Weathersfield Parks and Recreation Commission

Proposal for Town-owned land on Tenney Hill Road

Mission:  It is the mission of the Weathersfield Parks and Recreation Commission (WPRC) to establish and maintain resources that provide recreation, community gathering, and natural educational opportunities to residents of all ages within the town. 

This commission is manned by volunteers and recruits additional volunteer labor to accomplish its goals.  There are no financial or even honorary rewards for being part of this commission. There is also no personal agenda in regards to this property.  The commission has responded to a request from the Selectboard to explore the potential for this property.  The proposal being offered by the Commission was found to be the best possible option, once all options along with their pros and cons were considered and weighed. 

Proposal:  The intent is to preserve this property as a conservation area, with limited, low impact, family focused hiking and picnicking allowed.  Originally, more extensive recreation was considered for the site, but due to local resident concerns and the conservation report, the approved activities would be limited to picnicing, hiking, and fishing in the pond. 

Rationale - The Survey distributed by the Parks and Recreation Commission shows that the resource requested most frequently by townspeople are hiking and picnicking areas.  Parking and picnicking on the state parklands is not free of charge, thus limiting those that can currently access this resource and activity within our town. 

This land adjoins the state-owned land and the trails system therein, thus providing general hiking and walking opportunities.  The pond area is a natural resource site that would provide excellent study opportunities for the students in our school systems.  Although it does not have a stream flowing in or out of it, the pond is spring fed and is currently supporting a fish population.  With minimal labor, a fairly level hiking trail could be completed encircling the pond and would allow families with young children a “low impact” hike with potential for a handicapped accessible trail.  The current trails link to the Wilgus State Park trail system, which provides a more rigorous hike for those interested in added challenge. 

Zoning issues - The Tenney Hill property is zoned for high-density residential use.  Using the land, as it is zoned, would allow up to 1 home per acre of land.   This use would eliminate the wildlife and the recreational access that most survey respondents voiced as a priority.   This would also negatively impact the traffic and road maintenance issues that are cited by the local residents. 

The proposed “Town Conservation Area” development is permitted as a conditional use, with completion of the permit process.   This is the least invasive use for the land and might alleviate some of the problems with ‘unauthorized use’ that are currently occurring at the property. 

Town water supply - Preserving the property as a conservation area protects the resources for consideration of future water use      

Key component of proposal is to identify the work needed - Because the town owns this land, there is work that needs to be done whether we go forward with this plan or not. Because we own the land and have installed a dry hydrant there -

• The hydrant is vital and necessary. It provides fire protection for this area of the town.  The road access needs to be improved and widened to ensure access to the dry hydrant.  Along with improving the road, a turn-around area must be created to ensure that the fire trucks can get in and around.  . 
• Whether this plan is approved or not, there needs to be clear, legal signage installed to limit access and ensure safety on the property – esp. no swimming, no winter use of ice (dry hydrant)
• Policing of property