CHESTERTOWN — An informal work study group session on Wednesday, May 22, shed some light on possible renovations and attractions coming to the parks in Chestertown.
In particular, four of them were their focus: Carpenter, Gateway, Bailey and Wilmer Park.
The Recreation Commission’s objective is to carry out the town’s first Ten Year Master Plan for the parks to connect by trails, have more green space and engage the community.
They’ve hosted two public events this year, one on April 8, and the other on April 30 in an attempt to gather community input.
The results provided them many ideas — none concrete as yet.
During the evening Wednesday session, Kat Stork Blaher owner of Shore Strategies, an organizational management firm, lent her planning expertise on how to move these projects forward.
In attendance were work study members from the Chestertown Recreation Commission Chair Jim Bogden, Secretary Danielle Cudone, and members Dwight Zilinskas and Inez Santori, and of the Tree Committee Ruth Menefee.
Blaher began her presentation describing current trends for parks and how Chestertown can follow if they chose.
She said there’s demand for more shaded areas with better internet and phone connections, maybe even chargers on benches, and plenty of green space.
After that, she addressed some of the unique challenges for each park in Chestertown.
Margo Bailey ParkDuring that April 8 meeting the commission had discussed Bailey Park entirely.
According to Bogden, the conversation was “cordial and rich, with give-and-take eventually leading to a rough consensus that the southern portion of the park should focus on enhancing natural green space, while more active recreational facilities should be located at the northern end.”
Blaher pointed out there are drainage issues at the north end of the park that need to be dealt with.
In that portion they discussed possibly putting an amphitheater or volleyball court.
But they want more information. As Santori pointed out, about 20 attended that April 8 session, most from Heron Point — among them four young adults and one upper-elementary student.
Santori acknowledged that isn’t enough representation to make a finite decision on the fate of Bailey Park.
Carpenter ParkBogden said the state has informed they are to get a $1 million grant in order to build a playground in addition to the swings already there. There is talk about separating the play areas too, so there is a section for older kids, and a tot center for the younger children.
The issue was brought up that the same problems they’ve had at Wilmer Park concerning the noise from the educational musical instruments, could repeat itself.
Menefee disagreed, and said the problem did not lie with children in the day time, but rather with adults at night, loitering after park hours, playing the educational instruments there and disturbing the neighbors.
This was discussed in detail at a town council meeting last August.
Gateway Sports ParkBlaher mentioned because of Gateway’s size, they’re limited to how much they can add. However, she warned of issues with invasive plants taking over.
Besides that, they said to improve that area with more court side seating and lighting so basketball can be played during the evenings.
Discussions were about a graffiti wall or mural there as well.
Wilmer ParkWilmer is already an event space on the water, perhaps the amphitheater suggested earlier for Bailey need not be, since this is where music venues are held already, Bogden pointed out.
Of note, is the parking situation there during major events.
Blaher said there is a slump line near, meaning over time, the ground will sink lower and lower beside the water. She said a way to mitigate that might be to construct a kayak launch area, ensuring the rip rap (rock layer) is sustainable.
They heard additional information from the public suggesting an extra pavilion for picnic tables and seating beside the water, which may or may not include a swing.
Safety cameras were also mentioned.
Zilinskas informed Blaher that there is no running water on the pavilion side either.
Blaher suggested that the commission work closely with the Washington College Master Plan on anything they decide in that part.
After talking about the specifics of each park there was some consideration about building a skateboard park somewhere in town.
With this comes two modes of thought.
Build a small one, like seen in Goldsboro, as discussed in an unofficial meeting August of last year. If that’s the case, the location could be in Gateway.
Or build a bigger skate park, like the one in Ridgely, complete with a mini-ramp and several basic skateboarding obstacles in a back and forth setup.
If something like that is built it would require more space, perhaps Bailey or similar locations.
Zilinskas, while at a park he was visiting observed skateboarding is becoming more of a family activity, and not viewed as negatively as it was in the past.
Another common theme in all the parks was access to public bathrooms and water fountains.
Before the close of the informal meeting, Blaher agreed with Santori saying before a first draft is written on any of the parks, they should hear more from the community.
As in times past, the commission will pass out fliers. Cudone said they’d reach out to various churches and schools as well. Menefee suggested planning fun events in the parks.
Blaher said those were all great ideas.
The commission needs the public to know they’re vital for the planning process of their parks going forward, and encourages reaching out to them with any ideas at ChestertownRecreation@gmail.com.
“Community engagement is hard,” Blaher acknowledged, sympathizing with the commission.
But worth it.
“Once the Ten Year Plan is completed, the Town of Chestertown will be well-placed to seek grant funding from the State of Maryland and other sources to gradually build out the community’s desires,” Bogden said.
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