Whitman Recreation Commission Approves Fee Hikes, Books DJ for July 4th Return

WHITMAN — January 8, 2026 — Whitman Recreation Commission votes to revive July 4th event and raise summer program fees. The commission voted unanimously at its January 8 meeting to book a DJ tentatively identified as Kevin Mac for a Fourth of July celebration, approved a spring egg hunt for March 28 at the Busy Bee maze facility for approximately $900, and approved modest fee increases including a $5 hike on swim lessons and a $5 increase in weekly park program rates. The Recreation Director told the board the department's fiscal year 2027 budget currently funds only her salary, and that she has submitted a $10,000 expense line request to the Finance Committee to cover pool electricity, chemicals, and telephone costs. The department holds $32,500 in its revolving fund — enough, the director said, to open the pool this summer — but a wheelchair lift needed for ADA access was not properly installed last year, and the commission is pursuing a Community Preservation Committee grant to replace it.