Recreation Committee Rejects Skate Park Monitor Plan

The Windham Recreation Committee voted 4-1 Thursday to reject an alternative plan to keep the skateboard park in town.

The town is currently trying to sell the skate park recreation area. Two unsuccessful requests for bids has led Windham to try a government auction website.

According to Recreation Committee member Dennis Senibaldi, he was the lone vote in favor of the alternative proposal, which calls for a monitor at the skate park.

Committee members who voted against the proposal were Chris O'Neil, Tim Kelleher, William Fidler and new member Mark Lucas.

The discussion lasted around 15 minutes, with two members casting their votes by phone, Senibaldi said.

The monitor proposal was being presented by the "Save our Skatepark" (SOS) group. led by Windham resident Peter Ventola. Also a member of that group is state Rep. Charlie McMahon, (R), who oversaw the skate park project from the beginning.

The proposal included a $5,000 donation to fund the monitor for the first year.

The Recreation Committee had previously seen the proposal, but a 2-1 vote against the monitor concept was voided. The committee rules haven't been amended to indicate a recent quorum change from five members to three.

Until the town finds a way to sell the equipment, the skate park remains closed with signs indicating that trespassers will be prosecuted.