Recreation Commission Chairman Michael Troup addressed Monday’s town council meeting with updated ideas to enhance the Ajax playground on Cross Street.
The recreation area recently installed playground equipment formerly used at the former Shared Opportunities Services, Inc. site, and is seeing daily use by local youth.
Troup suggested several upgrades that would help define the area as a public space noting that some people aren’t sure whether or not it is available to the public. He requested that the council consider some fencing to define the area, blacktop, benches and a trash receptacle to help keep the area clean.
Ajax Park is a positive addition to Chestertown’s mission to cultivate thriving and well-maintained community play areas. The Kent County Middle School playground, undergoing renovation this summer and Gateway Park near the traffic roundabout are all receiving attention, with a major rebuild almost completed at the Middle School.
The Middle School playground renovation has been underwritten by a grant from State Parks and Playgrounds grant, and matched by labor and materials from the town and is the result of a concerted effort between the town, Kent County Commissioner and the Kent County School Board.
“Just today I saw kids who’d parked their bicycles to shoot hoops on the Ajax court. That’s what I hoped for,” Mayor Cerino said.
Gateway Park
Ry’mir Wilson tries out the new track at Kent County Middle School. His father, Reggie Wilson sits at one of the workout stations newly installed there.
Hoops at Ajax playground on Cross Street.
Ford Schumann says
Mr Troup suggested defining the play area with a fence and upgrading it with a waste receptacle. I would suggest including a recycling receptacle for every waste receptacle. I call that equal opportunity. Every waste container should be placed with a recycling container next to it.
Marty Stetson says
Will you come by in empty recycling container
for free ? Now that would be a very nice gesture.
Margery Elsberg says
Hooray for all those who are making Chestertown more fun. When I ride the bike path by the Ajax half-court, I sometimes hop off my bike when young guys are there, shooting lay-ups. Without a word, they always toss me the ball (as if they don’t notice that I’m three or four times their age) and let me join the fun, and when I ride away, I know–all over again–that this is the best town in the whole wide world. –Margie Elsberg
Marty Stetson says
Margery.
What a very nice comment, it is nice to see and hear of people of all ages using our parks and trails. They are truly only nice and good for the community if they are being used.