Westford Board of Selectmen Meeting May 12 2015

Westford Board of Selectmen Meeting May 12, 2015

Who are the Friends? • The Westford Friends of Recreation, Inc. was established in January 2003. • 501(c)3 non-profit organization • The purpose of the group is to maintain an association of civic-minded persons to promote and carry out activities consistent with supporting the encouragement, formation, and broadening of recreational services and activities within the Town of Westford.

Past Projects • Currently the Westford Friends of Recreation are actively supporting the following groups: – Westford Flag Football – Westford-Littleton Community Crew • Since its creation, the Westford Friends of Recreation have contributed to several successful projects. – – Westford Community Fields Tennis Courts at Stony Brook School Westford Skate Park Ronan Mc. Elligott Memorial Playground

Rec Center Campaign • In 2014, the Westford Friends of Recreation opened a campaign to bring a multi-purpose recreation center to the town of Westford. • A recreation center would provide a central location for residents and visitors to enjoy high quality fitness, education, arts and culture, aquatics, recreation and social opportunities. This facility would serve as a year-round central gathering place for community members of all ages and interests.

Possible Rec Center Facilities • Aquatic facility which could be enjoyed by young and old alike as well as by our 3 time state champion high school swim team • Provide an indoor rowing tank to support our growing community of rowers • Indoor track and gymnasium • Strength and conditioning facilities • Community meeting rooms • Office space for town recreation staff

Benefits • Promote health and wellness through recreational, fitness, and educational programming to a multi-generational population • Job creation • An economic stimulus for local businesses and partnership opportunities for businesses to offer services at the center • New business attraction • Year-round boost to tourism and leisure retail industry • Provide recreation services to financially challenged residents • A catalyst for improving community togetherness • Reduction in health problems and costs • Teen recreation opportunities • Increased property values and tax revenues • After school opportunities for children • Make Westford an even better place to live!

Campaign Game Plan Create an organization to raise awareness and support for bring a recreation center to Westford Increase participation in Westford Recreation Master Plan public input sessions 2014 2015 Attend out-reach events, create website and Face. Book page to attract and organize supporters Based on recreation master plan findings, advocate and possibly fundraise for a feasibility study. 2014/5

Campaign Game Plan Create an organization to raise awareness and support for bring a rec center to Westford Increase participation in Westford Recreation Master Plan public input sessions 2014 2015 Attend out-reach events, create website and Face. Book page to attract and organize supporters Based on recreation master plan findings, advocate and possibly fundraise for a feasibility study. 2014/5