Midland Park January 28, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 Officials discuss use, supervision at DePhillips Center Midland Park officials are trying to balance the heavy demand for the DePhillips Community Center and the funds available to supervise the facility. The mayor and council met last week with Recreation Director Lori Dent and board of recreation member Lorraine DeLuca to discuss building usage and hours of operation for the new center, which opened in June after a complete refurbishment by philanthropist David Bolger at a cost of $700,000. Of major concern to the governing body was that the center be accessible to all residents and not just to sports organizations. “Mr. Bolger’s intent was that it be a beautifully functioning community center for residents of all ages, not just be focused on children,” said Councilwoman Nancy Peet. “It should also be available to adults who want to watch TV, or socialize, and to adults or children who want a pickup game,” she added. Dent said that the building was totally booked for January and is also booked for February. She said she was working with the sports organizations in getting them to understand that the facility has to be shared. Cooking classes and a theater group also meet there. Discussion of providing for individual use vs. sports teams raised the issue of supervision. Dent pointed out that residents couldn’t just drop in unless there was a responsible adult on duty, and that children under 12 would have to be accompanied by an adult at all times. Dent recommended that building supervision be provided from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 6:30 to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is closed from June 19 through Aug. 10 for general use, when it is heavily used for the summer camp program. Mayor Joseph Monahan said the council should decide on the number of hours it is willing to man the center. He calculated that it would take $24,000 to keep the building open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, an amount which would have to be budgeted if the council decided to provide the supervision. Borough Administrator Michelle Dugan said that the governing body could wait to see what the demand is and augment the hours of operation based on that demand. Councilman Nick Papapietro suggested posting the hours of operation for the next five or six months so residents can become familiar with the center’s availability and can make plans accordingly. He said that weekend hours should be offered as well. Dent said that she anticipated a clerical person would be needed in the future, and that person could provide the supervision when she is out of the office. She said that ideally supervisors should be at least 21 years old and hold coach’s certification and know first aid. Dent said that family nights, karaoke nights and volleyball and other women’s programs are among the activities that she and barn supervisor Ed Gordon plan to offer in the future. The DePhillips Center S easons ... for Valentine’s Day All WEBKINZ Love Monkey $13.95 Love Frog only $3.00 ����������������������������������������������������� ������������������� Hamilton Square Shopping Center 140 Franklin Tpke, Waldwick • 201-251-7577 Place Your Chocolate Covered Strawberries Orders Now ������������������������������ �������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������� � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � ��������������� � � ��� � � � �� � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � ��� � � �� � � � �� � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � ����������������������������������� ������������� ����������� 2 Locations Glen Rock & Passaic PASSAIC LOCATION NOW OPEN SUNDAYS! We Offer Line Of Credits And Financing Plans ������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� �� � � � � � � � � � � ��� 201.345-5621