Page 27 - Town of Brighton 2024 Annual Report

There are many facets to my job as Recreation & Economic Development Director. When you see sign-up portals, advertising
and large events, I’m the person behind the curtain making sure everything works. I provide grant writing and administration
when needed as well as sourcing materials for all their programming. The Director also works with is the bigger picture items
that affect our economic future. The Kingdom Heritage Trail is an untapped resource to fuel future growth as is the Silvio Conte
National Wildlife Refuge, Brighton State Park, Island Pond Lake, etc. Unlike a ski mountain, these assets are mostly free for
anyone to use, so there isn’t a commercial entity advertising them so that people outside of the area know they exist, that
leaves that work up to us. Another part of my job is to support the dedicated volunteers that run Brighton Recreation and the
programs they run for both adults and children. Please read their report below for more information on all their activities.

The Brighton economy is in better shape now than it has been for many
years, but like all small rural towns, it is fragile. We only succeed if we
work together, whether that involves volunteering your time, patronizing
the local businesses and events or simply spreading a positive image of
our community through your interactions with the outside world. I look
forward to an even bigger and better 2025!

Brighton Recreation Report

During 2024, the Brighton Recreation Committee successfully navigated a number of existing programs and through their work
with the surrounding communities and their members, have been able to increase the programs available to our residents.
Over the first weekend in March of 2024, Brighton Recreation hosted the popular Tri-County Kid’s Fishing Tournament. They
hosted 200 anglers aged 2 to 14 in the program and provided participant packages, trophies and raffle prizes, including
a lifetime resident hunting or fishing license. 2025 the tournament has returned with a new batch of prizes, awards and
participants. This popular event has involved year-round planning for the committee members and local businesses to see its
success continue.

In spring of 2024, we noticed that we had many basketballs which were collecting dust. As an experiment, the group decided
to place the balls in the park for access by all park visitors. Amazingly, after a few weeks, some of the balls had been bounced
so often, they were wearing out and needed replacement. To everyone’s excitement, there were new balls being added by
visitors. The program was increased to include pickleball equipment, tennis equipment, shuffleboard equipment, and a
variety of outdoor play items. Throughout the summer, equipment was well cared for by the users and we saw a noticeable
increase in traffic in the park. We received positive community feedback from both locals and visitors. We want to recognize
the importance of our community involvement in ensuring this program can continue. We are looking forward to additional
options for summer and an increase in the equipment available for use.
In addition, through spring and summer, Brighton Recreation hosted SLOTH hikes, designed for those new to hiking, a
pickleball clinic (attended by 30 participants) and a children’s paddleboard clinic. Fall brought the return of Pond-a-thon, our
annual fundraiser for general equipment and funding. The event drew 200 bikers and walk/runners where the first biker came
around the whole lake in about 9 minutes.

The return of winter brought us indoors for Circuit training, Yoga and a banded fitness class.
As we look to the future, we aim to continue to increase the number of programs available within the community and to see a
growth in our outdoor offerings. We will continue working with the Town of Brighton to help improve the condition of some of
our infrastructure in the park such as the tennis/pickleball courts and the walking path. In addition, we will host a number of
challenges throughout the year – be on the look out for our NEK Paddle Challenge!

The Brighton Recreation Committee is made up of a mostly volunteer group. Our volunteers work to develop programming
which is sustainable and meets the needs of our community. To ensure we continue to meet these goals, we need leaders for
programs (we do compensate) as well as committee members. If you wish to join us, please reach out by Facebook, email at
info@brightonrecreationvt.org or phone at 802-723-0931.

Here’s to finding your 2025 Adventure!

Brighton Recreation
2024 Annual Report 27