WILTON – Ideas on management of the new Bass Park gazebo were discussed at Tuesday night’s Selectboard meeting with Recreation Department Director Frank Donald. Questions such as rental fees and how to fund concerts were brought to the table.
A 20-foot wide, square gazebo was purchased from Fifthroom, an outdoor accessories manufacturer, late last year and assembled atop a concrete pad in Bass Park. The preexisting, smaller gazebo was moved to Bishop Memorial Park in East Wilton. Town officials hope the larger gazebo can accommodate concerts and other events.
The Selectboard said that funds for live music should not be taken from the Recreation Department budget. They also indicated that gazebo reservations for exclusive use for special events should have a time limit to make the gazebo available for all park-goers. The gazebo is typically available for all visitors to the park.
Donald will further discuss the options with the department and bring proposals to the board.
A $150,000 grant that will help improve the face of downtown businesses is being applied for with a deadline of early April. The Community Development Block Grant offers 50/50 matching grant funds for businesses looking to renovate the exterior of their storefronts. Town Manager Rhonda Irish said there has already been a great deal of interest from Wilton business owners and she is expecting even more.
Two street lights near the downtown monument will be taken down to help reduce the town’s electric bill. The lights, located near the bridge and at the intersection of Canal and High Street, are lighting sections of the town now covered by the new downtown lights. It was decided that the lights were unnecessary as the monument flag is presently being lit by a spotlight. Eliminating these street lights could save $100 annually.
Leaving it open for anyone to use would bring more people into town. Changing will discourage a lot of people. Is it to be a money maker or something for Wilton area towns people to enjoy?