The Essex County Economic Development Authority (EDA) got an initial glimpse at the recreational possibilities for the Rotary Poor House Park during its November 6 meeting.
Greg Smith, of the civil engineering consulting firm TRC, presented conceptual drawings of the propertis just off Kino Road. The EDA is hoping to convert the site into a multi-use facility.
The review was of two properties. One consists of 476 acres, while the other is 220 acres. Both are zoned A-2. The site was previously home to the former Essex County sanitary landfill.
The conceptual plan that the EDA viewed last week generally depicts proposed improvement including: • Athletic fields (baseball, softball, soccer, multi-purpose) • Biking and hiking trails • Camping and picnic areas • Outdoor amphitheater (such as for live music performances) • Tennis and/or basketball courts • Shuffleboard courts • Outdoor movie theater • Fishing area • Canoe/kayak launch area • Covered pavilion (such as for church or family gatherings)
The plan also includes parking areas, roadways/ driveways, picnic shelters, maintenance facilities, restrooms, and other possible park improvements.
Smith noted that the drawings presented last week were very preliminary and will not be finalized until the EDA receives public input and determines what features should be located at the site.
Additionally, Smith pointed out that the site is not served by utilities such as water and sewer. Lighting will be considered for ball fields/tennispickleball courts. He added that no concession stand was included in the drawings, but was certain it will be included once the plan is finalized.
“I’m very impressed with the level of detail,” EDA Chair Lisa Andrews told Smith. “Of course, our parks and recreation (department) is our primary client. I think, if and when all this comes to fruition, it will be a huge draw from a large region.”
She also noted that the project will likely be completed over phases.
“I’d imagine something like this will take place over a 20-year period,” she said.
Regarding traffic, Smith said a traffic impact analysis will be done to determine what type of road improvement should take place.
He also said initial revenue opportunities would come from the use of the athletic fields in which teams can be charged to participate in tournaments.
Moreover, he said another revenue source could be a proposed solar farm located on the cap of the landfill site.
EDA member Victor Burrell suggested that an indoor facility, which could be rented out to organizations, be considered at the location.
Kay Carlton, the director of the county’s parks and recreation department, noted that pavilion rentals at the site would generate revenue. She mentioned that the pavilion at the Marsh Street Pool is rented during the entire summer season.
“We have to remember that the public is going to have a say because this belongs to the citizens of the county,” she added. “I want to make it very clear it is a conceptual drawing and we will have the public’s input.”
“There will be opportunities for public input,” Andrews assured Carlton. “We need to find out what the priorities are and what the next steps are. This gives us a great start.”
EDA Executive Director Woodie Walker told the EDA that he plans to have organizations that can provide grant funding for the project attend the January meeting 8 meeting to explain their opportunities.
Loading Comments