Citizens of Ashburnham
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
Original source can be found here.
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