Last week the Windham Parks &
Recreation Advisory Committee, which is relatively new to the town and made up
of volunteer community members, brought forth a concept and proposal for the
development of a community park. In
addition to members, Linda Brooks, head of Windham Parks and Recreation
Department, was also present.
Before the presentation, advisory committee
chair Pat Moody provided an update on the current status of the skate park. “As
you know the old ramps have been removed and new ones are just about complete.
It will not be as robust as it was but the park should reopen in about a month
or so. In the new plan we have an idea for the skate park as well and I will
get to that.”
The idea behind this community park is
to have someplace where everyone can go and interact for all age levels. It would
be located on the same parcel where the current skate park and community garden
are located on Route 202 next to the public safety building.
“These potential elements I have
presented would be phased in over time. The envisioned community park includes
a playground for young families to enjoy, a picnic area or green space, a frog
pond/splash pad of sorts, disc golf, and a gazebo/pavilion for public events
such as the tree lighting and concerts in the park.” Added to this, there would
be a basketball court and a beach volleyball court because these sports have
become very popular in Windham. “Right now there are 450 youth ranging from
kindergarten to six grades that participate in basketball and there are also
men’s leagues. Currently there is a volleyball program as well, so these sports
are highly utilized,” Moody continued.
Concern was raised about the future of
the community garden by councilor Dave Nadeau. “It is envisioned that a
walking/jogging track or loop would encompass the entire park, similar to what
you see at Back Cove in Portland. This of course would include the community
garden which would remain where it is,” responded Moody.
Concern was also voiced about parking. “If
this park attracts too much attention there is going to be an issue of
parking,” stated Nadeau. “As for the skate park, this will be relocated within
the parcel to accommodate additional parking,” assured Moody.
In regard to the total space available for
the park Nadeau said “I don’t see all these elements filling in the space of
that parcel. You have to prioritize the elements you want there.”
Along with Moody, Brooks agreed and
stated “we need to get engineers in there and look at it and see what will
fit.”
Regarding the financial responsibility
of such a project, “we discussed funding but it is something we need to
understand better. Right now the Town Recreation Impact Fee account has a
$160,000 balance. There are also grants available. If we build the skateboard
ramps out of concrete versus wood the Tony Clark Skate Boarding foundation will
provide some grant funding. We see this as a recognizable improvement in our
community and a good use of the funds,” said Moody.
Town Manager Tony Plante said “there is
also a Water and Land Conservation fund available. There are a number of things
we can pull together as part of our recreation plan. I think this is a good
time to be having this discussion since it is before we get into the 2018
budget.”
Councilor Tim Nangle also agreed. “This
would be a great use of these funds so get together and get to work on those.
It would be great to get use of some of the grants. I completely support
this.”
It was unanimous that moving forward,
estimates should be obtained from Sebago Technics who drew up plans for a
similar idea 10 years ago. Town Manager Tony Plante suggested “contacting
Sebago Technics, freshen up the plan and come up with some kind of phasing to
incorporate the elements.”
“Great things are happening in Windham,”
said Moody.
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