Town of Mansfield

Parks Advisory Committee

Minutes from October 3, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 7:20 PM, following a group visit to Old Spring Hill Field.

Present: Ethan Avery, Sue Harrington, Tom Harrington, Jennifer Kaufman, Penny Potter, David Silsbee

Minutes from the September 5 meeting were accepted without revision

New Business:

Comments on Arthur’s Pond Subdivision Application:  PAC felt that there were no park-related issues to be addressed in this subdivision.  The committee  concurs with the comments of the OSPC and Conservation Commission with regard to potential impacts on Eagleville Brook and the wetlands running through the center of the property.

Continuing Business:

Management Plan Reviews: Jennifer and Ethan will meet to complete the Dunhamtown Forest review.

Park Updates:

Dunhamtown Forest: Ethan reported few problems.  He will be doing some fixing up of the trail and pulling of invasives, but did not see major problems.

Merrow Meadow: Tom and Sue reported that the front of the field looks good after the work day.  Jennifer reported that much of the loosestrife has been pulled as well.

Mt. Hope Park: Penny reported that the work day went well.  Trails were marked and cleaned up and some autumn olive was removed.

Eagleville Preserve: Jennifer reported that some progress has been made and that upcoming workdays are scheduled for Eagleville Preserve.

Southeast Park: Penny reported concerns about trash left after games and about the playing fields being used for riding horses.

Walking Weekend Plans were discussed.

FOMP:  Many FOMP programs continue to be cancelled for lack of enrollment.  An indoor program is planned for November.

PAC Projects:

Nature Center: Jennifer will arrange a meeting with Curt to discuss the project before formally approaching the school board or schools.

Management Plan Needs: No progress reported.

Staff Report: Jennifer reported on the progress of the River Park project and noted that although work is progressing well, it will need to be halted until contract paperwork can be completed.  WHIP work is caught up and looking good.

Other: Sue presented the idea of developing a Field Trip Binder for historical sites around town.  The binder would contain information and activities for different sites and would be available for schools to use for field trips.  It could also be available on the town web site.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20.

David Silsbee, Acting Secretary