Do something for the teenagers, like a skateboarding park. It's good exercise and builds coordination and even commitment. Have their parents sign injury releases if that's necessary, but give them something to do besides hanging out.

I'd add to that a course for BMX bikes, somewhere in the Brickyard Pond area. Same thing, with parent releases if needed.

From what I understand, it was difficult for the Recreation Director to do all the things he wanted/needed to do as a part time employee. So, adding responsibilities without increasing hours may present a problem. On the other hand, I'm not sure the town can afford the additional salary/benefits of a full time director. It would be nice to have activities beyond youth sports, but I"m not sure how that can be done on a part time basis. And I agree with David Brell, more activities for teens are needed. His ideas sound like good ones to me.

I don't have a problem with the job becoming full-time or expanding its scope to include more arts and cultural activities. But the title “director of leisure services” has a decadent ring to it. It sounds like a job title held by someone in charge of keeping the idle rich amused. Perhaps that is the point?

I can guarantee you that Peter, June, Kate and Jeff already have some friend or family member in mind for this newly developed "leisure services" director. We already have a YMCA which is being rebuilt. There were skate clinics being run there and a bmx bike area at the YMCA and classes and open access offered. Arts? There is a pottery studio in town and art in every school. Sports??? We have baseball, football, softball, soccer, basketball, track, swimming, karate studios, we have a music school in town??? What we don't need is to spend MORE MONEY on a needless position. Keep the kids busy??? That's every PARENTS job not the town.

I'm maxed out right now and each new property tax dollar is becoming a dollar I have to find in another part of my budget.

I'm sure others are in the same leaky boat.

We are very sad to see Mr.Taylor go he was wonderful he did so much for the town the camps,the events at Halloween and Christmas,The beach activities and being instrumental to the Circle of Friends Group he did many activities with the group sailing,circus smirkus,the pawsox and many others we were very fortunate to have him I really don't think he got the recognition or appreciation that he deserved sometimes you only hear the negative,He openly allowed my daughter to volunteer and get numerous hours for her religious education,He was open to new ideas and included everyone.I hope whoever replaces Mr.taylor is as open as he.I do think that the hours should be full time.

Why not get rid of the position completely and allow the fine folks of Barrington to support their local YMCA and businesses which provide activities for families in town. Since when is the town responsible for recreation or leisure? In case you have not noticed we are in the worst recession since the depression. Stop spending our tax dollars at your whim. Hey, here's an idea, let the YMCA be the rec department????? Wow, why didn't you guys think of that. They have the staff, the facility, makes perfect sense, oh wait, that's not how you operate here in Barrington...