Results of Park & Recreation Study

THANK YOU ALL WHO ATTENDED THIS EVENT

SEE ATTACHMENT BELOW for the Final Report

or Watch the VIDEO

The Park & Recreation Study Committee will present its report to the public on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 6 p.m. at Oakmont High School Auditorium. The committee kindly requests your attendance.

Background

In the May 3, 2022 Annual Town Meeting, the voters passed the following article unanimously:

Delete Article 28 and direct the Select Board to create study committee staffed with independent members to:

•  Interview Park & Rec members (current and past), the TA and the Select Board members to understand and document their respective issues and desired future states
•  Survey surrounding communities for issues, successes, best practices and funding levels
•  If funding gap exist in Ashburnham, work with the TA on a time phased plan to close the gap
•  Decide which structure for Parks & Rec best fits Ashburnham’s needs
•  Determine if a Charter change is required, and if so, draft the change
•  Hold public hearings
•  Report back at the next annual town meeting

On May 17, 2022, the Select Board appointed a three-person Park & Recreation Study Committee:

•  Candace Wright, retired principal of JR Briggs Elementary School
•  Jeff Lawrence, retired Principal of Oakmont High School
•  Ed Vitone, Secretary of Board of Library Trustees

Due to unforeseen family needs, Jeff resigned in August and was replaced by Dave Uminski who was also a retired Principal of Oakmont High School.

Procedure

In fulfillment of its mission, the Committee:

•  Benchmarked Ashburnham’s Park & Rec services against 26 communities in facilities, services, structure, and budget
•  Researched Town History from the mid-1880’s to today
•  Interviewed personnel
•  Analyze information & develop a notional “Go Forward” Plan

Next Steps

The committee will present its work to the public, evaluate feedback and prepare draft changes to the Town Bylaws and/or Charter for consideration by the voters at the next Annual Town Meeting.

We hope to see you 6 p.m. Monday evening, November 14, 2022 at the Oakmont Auditorium.

Candace Wright

Dave Uminski

Ed Vitone