Township Committee Reviews Goals for Rec. Department

Springfield may be getting comfortable with having winning sports teams, but championship athletics shouldn't be the town's only recreational goal.

At the Township Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan. 26, township administrator Ed Fanning reviewed the goals of the Recreation Department: to provide learning, enjoyment, and companionship for children, adults and seniors.

In the past, he said, some sports programs for children have been marred by a few parents who are too competitive and who stress winning. Such attitudes, he added, miss the point of public recreation activities for children.

"Kids should have fun," he said, "and that's what we want to focus on."

With regard to the oft-discussed idea of a biking and hiking path along parts of the out-of-service rail line that runs through Springfield, some governing body members voiced the opinion that it's possible, while others see it as a non-starter.

Members were unclear about who owns the rail line and whether or not some of the rails have been removed. They all agreed, however, that many residents have a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitude. Many people whose property borders the rail line have in the past objected to any use of the railroad right-of-way that could produce noise or "strangers" passing by.