MANCHESTER, N.H. – The Manchester School District and the City of Manchester Department of Public Works Parks and Recreation Division are expecting to test a new partnership that help both groups as well as students and other community members gain access to new recreational programs.
During their Jan. 14 meeting, the Manchester Board of School Committee Finance and Facilities Committee recommended a pilot agreement that would streamline Parks and Recreation access to two school gymnasiums for programs such as youth sports, fitness classes and enrichment activities, while eliminating most fees the district must pay for using Gill Stadium.
Under the agreement, Parks and Recreation will no longer charge the school district for practices or games at Gill Stadium, a change expected to save between $8,000 and $10,000 per year. The district will still pay limited fees for lighting and off-hours staffing when required.
In exchange, Parks and Recreation will receive standing authorization to use two school gym spaces when available. The pilot will run until June 30 and return to the committee for review later this year.
“This (agreement) benefits both the district and the broader community,” Assistant Superintendent Kelly Espinola said. “It creates cost savings while expanding programming opportunities for students and families.”
Board of School Committee Members voiced concerns over potential scheduling conflicts with last-minute events in the gym spaces as well as cleaning the facilities after they are used.
However, Manchester Board of School Committee Vice Chair Jim O’Connell noted that this agreement is easier to make given that it’s a request coming from the Parks and Recreation Division rather than a non-governmental entity.
“Ultimately, we have 20 schools and for long periods of time they’re often unused at night time and weekends, so it would be great to see robust programming happening then,” said O’Connell.