Harwich Community Center Moves $100,000 Shade Structure Toward Bid, Weighs New Dog Policy

HARWICH -- May 8, 2026, Harwich Facilities Committee advances $100,000 shade structure toward bid and plans public listening sessions on a proposed dog policy. The committee, meeting May 8 at the Harwich Community Center, confirmed that the Community Preservation Committee has approved $100,000 for an outdoor sail-style shade covering behind the building, with Community Center Director Carolyn set to schedule a site walk with Facilities Director Sean Libby and procurement specialist Kara so an RFP can be drafted. A separately discussed patio addition remains unfunded and unscheduled, pending a cost estimate from Libby. The committee also reviewed a draft dog and service animal policy, modeled on existing library language and co-drafted by members Keith and Reagan, and agreed to hold public listening sessions, to be advertised via newsletter, Facebook, and the local access TV station, before forwarding any recommendation to the Select Board. Acting Recreation Director Jen Anderson, elevated to the role about a month into her tenure as a program specialist, attended her first Facilities Committee meeting and said summer camp is fully enrolled and staffing searches for lifeguards and a parking enforcement officer are ongoing. The committee voted unanimously to cancel its July meeting; the next session is June 12.