JAY – The Selectboard voted unanimously to approve a lease agreement for the French Falls Recreation Area and a policy for use of the town’s parks at their meeting Tuesday night.
Owned by the Androscoggin Land Trust, the 10 acres of open field and associated parking amenities at French Falls, also include a ball field, picnic tables and an ice skating rink. The trust acquired the parcel from Verso last fall and its board recently approved of the 40-year lease with the town. The Jay Selectboard approved of it Tuesday night. According to the agreement, the property is to be maintained by the town and will expire in April 2055.
A use policy was discussed at the last meeting with members of the local men’s softball league taking issue with a proposed provision that would have required insurance for organized groups to use the ball field at the recreational area.
On Tuesday, the Selectboard approved a use policy that didn’t include an insurance provision to reserve a town park area. Instead, a waiver form, signed by an organization’s representative will be needed to reserve the park’s facilities that also includes the provision that releases the town from liability issues.
The town’s insurance company, Maine Municipal Association had recommended event organizers show proof of insurance to reserve the facilities, Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere said earlier. But on further review by a town attorney since that meeting it was found that, “the decision is ultimately up to the town,” whether additional insurance is needed by those using the park.
Selectperson Tom Goding suggested also posting signs at all of the town’s parks that advise that use is at one’s own risk. The use policy approved by the selectboard is a first for the town and includes all of its recreational areas.
The policy states that reservations be on a first come, first serve priority basis and that a form needs to be submitted and signed by the group’s representative to the town office. Users are responsible for any damage that occurs and smoking, alcohol and fireworks are prohibited. Fire pits need the town’s authorization, as does overnight camping for groups like the Boy Scouts.
A carry in, carry out policy is in place as is the provision that the recreational areas cannot be used for commercial or for-profit ventures. Not-for-profit organizations can use the area for events.
