(Chelsea Update would like to thank Shawn Personke for the recap of this meeting.)
The City of Chelsea Parks and Rec Commission discussed a full agenda at its April 4 meeting.
The TimberTown/Trailhead project continues to move ahead in partnership with HWPI and other groups. The 4-prong project has a goal of designating TimberTown Park as an official trailhead, while improving and updating the play structure, repairing the Pathway to Renewal, and adding pickleball courts.
Subcommittees have been meeting to discuss the best options for each of the projects. The TimberTown play structure subcommittee met with Lee Archin of Play by Design to review the current condition of TimberTown and make recommendations for short-term and long-term improvements. Archin was a lead member of the company that helped build “TimberTowns” throughout the country in the 1990s. The sub-committee will meet again to explore next steps.
City Manager Roy Atkinson has been meeting with Jeff Hardcastle, of HWPI, and Stantec, an engineering firm, to plan infrastructure improvements at the park.
New play equipment for Pierce Park should be installed in late May. Bike racks, purchased with 5 Healthy Towns Foundation sponsorships, will be installed at Pierce Park and Veterans Park.
A new pavilion to provide shade will be installed at the Dog Park, located behind the city’s water treatment plant. Friendly signage, an area for dogs that need a separate space, and a keyless entry system are also under consideration. Commissioner Patrick Muldoon has taken the lead on this project.
Atkinson continues to work through options for a community center. Later this month, he’ll be meeting with a larger group of stakeholders to discuss ideas that are both affordable and meet the needs of the community, including those determined by a 2022 survey.
Atkinson and Commissioner George Merkel are discussing with the DDA the opportunity to turn the “sledding hill” next to the Purple Rose Theatre into a small 4-season city park.
The commission gave much thought on how to make all the city parks more accessible according to ADA standards, after being approached by a local girl scout on building stairs between Twisters and Pierce Park. Commissioner Sharon Castle will research best practices and report to the commission at the next meeting on May 2.
