Charge:

To assist the Select Board in the management, oversight, and promotion of the maintenance and use of designated town parks and recreational areas. In particular, these areas are the Town Common and Community Park, the Jacobs Road Recreational Grounds, and the Burnt Hill-Catamount Town Forest (Shapiro Land and Davenport Family Land). The mission of this Committee is to enhance the quality of life for Heath residents and guests by providing opportunities for relaxation, play, learning and socialization that promote a strong sense of community, as well as offer opportunities for personal growth and well-being in a safe atmosphere.

Composition:

The Parks and Recreation Committee shall consist of five (5) members who are appointed annually by the Select Board. Each member will be committed to preserve, protect, maintain, improve, and enhance Heath’s natural resources, parks, trails and protected conservation areas with the goal of promoting good stewardship of the environment for current and future generations to enjoy.

This committee works in coordination with the Building Maintenance Coordinator, the Highway Department and the Town Coordinator for planning and maintenance purposes.

Outline of Proposed Tasks:

Recruits volunteers to:

• Assist with maintenance and enhancement of the recreational park areas
• Support the work of marketing/promoting park areas for recreational use
• Aid in any fund-raising activities

Seeks funding for maintenance and enhancement of the recreational park areas through:

• State or federal grant opportunities
• Community fund-raising activities

Completes a regular (recommended annually) assessment of recreational lands and equipment:

• In consultation with the Building Maintenance Coordinator for playground equipment
• With evaluation for areas of needed repairs
• With recommendations for future development of park and recreational usage
• In regular and timely communication with the Select Board, Building Maintenance Coordinator and/or Highway Superintendent (as relevant)

Manages and provides oversight for:

• Maintenance of safe hiking trails, recreational and play areas and equipment
• Organization of public recreational events

APPROVED BY THE HEATH SELECT BOARD July 19, 2022