Vermont: parks do foster respect.

As recreation and park practitioners, we probably all agree that public parks create a sense of pride and positive images of our communities. This notion could not have been more accented, then during our annual visit with Governor Jim Douglas in the Town of Hartford, Vermont.

In the past three years, the governor has spent the entire day visiting our town touring different sites that demonstrate the economical growth of our community. This year, two of our parks were showcased as part of the daily itinerary. The governor enjoyed visiting the sites and being part of all the ceremonial activities. Even though the day was eventful, what was to follow in the reporting in a regional newspaper the following day is the reassurance that our parks can and do make a positive difference and foster respect.

In the "Valley News," Sept. 29, the editorial read: "Hartford Success: Pity Hartford, competing for the spotlight with its bustling Upper Valley neighbors, the riverside community can sometimes seem like the region's Rodney Dangerfield. It just can't get no respect. Hanover's got Dartmouth College, residents who can easily afford half-million dollar homes and national chains salivating to locate downtown. Lebanon's got a growing medical center, a lively blue-and white-collar workers and a never-ending supply of new retail outlets. Hartford, by contrast, has struggled to find the key to healthy growth.

"This week, though, Hartford served noticed that its fortunes may shift. With Governor lira Douglas in tow, Town Manager Hunter Rieseberg and other leaders put the spotlight on projects that hold significant promise for the future. Probably the most inspiring is a park that would add an appealing public access point to the Connecticut River and host a growing rowing program. Situated above the Wilder Dam on a lovely stretch of riverbank, the new park could transform an underutilized green space into a busy waterfront center."

Even though Olcott Waterfront Park is only at the conceptual stage of development, the plans gained quite a bit of attention. Prior to the governor's visit, the ground work was established for the joint partnership with the landowner of where the riverfront park is to be located. This relationship between the TranCanda Power Company (formerly New England Power) and the town dates back several years.

Over the past decade after the ownership of the power company changed hands, the management of the park grounds fell by the wayside. The park properties where being under-utilized and not maintained, leading to unsupervised park grounds. The town of Hartford offered to take over the management of the park properties in exchange for a long-term lease management agreement.

At the governor's visit, it was announced that TransCanda agreed to lease the park properties (70 + acres) to the town, paving the way for the town to secure funding and allocate capital improvement funds to improve the park properties. Improvement will include new park amenities (play equipment, security gates, benches, picnic tables, bathroom facilities, etc.), boat launches, trails, tennis courts and potentially an outdoor amphitheater.

In addition, the new lease will allow the town to engage in a new partnership with the non-profit Upper Valley Rowing Foundation (UVRF). The UVRF plans to build a public boat house, open to all levels of recreational and competitive rowers. The planned $2 million boathouse would be situated on the park leased property.

By showcasing one new park development, forging an ongoing relationship of park practices with the power company, and creating a partnership with a rowing company, the town of Hartford has gained respect in its effort to improve its own community.