Melville Park volunteers ask council for part-time steward, trail and fishing improvements

Stephen Luce, chair of the Melville Park Committee, presented a detailed report and slide show describing the park’s history, ecology and numerous volunteer-led improvements. He asked the council to consider funding at least one part‑time park steward (10 hours per week or similar) to coordinate maintenance, organize volunteers, pursue grants and perform light stewardship tasks.

Luce described the park’s key features — Mattapacetti Brook and multiple ponds — and noted ongoing issues: trail erosion and mud on low sections, invasive oriental bittersweet strangling trees, a small fishing deck that is heavily used and could be expanded, a floating dock that has become difficult to access and vandalism/graffiti on a historic water tower. Committee members and volunteers have completed repairs and small projects (boardwalk, bridge, cleaned storage shed) and have limited budgets (committee annual budget previously between roughly $13,000–$18,000).

Luce said the committee has secured occasional volunteer support from local landscapers and scouts but that the work load exceeds volunteer capacity. He suggested a modest stewardship position (part-time, seasonal) that could be funded partially from the committee budget and augmented by grants or donations. He also invited councilors and the public to a guided Melville Park tour scheduled for June 28 at 10 a.m.

Why it matters: Melville Park is a 110+ acre town recreational area with ponds, hiking trails and natural features used by local residents and visitors. Routine stewardship affects resident safety, habitat quality and the town’s outdoor amenities.

Next steps: The council received the report and placed it on file. Committee leaders asked staff to explore options for a part-time steward, grant opportunities and capital improvements (improved fishing decks, boardwalk repairs, invasive control) and to list any potential budgetary sources.