Westbrook kids cool off Tuesday as the city’s Fire Department sprays 250 gallons of water per minute on a soccer field adjacent to Westbrook Community Center. Caroline O’Brien, summer camp coordinator at the center, said 125 kids played under the spray. (Robert Lowell/Staff Writer)
Westbrook Community Center’s summer camp kids beat the searing heat under a Fire Department water spray as temperatures soared into the upper 90s Tuesday. (Robert Lowell/Staff Writer)
Friends of the Cornelia Warren Outdoor Recreation Area last week released results of its privately-funded survey that sought what residents would like for improvements. Phil Spiller, a Friends founder and former mayoral candidate, provided Westbrook city councilors detailed results of its survey showing 75% of 451 respondents favored a splash pad, “if taxes are not affected.”
Spiller said new federal and local funds could be available for improvements without local property tax money, but a city official Tuesday indicated improvements at the recreation area would be complicated.
The Friends’ survey was first advertised in the American Journal last summer and results were tabulated as of Jan. 16. Spiller told councilors the survey was aimed at realizing the full potential of the “recreational gem in the heart of the downtown.”
The city several years ago removed a deteriorating, outdoor swimming pool at the Warren Recreation Area and the Friends say kids need a water amenity to cool off during summer dog days.
But the survey was more comprehensive than just a splash pad and included residents’ input on a variety of proposed features.
Results showed 72% wanted lighting installed on the trail through the recreation area; 70% wanted benches installed; 50% favored a permanent restroom facility while 89% were in favor if other features were added; 74% liked a winter feature that could double as a warm season amenity like a splash pad; and 83% liked the possible addition of natural playgrounds.
Phil Spiller, a founder of the Friends of the Cornelia Warren Outdoor Recreation Area, addressed Westbrook City Council last week about possible improvements outlined in the group’s survey. (Robert Lowell/Staff Writer)
Robyn Saunders, a city project manager, said the city has no immediate plans to invest tax money at the recreation area. “However, if a fully funded proposal for improvements to the park were presented to the city for consideration, a healthy amount of community involvement and collaboration with city staff would be needed to ensure that local, state and federal requirements are met,” Saunders said in an email to Westbrook-Gorham Now. “Review and authorization from the council and other governing bodies may also be required.”
The city says the soils there are soft clay and could be contaminated. In January, Saunders said, the City Council was “updated that Warren and Fraser fields, both located within the Cornelia Warren Outdoor Recreation Area, are considered by Maine Department of Environmental Protection to be Tier III PFAS sites.”
Saunders said sludge had been previously applied to the fields. “The past practice of applying sludge to the land has come into question due to the presence of PFAS (‘forever chemicals’) in the sludge,” Saunders said.
The city has been advised, Saunders said, to hold off further redevelopment of the area until more environmental guidance is available. “In the meantime, the city understands that people can safely recreate at the Cornelia Warren Outdoor Recreation area,” Saunders said.
The Friends’ survey was independent of the city-sponsored survey last year seeking input about whether the city should pursue an outdoor swimming pool.
Last year, a city-funded survey with 632 survey responses showed residents favored a swimmable amenity. The strongest support was for a pool costing $5 million over one with a $10 million price tag. Three locations were identified for an inground pool: the Community Center on Bridge Street, Foster Street Fields and the Warren Recreation Area.
Improvements at the Warren Recreation Area in recent years have included basketball courts, a new entrance, parking area and upgraded entrance. Spiller said the Warren Recreation Area has a bright future.
Spiller’s survey presentation can be viewed at westbrookmaine.gov/27/Government and clicking on the City Council video for June 16.
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