RICHMOND

After a one-year hiatus, Richmond is working to revive its summer recreation program.

Selectmen heard a presentation from the town’s recreation committee at their meeting last week. The program could return if selectmen add it to the proposed budget before the annual town meeting in June – and if there are enough people willing to help.

“Even if it makes it to town meeting, it’s going to be a dash to get it done,” said Town Manager Janet Smith.

Last year, Richmond provided transportation for people who sent their kids to the Boys and Girls Club in Gardiner.

The proposed summer recreation program would be open to children in Pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. It would run from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday for five weeks, starting July 10. Activities would include swimming lessons, field trips, and other summer activities housed at Marcia Buker Elementary School.

The proposed cost of the program is $100 per child. The committee anticipates 65-75 children taking part in the program, based on prior years’ participation.

The summer program is expected to cost $17,160, with an anticipated revenue of $6,500. Two adults would be hired to run the program in addition to 10 counselors.

The absence of a recreation director last year, Smith said, led to the town not having a summer program.

“The summer program was run by our former recreation director,” she said. “Last year, no one stepped up to bring it over.”

The proposed program would still have to be approved by the Board of Selectmen to be included in the budget at town meeting. If approved, a staff would be hired before the July 10 start date.