Project Update: July 3

The Town of Windsor Recreation Feasibility Study Steering Committee met for the first time on Thursday, June 26. After an impressive round of introductions, the group was briefed on the project scope and work-to-date by town staff and the consultant team. Discussion focused on roles and responsibilities of Steering Committee members and opportunities they see for the town through the lens of this project. This committee will meet several times throughout the project to help guide, serve as a sounding board and champion future efforts that come out of it.

Early goals and themes were discussed:

• Identify community needs but also look to be innovative.
• We’re not just thinking about the needs of today, but the needs of the future.
• Active adult space is in demand, including social experiences.
• Collect good data that helps us expand recreational opportunities.
• Build a list of non-traditional partners to get involved.
• Reach out to members that have left the current facility and learn why.
• Friendly and capable staff drive and attract membership.
• The results of this project should seek to improve the quality of life for everyone in Town.

We were also asking some important questions:

1. What is your favorite thing to do at the rec center?
2. If you could dream up a new center, what would be in it?

Here are a few things we learned about the current facility:

• People LOVE and aquatic facilities.
• The current facility is BUSY. Sometimes there is a wait for machines and courts.
• Seniors would like some more space for activities and programming.
• Our staff is INCREDIBLE!

Here are a few things people would like to see in a new center:

• There is an interest in both turf and a walking track.
• Kids and families were enthusiastic about the idea of an epic indoor playground.
• Art classes, dance classes, mini golf and rock climbing were all brought up.
• Pickleball is still wildly popular.
• Some kiddos even told us they want a petting zoo!

This was the first of many public engagement and data collection opportunities to both let people know about the project and learn what they’d like to see come out of it. Stay tuned to social media and the project website for upcoming opportunities to provide feedback.