We are happy to learn that the Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) program is up and running in Swampscott. But we think it would be a good idea for town officials to drill down and sort out the confusion that triggered the popular program’s abrupt cancellation in late June.
Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald and Select Board members led by Peter Spellios pointed fingers at one another and questioned why arrangements between the town and a vendor to launch the recreational program fell through.
Looming over the June 29 Select Board discussion were angry complaints from parents reflecting summer-plan disruptions the cancellation potentially caused for more than 300 Swampscott families.
The raucous meeting highlighted problems that merit quick resolution. Fitzgerald and the Select Board should be on the same page, as much as possible, on town decisions.
Contingency plans for problems involving vendors, storage containers, and the other challenges that contributed to the paddleboard program’s initial cancellation should be in place so elected officials and parents don’t receive unwanted surprises.
Fortunately, the revived program brought kids onto the water on Monday and it will provide four weeks of fun.
Town Recreation Director Danielle Strauss shares credit for restarting SUP, which will include time aboard new paddle boards and beach activities, including tie-dye, flash dances, treasure hunts, spike ball and more.
“We heard from the community and we decided to do our own version of this program, after figuring out what we can do,” Strauss said in an interview last Thursday.
Strauss was able to revive the program by finding two storage lockers to store equipment and paddleboards. Kevin Reen, a Swampscott police officer with prior paddling experience, will go over safety with the kids during the program.
Before fall arrives with school’s return, now is a good time for Fitzgerald and the Select Board to sort out the confusion that almost sunk a fun summer program for Swampscott kids.
