Wakefield planning commission bemoans local apathy

By P.J. GLISSON

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Wakefield - A Monday meeting of the Wakefield planning commission revolved largely around the constraints of small town life, with obvious obstacles such as limited funds and few helping hands.

The commission was continuing an ongoing discussion over how to finance and organize recreational priorities.

"I wish I could get some community support," said city manager Richard Brackney, who added "a lot of community support" is an essential component in the scoring systems that can make or break potential grant funding.

In relation to his long "wish list" of various capital improvements for the city, Brackney said, "It's not like the community is saying we want to spend money on these things."

"They're not saying anything," said commission chairman Dale White.

"Years ago we worked together, and it just fell apart," said commission member Marsha Vestich.

According to Brackney, another problem is seniors who just want to keep their bills down, including any relating to taxes. Neither he nor anyone on the commission criticized that instinct.

Brackney said Wakefield's population, which the 2010 census listed as 1,851, isn't enough to fortify community organizations either.

"If we had a community of 10,000, then you could find ten people who are interested," he said in relation to a discussion about a local trails committee that had petered out due to dwindling membership.

In general, he said of current versus earlier times, "You just don't have the big organizations," and went so far as to say maybe even area chambers should merge in a more viable resource collective.

Brackney cited a loss of traditional activities as part of the price paid for shrinking or lost organizations. "We don't really do Memorial Day anymore," he said.

He added members of many local clubs and organizations are getting "older and older."

White agreed, adding, "We don't have the young individuals stepping up."

Commission members said it's hard to know even what to offer area youth in relation to recreational opportunities.

"I haven't seen any kids playing any sort of sports," said commission member John Granato, who added that younger children play in Little League, but then age out and "vanish."

Commission member Jim Anderson mimed the action of kids texting while member Kay Manson said older kids now seem to prefer 4-wheelers and golf carts to sports activities.

Nevertheless, member Marco Movrich said Sunday Lake should not be overlooked as "our ace in the whole" in terms of being the town's recreational centerpiece.

Manson backed him up, adding, "We need to focus on the park and the campground."

While not disputing the park's importance, Brackney pointed out that it doesn't make significant money for the city. He said the campground brings in some funds, but also requires pricey maintenance.

Movrich said if no other aesthetic projects are affordable for the park this year, he at least would like to see some sidewalk work there.

Brackney said he'd also like to bring to life at least a low-cost version of a "splash pad" next to the lake, which would facilitate water fun even for kids with disabilities.

In other news, the commission also discussed options for how to sell and grant use of surplus city property, and how those decisions could affect taxes or blight.

Members also tabled action on a request to build a 24- x 24-foot garage on the corner of Lepisto and Hill streets.