The town council voted 4-2 this week to reject the conceptual plan for a community park next to the Windham Public Safety Building. This was a scaled-down plan, as the council had rejected plans for a more elaborate park last month.

The denied plan included building a BMX track and expanding the skate park, as well as open space for activities such as picnics.

“I wouldn’t authorize one penny that’s going to go to filling a park with kids next to a 50 mph zone,” said councilor Kaile Warren at Tuesday’s meeting. He called the park a “colossal waste of resources.”

Councilor Donna Chapman said she thinks the tranquility of the park would constantly be disturbed by fire trucks, but does support the BMX track.

Councilors Bob Muir and Liz Wisecup also voted against the plan.

Voting to accept the plan were councilors Carol Waig and John MacKinnon. Councilor Blaine Davis was absent due to injuries received in a car accident last week.

“We need to look ahead,” said MacKinnon. He said the town should consider building a sidewalk between the high school and the skate park to help protect those walking from one to the other. He defended the location saying parks can be taken over by drug dealers and the proximity to the police would prevent that.

Windham High School student David LeClaire, 15, of Brookhaven Drive encouraged the council to build a BMX track in the area. He said kids who do stunts on their bikes in parking lots can get a $25 fine and a track would keep them away from businesses, as well as encourage physical exercise.

Community Services Officer Matthew Cyr said he supports the track because, like the skate park, it would keep juvenile crime down by giving kids a safe place to practice extreme sports.

“I don’t think it’s always the community’s responsibility to provide a place for children to play,” said Councilor Wisecup.

Parks and Recreation Director Brian Ross said he will adapt and resubmit the plan to support expanding the skate park and building a BMX track, but nix the park area.

BMXPark: Windham High School student David LeClaire, 15, of Brookhaven Drive spoke to the town council Tuesday supporting the creation of a BMX track in Windham. He is on the track and football teams, and owns 10 different BMX bikes. He said the track would encourage physical fitness and cut down on juvenile crime.