Clinton Parks Commission Backs Beach Erosion Plan, Approves Fall Field Schedules

CLINTON, CT — The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously endorsed recommendations from a beach erosion study and approved a series of athletic field schedules and scheduling procedures at its Aug. 4 meeting.

The commission voted to accept a beach management study prepared by RACE Coastal Engineering and move ahead with its recommendations for a priority erosion area and the main beach area. The priority area is at the far end of the beach, where temporary sandbags were installed last fall.

The recommended approach combines beach restoration and nourishment, dune grading, stabilization with native vegetation and limited measures to reduce wave action. Commissioners discussed reef balls and rock sills as possible wave attenuation methods.

For the main beach area, continued beach nourishment was identified as the preferred approach. According to the minutes, restoring the existing jetty would likely pose significant permitting challenges. Commissioners also discussed using planter boxes or other barriers near the parking area to help control wind-blown sand.

The project would require state and federal permits, and commissioners discussed whether local permitting work is included in RACE Coastal Engineering's scope. Parks and Recreation Director Dustin Huguenin and Commissioner William Fritz agreed to seek clarification from the firm. The commission also discussed moving ahead with design and permitting work before future budget cycles.

Commission Gives Director Authority Over Field Conflicts

The commission also addressed scheduling for Clinton's athletic fields ahead of the fall season.

Commissioners unanimously authorized Huguenin to serve as the final decision-maker on practice schedules and field locations when adjustments are necessary, including changes related to weather. They later unanimously gave Huguenin authority to resolve scheduling conflicts without bringing each issue back to the commission for approval.

The commission unanimously adopted scholastic athletic schedules after determining there were no major conflicts at the time, although some field hockey scheduling remained subject to final coordination. The fall season begins Aug. 24, and no Shoreline Conference fall tournament events are scheduled locally this season.

Youth soccer and travel schedules were also approved unanimously. Commissioners discussed coordinating field use and possible Sunday conflicts. Rugby scheduling received unanimous approval as well, with soccer receiving priority on certain fields and the programs expected to coordinate when conflicts arise.

Commissioners approved schedules for the men's 30-and-over and 40-and-over soccer leagues and authorized Huguenin to coordinate Special Olympics field use if a request is received. All of those actions were unanimous.

The commission also clarified its policy for late field requests. Under the approved procedure, the parks and recreation director may approve requests involving four days or fewer, while requests covering more than four dates must go before the commission.

Parks Projects And Community Programs

In his director's report, Huguenin updated commissioners on maintenance and capital projects. The gazebo roof replacement at Hester's Pond has been completed, while the department is evaluating stair maintenance needs and ordering a replacement playground platform because of equipment wear.

Painting and flooring replacement are planned at the Indian River Recreational Building. The department is also coordinating upcoming community events, including Family Day programming in partnership with the PTA, and continuing discussions with user groups about facility improvements and scheduling. Commissioners also discussed longer-term planning for playground replacements and facility upgrades.

Other topics included possible athletic field lighting improvements, landscaping and beautification at town facilities, communication and community outreach, and a memorial bench request at the beach that will be reviewed at a future meeting. The commission also discussed its work with youth sports organizations, the Garden Club and the Dog Park group.

The commission unanimously approved its June 2 and July 14 meeting minutes. The Aug. 4 meeting began at 7:02 p.m. at the Indian River Complex Office Building and adjourned at 7:57 p.m.