By Lisa Carolin
Chelsea Parks and Recreation Commission members welcomed new member Rebekah Stoffer, Chelsea Schools Youth Recreation and Enrichment Coordinator, at its Nov. 3 meeting.
Several commissioners recently visited the Freer Road property that was purchased several years ago with park funds. Their observations included that there is plenty of space, and that the area is beautiful and features many old trees. A Chelsea Area Housing Commission representative was also there to talk about how the space can be shared.
Parks Commission member Shawn Personke is currently working on a green space document press release that stresses the importance of having natural habitat and what it means to the community and how housing and natural space needs can be compatible.
Commission members are also working on a park asset usage policy, a consistent, overarching system for the public to be able to reserve and/or rent pavilions in Chelsea’s parks. The Parks Commission will vote on a system for taking requests at its December meeting.
A lost and found collection has just begun at Holmes Family Park on the first Monday of every month. There will be a picnic table with lost and found items every week until Friday, and any unclaimed items will be donated. There was also concern expressed about the amount of trash at Holmes Family Park, with a reminder for people to clean up the picnic tables after use.
The Parks Commission Subcommittee is working on making Pierce Park ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) friendly. Subcommittee members are working on the play structure and walkway, a rain garden, and a connector to other pathways in the community.
Also announced at the meeting was a celebration of Letts Creek in partnership with the Chelsea District Library. A dozen regional water experts will take turns speaking monthly at the library beginning in December.
There is an opening on CERC (Community Education and Recreation Collaborative) for anyone interested.
The Chelsea Parks and Recreation Commission’s next regular meeting is on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m. in City Council Chambers.
