Morris Plains Rec Has Eye on Costs

It's not about the money. 

That was the message the Morris Plains Recreation Commission delivered last week, when its members met Thursday night.

"It’s not about making money for the borough," said Morris Plains Councilwoman Suzanne McCluskey. She and others said that while they're working on ways to keep the borough's summer camp program in good financial shape in a difficult economy, making sure the kids and community are served well comes first.

Recreation director Karleen Leahey and event coordinator Katie Bezold said extra money could prove handy in addressing certain concerns. An extra bus, for instance, could allow the camp to take children on a field trip in one group, instead of on a staggered schedule. The group uses an inflatable "moon bounce" often enough that purchasing one, instead of renting one, might prove useful, they said.

But the pair and the commission said they'll have to look at their options for funding as they consider those and other expenses.

Parents who send their children to the camp can optionally register early for a lower rate than those who register late. Recreation Commission chairman Sal Cortese suggested that if the program were to raise its rates overall, that could help with funding.

But Leahey and Bezold, along with several other commission members, said they don't want to put that burden on parents. And they said the program benefits when parents take advantage of the early-bird specials—it means the camp can get a decent headcount early on, and begin planning events such as its field trips to Sunrise Lake and Pump It Up.

Leahey and Bezold also said they'd rather not pull funds from revenue generated by the camp's theater program—they'd rather keep those funds in the theater program itself, to avoid shortchanging the kids involved.

Recreation commission members expect to continue discussing the budget for the camp, which this year hosted about 350 children, at future meetings.

Cortese and commission vice chairman Jerry Sittman both praised Leahey and Bezold for their work with the camp.

Other Recreation Commission News

• Leahey said the 's tennis courts are in need of new nets, which Cortese said could be considered. Leahey said the courts themselves are in excellent shape. Officials said residents should know the community center charges a replacement fee for lost keys for the courts.
• Leahey said the community center is considering adding badminton to its lineup, and those interested should contact the community center with information on how many players might want to take part.
• Leahey said a bocce ball court has also been requested by some community members, though officials would need to determine a location for one.
• Commission members said they're excited for this year's Community Bonfire, to be held Oct. 22 (with a raindate of Oct. 23). The event, to be held at the Community Park pool parking lot, includes a scavenger hunt, hayrides, games and a magician. Commission members said they're hoping to secure musical entertainment this year, as music was missing last year. The event is open to all Morris Plains resident.
• The Recreation Commission is sponsoring a trip to see “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular” at Rockefeller Center on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $52.50 and still available at the Community Center office on Jim Fear Drive.

The next Morris Plains Recreation Commission’s meeting is scheduled for Otc. 27 at 7:30 p.m.