OXFORD — After an Oxford resident approached selectmen earlier this month about the possibility of starting daytime children’s programs through the Recreation Department, the board has asked Director Patty Hesse to restart the town’s recreation committee to study the idea.

Heather Langelier had spoken with officials in both Poland and Harrison about their programs and updated the board during its July 1 meeting.

Board Vicechair Sharon Jackson renewed discussion of children’s recreation at the July 15 meeting, with other selectmen, agreeing to reconvene a rec committee for the first time in three years.

In a report to the board, Hesse informed directors that, especially since the pandemic, there has been a decline in kids participating in special rec events, such as the annual Easter egg hunt which, in the past, has seen scores of children participating but only drew eight this year.

During the winter Hesse had coordinated a snowman building project that kids could do either at home or at Oxford’s Pismo ballfield while they were isolated from each other, but only one parent submitted a photo. A scheduled one-day pickle ball camp had no participants.

There are plans for a kids’ basket weaving class and an introduction to basketball basics workshop this summer.

Currently, Oxford’s rec committee has two members, Lois Pike and Karen Miller.

Jackson said she would like to see a rejuvenated committee look at new children’s programming with a focus on bringing revenue to the town.

Any Oxford resident who would like to participate in future town recreation planning and projects should call Hesse at the Station House Community Center  at 207-539-8094, or email her at [email protected].

Meeting dates and times for the committee will be scheduled by Town Manager Adam Garland in the near future.