Marion’s Open Space Acquisition Commission met on April 3 to go over a few action items, including a Point Road Bike Path update, proposed parkour course, and a survey.
Chair John Rockwell said an inspection of the bike path area is forthcoming with the commission saying the selection for the Point Road Bike Path “Construction Supervisor” is currently underway. Rockwell said they need someone with the experience necessary to make field decisions should they arise. He also volunteered himself for that role, “mostly because I’m available,” he added. He was appointed by the commission with a unanimous vote.
Following this, the minutes for the three prior meetings were approved from January 2, February 6, and March 6.
Discussion was then waged on the idea of using grant money for the addition of a parkour course at Washburn Park. In the last few decades, parkour has become increasingly popular in media as well as an exercise discipline. Rockwell said before the commission can give the go-ahead, a few things must be worked out. Location must be determined as well as the determination for parking. Maintenance must be discussed with the Recreation Department. A course must also be designed and approved with the entire process needing to be budgeted out as well.
Rockwell added this process will involve discussions with the public, also adding that the commission seeks to know if the addition of a parkour course is “a doable thing, or not. Or a good thing, or a bad thing.” The chair stated there is the opportunity for grant funding via the Community Preservation Act next year.
The final topic of discussion was that of a citizens’ survey for open-space needs of the town. The chair said the last survey of this nature was sent out in 2017-18, with the first being done in 1986 from the League of Women Voters and then again in 1994. They are done roughly every seven to eight years, according to Rockwell. Consistently, the commission said, the need and desire for local walkability has been high with Rockwell saying there is a need for more paths and trails.
The next meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisitions Commission was not announced at adjournment, though it will take place remotely in May.
Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission
By Sam Bishop