Friends of Parks and Recreation present fundraising feasibility findings; group to pursue small projects while coordinating with town plans

Friends of Parks and Recreation presented a fundraising feasibility and readiness study to the Alton Board of Selectmen and discussed next steps that prioritize small, visible park improvements and expanded community outreach while coordinating with town planning for larger projects.

The group's presenter summarized that the study largely echoed previous community plans and surveys and supplied specific feedback about parks use and visibility. The presenter said the group will continue outreach and stakeholder interviews and expects to produce one or two small, visible park improvements by next spring. "I'm gonna see something in the ground by next spring, even if it's 1 or 2 small things, additions to enhance some of the parks in Alton," the presenter said.

Kelly Sullivan, who identified herself as a member of the Friends board, said the group did not know about an emerging Town DPW facility plan when the study began and that uncertainty complicates long-range park planning. "Without all of that knowledge, it's hard to kind of plan accordingly," Sullivan said. She described the group's approach as cautious and phased: start with small, achievable projects while continuing to pursue 501(c)(3) status and broader collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Commission and other town stakeholders.

Board members pressed for clarity on scale and fundraising assumptions. One selectman noted the report used $300,000 as a test figure to gauge support for a larger Jones Field playground; the presenter said that figure was only a hypothetical test amount to probe resident reaction and is not fixed. The report's survey sample represented roughly one-half of one percent of town voters, the board observed.

Members discussed the benefits of a Parks and Recreation master plan to phase projects and align fundraising with town property plans — including a longer-term possibility that DPW facilities relocate, freeing town-owned land for recreation. The Friends group said it will continue outreach at community events, use social media and town pages to gather input and coordinate with Parks and Recreation staff and the Selectmen.

The board did not take formal action on the report; members expressed appreciation for the work and urged continued coordination with town departments before the group asks for major fundraising support.