A good bit of last night’s Chestertown Town Council meeting was focused on kids, parks, and playgrounds. Jenn Hicks, representing The members of the Chestertown Recreation Commission, summarized the committee’s extensive research and analysis work over the last several months. She also formally submitted the group’s recommendations for playground space in town.
In short, the Commission was recommending the Council consider the following:
I. Build a community playground area within a 100’ x 100’ area for children ages 2 – 12 at Bailey Park as a “first phase” with amenities to ensure the accessibility, comfort, and safety of children and their adult caregivers.
II. Install a small playground unit along the Gilchrest Rail Trail, as well as, a swing set at Wilmer Park.
III. Enhance the basketball court at “Ajax” to accommodate all ages.
IV. Evaluate the walkability and safe passage to all of the Town’s park locations – especially to Bailey Park – and vigorously promote the extension of the Rail Trail into county land.
V. Develop and finalize a land use plan for the remaining area of Bailey Park.
VI. Investigate the opportunity to establish and base a Police Athletic/Activities League-type program at the new police station building on the corner of High St. and College Ave
VII. Meet with members of the Kent County Board of Education, the Kent County Public Schools Superintendent, and staff and faculty members of HHGES to discuss the possibility of expanding the HHGES playground. (www.nationalpal.org).
Location Maps
Here is the full Report:
Chestertown Recreation Commission Community Recreation and Playground Recommendations
Richard Norton says
The presentation to Town Council by the Recreation Commission is a fine example of how the Recreation Commission should operate.
“Enhance Ajax Basketball Court” is of great concern as to its effect upon the growing arts community and investments being made. Input from the Town merchants is additionally needed. We have a few signs, “no public restrooms” hidden in commercial locations. The access to Ajax BB court needs to be coordinated with the adjacent property owners. Is fencing provided for privacy and safety of private lands. A few acres of valuable town land next to Ajax could be developed for resident usage to complement Wilmer Park and serve the Residents of the Historic District What is the status of the lands near Morgnec that were purchased with the justification for recreation usage near the Retirement Community. These people are a very large segment for the growth of Chestertown. Additionally the safe and easily accessible Trail serves as conduit for Washing College student to access the waterfront.
The concept of “older youth” playing at Ajax Park has not been the past experience of residents of the area. Thousands of dollars have been spent protecting windows and doors with plexiglass as there are always a few people who throw racks. As currently configured there seems to be drug exchange at Ajax due to its isolation and easy escape routes.
Ajax Park Basketball Court as originally configured was sold by the Town of Chestertown for private usage as part of the Redevelopment plan for Chestertown. The Rails to Trails represents a safe and busy recreational activity and is busy every day.
Facilities for the many people using the trail could be a Recreation Commission responsibility. The portable ‘outhouses’ at Wilmer Park certainly don’t reflect a town that desires visitors and serves it residents. Ajax park needs sewage and water connections designed to serve the needs of people already using our recreational facilities. In the downtown area. Public restroom facility planning should be incorporated into ALL planned and current public areas for residents and visitors.
PS> Perhaps I am getting to be a crotchety old geezer who desires performance from previous plans, so please be kind to the needs of the ‘older’ generation.. Remember the hundreds of thousands of dollar of private money already invested into redevelopment of “old Cannon St.” to promote and to enhance growth of an “Arts and Entertainment District”
R. V. Norton
312 Cannon St.
matthew weir says
Richard, As a fellow neighboring real estate owner, I echo your concerns. We have significant parking constraints at the property that borders the park and actively tow anyone who parks in the lot without being a visitor the the tenants. I should think that conversations with neighboring land owners would be of great importance.