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.