06/01/2026
I’m resigning as Chair of the Hamden Parks & Recreation Commission, effective immediately.
For 5 years, our Commission served with one mandate: act in the best interest of Hamden’s kids. We repeatedly raised urgent safety and fiscal concerns with town leadership. None were met with action.
1. Hamden Middle School fields are dangerous. Barren dirt, exposed rocks, uneven surfaces. We documented it for 5 years through reports, meetings, and direct warnings. Nothing was done. Turf isn’t cheap or instant — but 5 years of effort could have made progress. There was none.
2. The Louis Astorino Ice Arena contract fails taxpayers. The town pays all expenses and maintenance, then pays outside individuals to book ice time. We flagged this 5 years ago. It was set to expire June 30, 2026. Instead of reviewing it, the town just extended it another year, same bad terms.
3. Basic transparency broke down. The Town Clerk didn’t notify Commissioners when terms expired — including Rick Melvin, who kept attending and voting past Jan 31, 2025. That likely means most meetings weren’t official. Our Commission Clerk, Liana Paglia, was swapped out without warning. I fought to add high school students for their perspective and was excited to mentor them, but when youth commissioners were added, no one told the Commission or me.
A commission that advises but isn’t heard, and isn’t given basic admin transparency, can’t do its job. I won’t hold a title that suggests accountability without support.
I’m proud of our volunteers and staff. My commitment to Hamden’s parks and families hasn’t changed, and I’ll keep advocating as a resident.
I’m calling on town leadership to:
Immediately inspect and repair the Hamden Middle School fields
Start a transparent review of the Ice Arena contract before any more extensions
Restore proper communication with all town commissions
Our kids and taxpayers deserve better.
Ken Sweeten
Former Chair, Parks & Rec Commission
[email protected]
