This is in response to the Oct. 18 column in The Current by Karen Vachon.

Why should we build the Black Point Community Park?

Fact: The 11-acre parcel of land has been deeded to the town of Scarborough, is located in the R-2 zone and is meant to be used for recreational purposes.

Reality: If we construct a park on it today, it will always remain a park. Karen Vachon recently wrote that by saying this we are, in effect, using “fear that the unthinkable will be built.” Those words belong to Karen, not us. In our ever-changing world, we repeat, “it will always remain a park.” Let us be clear that regardless of the result of the upcoming vote, this site will never become a “factory.”

Ms. Vachon’s commentary focuses on the fact that surveys prepared from three to eight years ago do not call out a park as the most critical need for the town. Ms. Vachon further states that the comprehensive plan update also does not place a park as the top priority. In our opinion, dated surveys and plans updated by a small (but very hardworking and dedicated) group of citizens certainly do not outweigh the democratic process of providing every voter with the opportunity to be heard at the polls. If we debate the merits of a project in full view of the public and then allow the voters to decide to approve or disapprove, isn’t this the best measure of the project? That said, the points raised by Ms. Vachon are addressed below.

Fact: The 1999 Attitude Survey, page 44, lists the three most important projects for the town. First is the “creation of pedestrian and bicycle access.” Second is “a Community Center” and third on the list is “purchasing undeveloped land for preservation or passive recreation.”

Reality: The town is diligently working on the first project with development of the Eastern Trail. Consideration and discussion continues regarding how to connect our neighborhoods and parks to the Eastern Trail and similar trails. Furthermore, by building the park, with the inclusion of a sidewalk on Fogg Road, the town is making access to the park safer for neighboring residents to walk and ride bicycles.

Although the survey indicates that a community center is our second most important project, Scarborough residents voted down this option in a November 2001 election, 2,471-1,720. It is important to note that during our recent discussion with the senior group, the question was raised if the pavilion at the proposed park could be used during the summer for seniors to teach crafts to our youth. This type of activity and interaction at the park would help to create a “center of community” between our youth and our senior citizens. Isn’t it far more important and beneficial to create community than to build a community center?

That brings us to the third important project. The Black Point Community Park will make good use of undeveloped land for passive recreation. The park proposal will include paved walking paths, basketball and tennis court, playground area for the children, benches to sit and read or watch a ball game on the multi-use field and a pavilion, where families of all generations can gather and enjoy each other’s company.

Fact: The 2000 Growth and Services Report, page 27, indicates that 72 percent of our residents agreed that “extracurricular activities such as sports, music and clubs are an important part of a student’s overall education.”

Reality: If 72 percent of our residents feel this way, then we need fields to support the sports our children will play. The Black Point Community Park is designed to have one multi-use field to support baseball, softball, soccer or football. On page 40 of this report, 65 percent of residents felt that a public park was either somewhat or very important as a priority for public improvement.

Fact: The 2006 Critical Insights report was a survey for residents aged 55 and older. According to this survey, there are 4, 000 senior residents living in Scarborough with a town population of roughly 19,000. We looked at slide No. 15, “Best Aspect of Living in Scarborough.” The first was “proximity to amenities” or 28 percent. The second “Best Aspect” was “Natural resources (beaches, walking, trails, parks, etc.) or 22 percent.

Reality: Our senior generation deserves attention, and if they rank “walking, trails and parks as their No. 2 “Best Aspect” reason for living here, then the Black Point Community Park will support the needs of our senior residents. The park will be designed with paved walking trails around the entire property. Walking is the most common form of outdoor recreation among older adults. We are proposing the construction of “wellness stations” and benches to be included along these walking paths. These stations will provide a variety of exercise options during a normal walking routine.

Fact: In November 2000, residents spoke very loudly with their vote – 6,720 residents voted yes to spending up to $1.5 million to” fund the purchase of parks and conservation lands” (2,241 no).

Fact: The land on which we are proposing to build the Black Point Community Park was deeded (not purchased) in 2001 to the town of Scarborough for recreational purposes only. No tax dollars were used to acquire this land.

Fact: Developing this land into a community park will cost us money. We will bond $975,000 in addition to the $350,000 already in the budget. That will represent $1 of tax money for every $1,000 home valuation. If your house is valued at $300,000, then you will contribute $3 each year for 10 years to pay for this Park.

Reality: It really does not matter if this equates to a cup of coffee, a chocolate bar or a gallon of gas. The question is straightforward: Is $1 per $1,000 for a park something that each voter sees value in? If having a neighborhood park, and hopefully a center of community, brings value to your life in Scarborough then voting yes makes sense. If it does not, voting yes does not make sense.

The process of creating parks in Scarborough heretofore has not been perfect. The initial design and startup process for the proposed park at Black Point was certainly not perfect. But, the errors of the past have brought us a much better proposal than we would otherwise have had.

The proposed park is unique in its multi-generational design and that is a result of the input of the citizenry. The decision to move forward is based on a referendum vote allowing for all of the voters to have their input. Regardless of the result of the vote, as a town we have taken an important step forward. We obviously hope you will vote for the park. But more importantly, we thank you for being active and informed members of the decision-making process.

Brian M. Van Dam Sr. is chairman ot the Scarborough Community Services and Recreation Advisory Board. Nancy Gaudet is a member of Scarborough Community Services and Recreation Advisory Board