By Debra Parkhurst
Concerned citizens filled the Multipurpose Room at Town Hall during the Selectmen’s meeting on Monday, January 3 regarding the future of Springs Brook Park (SBP). Recreation Commission Chairman Ron Richter, along with Commission members and staff, came to the Selectmen seeking assistance in keeping the Park open and functioning.
In 2016, the Commission invested $213,562 from their revolving fund, aka “Revolver,” into many of their activities, including Summer Adventures (camp), gymnastics and soccer programs, as well as partnering with the schools on projects and the youth center.Of those expenditures, $155,000 went to support Springs Brook Park. The Commission also plans $202,000 in future expenses, of which half may go to spray park repairs at SBP. At the same time, there was $183,000 in losses in some of the programs, including $105,000 from the new model at SBP. The SBP loss was expected. Additional new hits to the Revolver budget included administrative costs and the New Youth Center. There is currently $186,000 in the revolving budget.
Springs Brook Park, long functioning as a recreation space for summer activities and swimming, curtailed its operations in recent years due to water clarity and crowding issues. The attempted engineering fixes over the years have been only partially successful. While the Park was fully open to the public a few years ago, with daily passes and out of town memberships encouraged to offset expenses, overuse caused stress on the facility and changes were necessary.
Last year, in order to keep the Park operational, the Commission decided to close SBP to non- residents, except for those who purchased seasonal memberships. Daily passes were available for Bedford residents, and membership was encouraged. SBP also closed on weekends to help with the water clarity issues. The stated goal was “to make SBP a Bedford family destination through additional amenities, programs and a new participation model.” While the changes increased use among Bedford residents, and there was “anecdotal evidence” of an improved experience for residents, there was, as expected, a considerable loss of income without the daily passes. A regional shortage of certified lifeguards presented a staffing problem as well.
After considering several scenarios, the Commission is hoping to remain open for 2017, with a five day schedule (Tuesday through Saturday), including swim lessons. Swim lessons as part of the day camp are questionable. However, the department needs to begin looking for staff as soon as possible, requiring support from the Selectmen and the Finance Committee as they grapple with the finances.
Selectman Carolyn Fedele, liaison to the Commission, said that many ideas came from residents who attended Commission meetings.Selectman Margot Fleischman reiterated her support for SBP and the importance for children to learn to swim, “and be safe around water,” and was pleased that swimming remained part of the focus. Chairman Mike Rosenberg suggested the formation of a “Friends of Springs Brook Park” to supplement funding over time.
Many residents spoke in support of continuing operations at SBP. Judy Wilson said her dad (Bob Mead), who began the Park with the assistance of the Boy Scouts, was quite upset that it could close. Her dad is a 92 year-old Rotarian and a former Citizen of the Year (1996).
Chloe Wheaton said the Park has changed a lot since four years ago, and suggested that increased positive marketing of the Park to the Town in general is in order. She said the residents in the audience were present to make sure that closing does not happen, noting that the Park provides “memories, an asset for the town.”
Sheila Green noted that last year swim lessons were cut back, and said signing kids up for Adventure Camp could be questionable if swim lessons were not part of the camp day.
Selectman Bill Moonan commented that while he and his family enjoyed the Park when his children were young, that without some kind of membership increase, the on-going expenses and losses year after year are not sustainable.
Richter pointed out that the Recreation Department is at a tipping point, and that it would be “disingenuous to start posting jobs” without support from the town.
Rebecca Grossman asked the Selectmen how the Town views or values this asset. It is more than “just revenue in and out.” Chairman Rosenberg agreed that this was a good question; the Town does not necessarily believe other assets, such as the library, can be self- sufficient.
Stephen Hartnett suggested that the Park is part of the Town’s identity and serves the public good. He added that elimination of the Park suggests that people should only join private clubs. “Springs Brook Park has been and continues to be a symbol of egalitarian good,” he said, and should be supported by a group and marketed as a testament to how Bedford is a “little different.”
Danielle Heck asked what would constitute a credible support group. She also remembered lifeguarding at the Park when there were many lifeguards.
Suzanne Koller inquired about concrete steps that could begin tonight to increase support. She also wondered if using Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funds is possible. Selectman Fleischman said that while CPC funds can be used for Recreation purposes, they cannot be used for operating funds or standard maintenance. Chairman Rosenberg said that a support group is a part of the formula, but they do not expect a “friends” group to solve all issues, noting that Friends of the Library and Friends of the COA provide benefits.
Selectman Fedele recognized the Recreation Department for their marketing efforts over the past year. She also noted that the Revolver balance is less than it has been and they are spending more than is available. The question remains if there is support for another summer, while also acknowledging it is not sustainable for the long term and the need for a solution.
Selectman Mark Siegenthaler said there has been on-going support for SBP for years, and that forming a friends group is a fine idea, but it is not a solution for the larger problems. The Town is at the beginning of the budget process, and the Selectmen do not yet know what all the competing interests are for town funds. The issue remains how to make the Park the best it can be, but thento also look at what long term needs are ahead for the Town. There are difficult and specific needs for swim lessons. A town pool, not in the Springs Brook Park location, may someday be the answer. In the meantime, residents may want to go to the budget meetings to follow the process.
Derek Peplau spoke of his initial image of the park five years ago, and what it has become today, and that it may be a “branding” issue. Increasing smart use of marketing and social media is needed.
Richter once again asked about support, noting the longer they wait this year, the greater the risk that they cannot provide the services or the staff. They have to hire staff and management now, despite the budget not being complete. Selectman Fleischman said if a commitment supportive of the five- day planis made, then steps need to be laid out so that the Recreation Commission is comfortable that there will be sufficient funding for them to move forward.
Town Manager Rick Reed said that the Finance Committee has set up guidelines for a 1 percent increase for all departments (beyond the personnel factor), which leaves $80,000 for new items. The Selectmen have already heard about needs from various other departments and committees. Reed noted that the Revolver has been absorbing administrative and youth center costs. He further suggested those costs could perhaps be moved back to the operating budget to help balance the Revolver. He noted that these costs were moved out of the town’s operating budget a few years ago at the request of the Finance Committee, which caused the Recreation Commission to use more of its revolving fund.
A sign-up sheet to begin the Friends group is circulating.
Editor’s Note: Bedford TV videotaped the meeting; click here to watch.
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