Recreation Department in good shape, says director

PINE PLAINS — Recreation Director Jennifer Chase scored a few points at the Town Board meeting Feb. 18, bringing good news with her monthly report before the board.

“I found a baseball director,� she said, explaining there’s one person she wants to appoint and two others who will help take care of the fields. “I’m really excited about doing it this way because I’ve added more to the position and to field maintenance, too. It’s working out well — they each have their own strengths but there’s one person I’m recommending to be the head of it.�

The cherry on top is that Chase has arranged for online registration in addition to traditional walk-in registration, to help sign up even more participants for the baseball season. She has also planned ahead for March, which is when the young mother expects baby number two and will be relying on some assistance.

“I have everything set up, so it’s all ready,� she said, assuring the board the department is in good shape before jumping onto the next topic. “I want to talk about the triathlon — I would like it to be on the Town Board’s agenda to talk publicly about it in March.�

The event is set for Saturday, July 3. It’s a “sprint triathlon,� with a 1/2 –mile swim at Stissing Lake, an 18-mile bike ride around Pine Plains and Gallatin and then a 3.3-mile run back around the lake. It all begins at Stissing Lake with a 6:30 a.m. registration and is set to conclude around 11:30 a.m.

“It’s a serious athletic event,� Chase said. “We have to coordinate with the police departments, emergency services, volunteers, everybody.�

Up to 150 athletes can register. After the event there will  be a celebration with a barbecue at the Lions Pavilion.

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