The Pawling Community Foundation (PCF) is seeking community feedback from residents and community organizations about recreation programs and possible improvements to various Town parklands, including Lakeside Park, Holmes Whaley Lake Civic Center, Holmes Pond and Edward R. Murrow Park. In January, the PCF formed a Parks Steering Committee with several of their board members and local community members including Town Supervisor Dave Kelly, former Town Supervisor and current PCF Board member Ed Hauser, and Town of Pawling Recreation Director Melissa Smith. The Committee is chaired by local resident Betsy Brockway, an experienced recreation and parks professional. The committee has surveyed parks and recreation programs in Pawling and in neighboring communities and will be obtaining feedback from residents through an online survey, as well as through a series of community meetings where residents can provide feedback in person.
Residents are encouraged to review the Parks Steering Committee’s White Paper outlining possible projects and opportunities, and then answer the online survey, all located on the PCF website at www.pawlingfoundation.org. The three community meetings are scheduled are scheduled at the following dates and locations:
Holmes Whaley Lake Civic Center, Tuesday, August 4 at 7 PM
Lakeside Park Lathrop Auditorium, Saturday, August 8 at 9 AM
Quaker Hill Country Club, late August
The mission of the PCF is to improve the quality of life for all Pawling residents by developing community resources and public space, by furthering the community’s economic vitality, and by supporting the arts, cultural activities, tourism, and recreation. The Foundation is best known for funding the construction of the Pawling Village Green through 100% private donations. The Green is now a center piece to the Village of Pawling, attracting events, residents, and economic vitality. The PCF is now turning its attention to Town parks and recreation in an effort to understand what the public sees as the next priorities for Pawling, including capital improvements to the parks and possible new recreation offerings. This effort is the next logical step in realizing the many opportunities presented in previous Town park planning efforts, such as the 2009 Update to the Parkland and Facilities Master Plan.
After completion of the online survey and community meetings, the Parks Steering Committee will work with the PCF to prepare a report for residents and the Town Board providing specific recommendations for capital projects for Town parks, potential new recreational programming, and a possible new function for Edward. R. Murrow Park. In addition to the White Paper, residents can find links to information about the existing park master plan, as well as the history of Edward R. Murrow Park, at www.pawlingfoundation.org.
