The Recreation Commission’s May meeting was a celebration of student-led community service, alongside detailed planning for major summer projects and programs. The commission honored several Cohasset students for their impactful National Honor Society projects. Two students were recognized for their work installing artificial turf around the Sawyer Street basketball court to prevent mud and debris from tracking onto the playing surface. Charlie Lankow was also celebrated for the second consecutive year for organizing a successful used sports equipment sale, which raised funds for the Social Service League of Cohasset. "We depend on donations such as yours to fund a lot of important things," said Carol R. Walsh, representing the League and the Rec board. "These kinds of funds are really important and they help us continue to do a lot of good work in town."

The meeting also featured a presentation from Cohasset High School students and teachers Carolyn Cunniff and Karina Nelson, who shared stories and photos from their service trip to an indigenous community in Panama with the organization School of the World. The trip, made possible in part by a fundraising partnership with the Recreation department, involved building a new classroom and installing a playground. "We were in 90 to 96 degree heat... mixing cement, shoveling all day long," Cunniff explained. "They were not easy working conditions and the kids rose to the challenge." Student Mia Peoples added, "My biggest takeaway... was that the connections we made with the students and the community, I think that was the best part." Student Nina Geyer agreed, noting the emotional farewell: "The goodbye was like the worst part but... they were super cute they prepared all these dances." Teacher Karina Nelson summed up the effort, stating, "It was for such a great cause that I don't think that nobody regrets it." The board praised their efforts, with Katie Campbell noting a helpful connection that assisted the group's fundraising.

Commission members then turned to updates on major capital projects. The renovation of the Milan Field tennis courts is now out to bid, with a completion window targeted for June 25 to September 6. A key decision point will be the surface material, as bids will be sought for both traditional asphalt and more durable, higher-cost concrete. "The fact that it could be asphalt versus concrete, while disappointed, doesn't really stop the process," noted the commission chair. Member Tim Berta pointed out a detail that needed attention in the plans, saying a "'bullpen' area... was missing from the plan that we saw, which Michelle [Leary] said it should be on there because that was the one thing the teams did ask." In contrast, the planned lacrosse wall at Sawyer Street is currently on hold due to challenges with siting it away from potential wetlands and concerns about errant balls.

Recreation Director Ted Carroll provided an update on the immense demand for summer programs, highlighting that the Deer Hill camp group "had 100 people on the wait list within 59 seconds" of registration opening. The department has hired 77 staff members to manage the large number of children. This has led to new policies, including closing the library playground to the public during camp hours for security. Additionally, new temporary pickleball lines have been painted on the Sawyer Street basketball court to accommodate senior programming from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Board member Jackie Dinneen praised a new plan to have a dedicated coordinator for junior volunteers, calling it "a great idea." The board began with its first order of business, as members unanimously voted on the prior meeting's minutes. Motion Made by Tim Berta to accept the meeting minutes as printed. Motion Passed 7-0. Open Space Committee liaison John McMahon reported that the recent town cleanup was a success, collecting "three-quarters of a ton of garbage... that's over 10,000 pounds since 2019." The meeting was also attended by board member Julie Rollins and Alison from Safe Harbor, who had no updates. The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 PM.