News: Bristol Rec Club Newsletter April 2025

Date Published	Author
4/6/2025 12:00:00 AM	BRD

Bristol Rec Club Newsletter April 2025

Welcome to spring! Activities are starting up on the Recreation Club property for the
spring and summer. We want to keep you updated and informed about all the things
happening at YOUR space. We are indeed a private institution and rely on our
membership for the continued support of the mission of the BRC.
First, Thank You For Your Membership!
Your dues and donations keep the grass mowed, the driveway plowed, and the facilities
maintained and improved. If you are a yearly member, or want to become a lifetime
member, you can update your membership on this website (in partnership with the Bristol
Recreation Department): MEMBERSHIP FORMS


Our club is a 501c3 non profit and we are always grateful for additional donations, which are tax
deductible. You can write a check to the Bristol Recreation Club, Inc. and mail it to PO BOX
411, Bristol VT 05443. If you prefer an online donation, we have partnered with the Town of
Bristol Recreation Department for online payment, you can log into your member account there
to make a donation and renew membership. Thanks again!
Please consider joining the Bristol Recreation Club Board! We are an action-oriented board with
fewer than 8 short meetings a year. Your voice is welcome. Contact board president Troy
Paradee for more information. (paradeefamily@gmail.com)

We have made several facility improvements in the past couple of years.
• The outdoor Basketball Court on the skating rink has been upgraded with improved
performance for play and safety, a poly surface has been installed with better traction
and court markings. New backboards and goals have also been installed and have
been very popular already.
• Have you tried out the Fitness Loop? [maybe a photo] There are several stations around
the perimeter of the Rec Club property offering lots of different opportunities for cardio
and strength training.
• The sunscreen station and water station have been very popular all summer, especially
with campers.
• Watch for new surfacing on the tennis courts and remarking to create additional
pickleball courts in spring 2025.
• We’ve had great feedback on the colorful murals, new signage, and additional trees.
More landscaping and improvements to the grandstand are planned in 2025.
• Lots of work and planning is happening for a new and improved Skate Park! By far one
of our most used spaces on the property, this is an exciting opportunity for our
community. More information and a path to donate to the project here: SKATEPARKBristol Trail Network

The Bristol Trail Network continues to be popular with locals and out-of-town visitors, with some
sections tracking over 500 visits/month! Last year we hosted 3 “Slow Birding” sessions on
different trail segments with Vermont Bird Diva Bridget Butler. The trail also provided a venue
for “Yoga on the Trail” conducted by one of our UVM Interns. Stay tuned for more community
events on the trail in 2025.

The Bristol Recreation Club, Inc. will be voting on amendments to the club’s by-laws at the
scheduled board meeting on Thursday April 24 at 6:00pm at the HUB teen center.
These amendments have been drafted over the past year and were reviewed at the March 13,
2025 board meeting. All members of the Bristol Recreation Club, Inc. are welcome to attend the
April board meeting.
Summary of proposed changes:
• Update language to reflect current practice and more modern language
• Update board representation to reflect Memorandum of Understanding w the Town of
Bristol (2012)
• Allow voting to members who are Bristol residents only
• Combined Articles to streamline descriptions
• Eliminate “section” language for simplicity
For a full copy of the proposed by-laws or the last updated version of the by-laws (2014), click
the link below or contact Meridith McFarland (recdirector@bristolvt.org)
DRAFT 2025 proposed revisions Rec Club bylaws.pdf


These Bylaws can be amended at any regular meeting of the Club set by the Board, provided
that the amendments have been submitted in writing at a previous Board meeting. Votes on
changes of the Bylaws may be passed only by a 2/3 majority of the voting members present.
A two-week notice must be posted in two places in the town of Bristol, one of which may be an
advertisement in a local news outlet, for proposed by-law changes. It is not necessary to include
the actual proposed amendments, only that a meeting shall be held at which amendments shall
be considered.Please reach out with questions or to get involved with the club. You can reach us at
bristolrecclubvt@gmail.com

Thank you from the board,
Troy Paradee, Club President.
www.bristolrecclub.org