I had intended, and in fact had written, a very different first column. But as events seem to unfold what had been intended to be a subsequent column now has new pertinence. Hopefully my introduction will soon follow.

Currently, the town of Windham is considering the creation of a central town park next to its public safety building on Route 202. It is important to reflect on just why towns have parks and what they offer that cannot be gained any other way. As with every issue there are those who are in favor and those who are apposed to a town park or at least any public investment toward such. I would imagine with much certainty there are those who are opposed to libraries and public school systems and for the very same reasons.

Why, some may ask should, a town supply something at public expense that can be had through private means. This then gets to the heart of how we see a town and hence government and what can and cannot be gained through private means.

Is there a responsibility of government to not only allow for citizens to be safe and secure but to also have a base means to thrive as a community and as individuals. (This does not mean everyone is supplied with a new BMW but it is why we have libraries, historic sites, parks and social services.)

The ability to connect with nature and importantly with each other is and has long been seen as critical to the health and well-being of a community. The notion of public space is fundamental to the New England tradition of parks, greens, and commons. Parks may be oriented toward neighborhoods or entire municipalities. Parks are places where people can be physically active and engage in play.

Likewise, they are places where people can find rest, renewal and solitude. People meet each other in parks to share moments and find new friendships. As well, parks are places where people can gather collectively with family, friends or those of common interests. They are where children play. Often there are cultural activities in parks. (While generally not the favored location of heavy metal enthusiasts, parks have been known to be the place where one might find a choral group or a Dixieland band play on a Sunday afternoon.) In parks people can come and go to enjoy the outdoors and each other. They are in many ways the soul of a community.

The town of Windham is considering a park. In so doing it is considering far more than just a park, it is considering an investment in residents’ quality of life. They are for a town what the lawn, porch and deck are for a home.

In a recent Cape Elizabeth study it is found that, Windham spends, per capita, far less on parks and recreation than of all of our neighboring and comparable suburban communities. While there is a mean of 81.96 (which includes Brunswick and South Portland) Windham comes in at 31.46. While no statistic ever tells the whole story what it does say is that Windham gets a tremendous bargain in the recreation department and there is room, if not a necessity, to grow.

I fully realize that there is a great tendency toward and importance in, fiscal conservancy. However, as we avoid public expenditure it is important to see the larger picture and ask at what cost and what benefits can be collectively gained through often small investments. In the end, with a few exceptions withstanding, most of us will look back on our lives and measure it by things such as the health and happiness of our children, friendships made, experiences gained, and the strength of our community and our quality of place … not by how low our tax rate may be.

It is in the common domain of places like parks that community is built, nurtured and sustained. It is in these areas, accessed and enjoyed equally among all people and all generations, that life is given meaning.

It was once said that if people want a park they can just get together and buy one. If that isn’t the definition of a town I do not know what is.