekends, weather permitting. Equipment for pickleball is stored in a secure cabinet located at the courts and is accessible by contacting the Recreation Department at (207) 929-5142. Looking to the future, the committee is exploring options for expanding the existing pickleball courts to better serve the increasing interest. Additionally, we hope to undertake the construction of a community skateboard park at the complex. This project will require significant community support and fundraising, and we encourage volunteers who are passionate about skateboarding or youth recreation to join us in making it a reality. Other long-term goals include expanding the children’s playground area and extending the walking path to enhance accessibility and promote healthy outdoor activity for all ages. The Sports Complex currently features three small pavilions with picnic tables, which are available for public use. These shaded spaces provide a wonderful opportunity for families and community members to gather and enjoy the outdoors, and we hope residents continue to take advantage of these amenities. As we continue to improve and maintain this valued community resource, we kindly ask that visitors help us in our efforts to preserve the facility. Please refrain from driving on the fields or performing dangerous stunts such as “cutting donuts” in the parking lots. All trash should be properly disposed of in the designated containers, and we ask that pet owners clean up after their animals. Dog waste bags are available at pet stations on-site for convenience. This year, we installed security cameras throughout the complex to help deter vandalism and ensure a safer, cleaner environment for all visitors. It has been encouraging to see so much positive activity and community use at the Sports Complex throughout the year. We look forward to continuing our work to make this space even more enjoyable and accessible for everyone in Hollis. Respectfully submitted, Coco Hirstel, Chairperson, Hollis Sports Complex Committee

73