Development Authority approves $50,000 loan to Parks and Recreation; county commissioners discuss possible budget support

The Hampshire County Development Authority voted to loan $50,000 to the county Parks and Recreation department for capital improvements to three parks, Development Authority and Parks and Recreation officials told the Hampshire County Commission on April 22.

The loan will allocate about $20,000 for new playground equipment at Hampshire Park, with the remaining roughly $30,000 split between Camp Walker and Green Spring Park to make those sites eligible for primitive camping, Development Authority and Parks and Recreation representatives said. The authority’s board approved the loan at a prior meeting; Parks and Recreation presented the proposal to the commission for information and to discuss whether the commission might later provide direct budget support to replenish the authority’s infrastructure fund.

The commission’s president, President Eglanger, said the commission reinstated the infrastructure fund about a year ago to “kick start projects in the county,” and described the loan as aligned with that intent. Commissioner Mance and Commissioner Bridal praised the collaboration between Parks and Rec and the Development Authority and supported moving the project forward now. “I think it’s a good idea,” Mance said.

Mr. Carroll, representing Parks and Recreation, told commissioners the upgrades at Camp Walker and Green Spring would allow the county to generate new revenue by opening primitive campground sites; the $20,000 for Hampshire Park is specifically earmarked for playground equipment. Carroll said Parks and Rec manages five parks and that two currently produce no revenue; the loan is intended to create sustainable revenue streams.

Commissioners discussed whether the county commission should directly reimburse or otherwise support the Development Authority to restore the fund once Parks and Rec repays the loan. President Eglanger said a direct contribution would be subject to the county’s budget process and could be considered during future budget deliberations; he did not commit the commission to repay or supplement the authority at this meeting. Commissioner Bridal and Commissioner Brill echoed openness to reconsidering budget help in the future but did not make a motion to allocate county funds at the April 22 meeting.

The Development Authority’s loan approval and Parks and Recreation’s plan were presented to the commission so the county could be informed and consider future options for direct assistance. No formal appropriation or repayment plan from the county commission was adopted at the April 22 meeting.