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Location: Town Hall, Draper Room
Meetings held at Town Hall are broadcast "live" in living color
HD surroundsound, on Cable Channel 8
7X24 updates on Ch 11. Meetings held away from the Draper Room are not
televised.
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UPDATES: (7/3/10)
*UPDATE* HOPEDALE POND WATER LEVEL: After a 7/1 visual inspection of the Freedom St. Dam (which is owned by First American Realty, NOT the Town), with Town Coordinator Phillips and representatives from PARE, ESS, and First American Realty, it appears that seepage from under the dam could be responsible for the historical low water levels at Hopedale Pond for this time of year. The State will be asked to have divers inspect the structural integrity of the dam to help determine the existance, location and severity of any compromised areas below the main dam structure.
Also contributing to the low water level is the lack of rain over the past month and more significantly (in the Park Commission's view), lack of any water release from our headwaters at North Pond - whose dam is controlled by the Town of Hopkinton).
Questions regarding the water level of Hopedale Pond should be directed to the Board of Selectmen or Town Coordinator Gene Phillips, as they manage the Town's relationships with both entities that control the water level of Town Pond.
*NEW* on 7/1 The Park Commission unanimously approved the forestry management proposal submitted by Hull Wood Products of Pomfret, CT. We are in the process of creating a 5-member ad-hoc forestry committee to help us oversee and manage this project - which we expect to kick off in the early fall. At this time, residents fmr Selectmen and Con Com member Walter Swift, fmr Park Commissioner David Guglielmi, and Nancy Hayes have expressed interest in being on this committee.
InSeptember we plan on holding an informational meeting where representatives from Hull will be available to explain various stages of the projct, and answer all questions that residents may have.
*reminder* The Town Park Summer Recreation program is now underway, weekdays at the Bandstand. Arts & crafts are offered daily, sports equipment is available for sign-out for use at the Park, and games are available. The Summer Tennis Program will be served-up beginning the week of 6/21.
Bandconcerts are Wednesdays (Thursday raindate) from 7-9PM
*informational* A transient black bear was spotted in the Parklands behind homes on Dutcher St. on 5/27. Park Superintendent John Hearns posted informational signs on Parkland entrances within an hour of being notified by HPD. Bears have been spotted in neighborhoods in nearby towns - predominantly going after trash and bird feeders, and there have been no reports of any direct threats to people.
That said, please keep in mind that Hopedale's 180 acres of Parklands provide habitat and cover for all kinds of animals - including deer, fox, skunk, porcupine, coyotes, fisher cats, snakes, an occassional meandering bear or moose, and more rare (so we're told), a larger wild cat. As a general rule, these animals steer clear of human contact, so respect their presence and all can co-exist peacefully. Failing that: "If you see a rock that looks like a bear, keep going; if you see a bear that looks like a rock, turn around!"
*reminder* The Summer Tennis Program is now full. Un-placed registrations are in "waiting list" status and openings will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
*HELP!* $150 cash reward for information leading to conviction of, or restitution from, those responsible for vandalizing the Bath House with graffitti. Information should be provided to HPD Officer John Gagnon, and will be kept in strict confidence.
*reminder* At sporting events and all other times, dogs or other pets are not allowed at Phillips Field or Town Park.
*fyi* Posting signs on Park grounds (Town Park, Phillips Field, Bath House/Parklands , Ballou Park or the Adin St. Triangle) must be applied for & approved by our Board. Details are now posted on the main page of our website. Posting of political signs is not permitted
*fyi* There is no parking on the pond boat ramp or at the spaces next to the bath house.
This area is well-marked and the Hopedale Police Department will continue to ticket unauthorized and non-handicap vehicles parked in this area. This area is a drop-off zone only. Vehicles should be parked along Hopedale St.
*fyi* The unauthorized thinning, pruning, or cutting of any vegatation or trees violates Town bylaw. The Park Department will uphold its ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY ON VANDALISM for anyone found violating this bylaw.
*fyi Town Park is now monitored live by a 7X24 panoramic camera. This was obtained at no cost to the Town with a Homeland Security Grant obtained by our Fire Chief. The camera is monitored and administered from the fire station.
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Hopedale Pond Ice-out Dates: (Ice completely out in main body of pond from
the shop Northward)
2010: Sunday, March 14
2009: Thursday, March 19
2008: Tuesday, March 18
2007: Sunday, April 1 (partial re-freeze April 5-7!)
2006: Tuesday, March 14
2005: Friday, April 2
2004: Thursday, March 25.
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