Last Wednesday, Teaticket residents gathered at to discuss a new park proposed by the 300 Committee. The park is set to be constructed on a parcel of land adjacent to Route 28 that was formerly occupied by Joe’s Driving Range.
The 300 Committee signed a purchase and sale agreement for the parcel last December. It is the last ten-acre tract of land in Teaticket; for this and other reasons, SSA (Stephen Stimson Associates), the firm hired by the 300 Committee for conceptual planning, believes that the land has great potential as a future park.
Eddie Marshall, an SSA associate, began the meeting by briefing the villagers on the preliminary plans for the park.
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“We wanted to look at the subtle distinctions in the land ... I think the nature of the site really offers that opportunity,” said Marshall as he presented conceptual drawings and maps.
Marshall showed plans for a park that focuses on the natural beauty of the area, using small walking paths, pavilions, public seating and a boardwalk. Marshall also noted that the park could act as a “punctuation point” on Route 28 that would encourage drivers to slow down.
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After the briefing, Teaticketers were encouraged to offer suggestions for the new park. Ideas included play areas for children, integration with bike paths and concerts at the pavilion.
However, villagers shied away from the idea of an active park generally.
Cheryl Williams, a member of the Teaticket Association, noted that “the consensus in our group has always been to keep [the park] small, keep it for the neighborhood.”
As the discussion moved forward, it became clear that the park would need to be a good neighbor. Villagers were concerned about issues that could adversely affect residents, such as park lighting, water level stabilization, access for emergency services, parking and continued maintenance.
300 Committee members explained that a community effort will be necessary in building and upholding the park, seeing that this is the largest project undertaken by the committee to date.
300 Committee member Vicky Lowell put it this way: “This is a leap of faith and we hope you’re going to jump in with us.”
If Wednesday’s meeting is any indication, Teaticketers are ready and willing.
For more information, visit the 300 Committee's website or SSA's website.
