MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE NEWTOWN PARKS AND RECREATION’S
DOG PARK SUBCOMMITTEE
Town Hall South
~
February 2, 2010
PRESENT:
Parks & Recreation Commission Staff: RoseAnn Reggiano, Amy Mangold
Subcommittee Members: Ruth Hutchinson, Kaia Fahrenholz, Kathryn Simonds, Kim Jaeckel, Monica Roberto, Sue Thompson
~
1. PRC Update
Reggiano reported that Liz Stocker (Economic Development) said that the first round of soil tests on Site Plan A were inconclusive, and that a second round was necessary, with two new wells required. She did not foresee any problems but results from the second round of tests will take “several months”.
Reggiano reported that Ed Marks, PRC Chair, was comfortable with the subcommittee establishing a separate 501c3 charity designation, for fundraising ~purposes.
Mangold suggested the Subcommittee address the P&Z Commission directly for clarification on how much land they are willing to assign for the dog park. PRC has heard differing amounts from town employees, ranging from 1.5 to 4 acres (off the Trades Lane parcel). Fahrenholz & Hutchinson to attend on 2/18.
Fahrenholz to meet with FFHA on 2/17 to request a Plan B parcel be allocated within the “upper meadow” (overlooks back of the Youth Academy).
Fahrenholz proposed changing Subcommittee meetings from the 1st Tuesday of every month, to the 3rd, in order to more quickly communicate the decisions made by the PRC (which meets every 2nd Tuesday). There were no objections.
2. Dog Park Research: Research on Southbury, Ridgefield, Rowayton, Stamford, and New Canaan dog parks were presented. Final research is due by March 16th’s meeting. Any dog park enthusiasts willing to do research (internet, phone calls, interviews) over the next month, please call Kaia (203.364.0316).
3. Logo Finalists: Only six committee members cast votes for a favorite. Fahrenholz asked for two more versions to be submitted (along the lines of kids’ contest submissions) in order to give the committee and PRC more options for a final review.
4. Website: Beta version is ready. Fahrenholz to distribute link to volunteers for testing and feedback. Site will launch once PRC gives approval.
5. Fundraisers: Discussion Tabled. Email updates to follow.
| 
