By Scott MacKeen
Contributor
6/12/08

(previous)
“Park Commissioners do everything they can with less money (than some other departments),” he said. “If they say this is good for Turners Pond, I trust they know what they’re doing.”
If approved by the Conservation Commission, the first phase of construction will begin in the fall near Central Avenue. The path will consist of a layer of stone-dust and will be wide enough to allow for wheelchairs and baby strollers.
Many school children rely on the path around Turners Pond to walk to Glover School, and Shields pointed out that Glover Principal Dore Korschun has said that the new path would offer children an easier and safer walk.
Residents who live near the pond have expressed concerns about the project, saying that a stone path will take away from the area’s natural beauty and that increased traffic along the path will create more trash.
Town officials say no trees will be damaged and that extra trash barrels will likely be placed along the walk. At the meeting, Driscoll added that the new path will be made to blend in with the natural colors of surrounding landscapes.
Said Driscoll: “We recognize the concerns and appreciate them. The goal is to keep it a beautiful park.”
Officials will continue to discuss ongoing concerns about potential harm to pond wildlife at a June 17 Conservation Commission meeting.
The commission has asked the parks department
to submit a plan for replacing the wetlands and
flood plain areas that would be lost because of the project.
Chair Don Neal says there is a location on the north side of the pond near a drainage stream that could likely be transformed into wetlands. Neal says if the wetlands plan is acceptable, the proposed path would be ready for a vote.
Senior Volunteers
Selectmen approved an increase of five volunteer positions for the Council on Aging’s Senior Tax Work Off Program.
COA Director Mary Ann Sullivan said at the meeting that she has received many requests from seniors who want to take part in the program.
“I hear from people who tell me that they thought they didn’t have anything left to give (after retirement),” she said. “Now they feel like they’re making a difference. I think we will see many more seniors interested in this helpful program.”
The program offers seniors a chance to help out around town in various departments. It has just completed its fourth year, in which it had 25 volunteers, including 10 seniors greeting and helping visitors at town hall. The program also sent volunteers to schools for the first time this year.