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UNH study recommends playground, rink and trail upgrades and a community center for Durham parks
Summary
UNH presenters told the Durham Town Council that Jackson’s Landing and Woodridge Park users favor playground and restroom upgrades, expanded year‑round rink facilities, more trail connectivity and a new community center; the report includes survey results, cost estimates and recommended funding sources.
Durham — Associate Professor Michael Ferguson and Clinical Associate Professor Matt Frye from the University of New Hampshire presented a community needs assessment on Aug. 4 that recommends a package of improvements at Jackson’s Landing and Woodridge Park and a top priority of creating a community center.
The study authors said they collected 101 on‑site park user responses and 555 responses to a broader mailed and online survey (a 15.1 percent response rate), and canvassed 3,000 households (roughly 60% in Durham). The report profiles typical users and lists common concerns: restroom condition, playground accessibility, shoreline overgrowth at Jackson’s Landing, and drainage and limited parking at Woodridge Park.
Recommended improvements at Jackson’s Landing include replacing playground equipment, enclosing and year‑rounding the rink, expanded boat storage and upgraded restrooms to support multi‑season use. At Woodridge Park the study recommends new playground equipment, additional seating and shade, improved accessibility for strollers and mobility devices, drainage fixes and expanded parking options during high‑use events, and suggested amenities such as a skatepark, pickleball courts and a pavilion.
The report frames a dedicated community center as the first priority for town residents and suggests several size and cost scenarios for Council consideration. The authors also recommended establishing a Recreation Revolving Fund to reinvest Parks & Rec user fees, grants and donations back into facilities and programs; presenters noted that about 82 percent of municipalities in the state have such a fund.
Councilors discussed phasing, potential funding sources and outreach that included Lee and Madbury residents. Administrator Todd Selig highlighted fiscal constraints and the need to balance equity and long‑term maintenance costs. The presenters pointed Councilors toward the National Recreation and Parks Association materials (NRPA.org) for further guidance and grant resources.
What’s next: The Parks and Recreation Department and Council will consider recommendations, potential phasing and funding options during master planning and budget discussions.
