Pairpoint Park Stakeholders Advisory Committee
Mission:
The Exeter Pairpoint Park Stakeholders Advisory Committee is a diverse group of nine (9) appointed voting member residents and three (3) appointed alternate member residents who will focus on formulating recommendations for the Select Board regarding transforming the property at 23 Water Street from an abandoned lot to a downtown community park.
The Select Board accepted a property donation to be named Pairpoint Park, located at 23 Water Street, in December, 2023. The goal is to design a green space for the public to connect with nature downtown and create a space for residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits that our beloved downtown offers.
The Committee is advisory in nature and will report all finding and recommendations to the Select Board. The Committee will determine the frequency of meeting times in conjunction with assigned Town staff. The Committee meetings will be held in Town Offices and will be recorded. The Committee will be comprised of volunteers including nine (9) appointed voting members and three (3) appointed alternate members (non-voting), and a representative from the Recreation Advisory Board (non-voting), Historic District Commission (non-voting), Heritage Commission (non-voting), the Town Planner (non-voting), the Parks & Recereation Director (non-voting), and a Select Board Representative (non-voting). The committee will disband upon completion of park development.
Committee Charge:
1. Elect a Committee Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk.
2. Work with the Town Planner, Parks & Recreation Director, Recreation Advisory Board Representative, Heritage Commission Representative, Historic District Commission Representative and Select Board Representative to review the map and specs of the property, including all inspections, and determine all permits that may be required to move forward with a park.
3. Develop a formal public survey for community members to offer public input on park ideas or concepts.
4. Present multiple design concepts and cost options to the Select Board for public meetings. All proposals shall follow Town of Exeter Park guidelines, policies and procedures.
5. Investigate all sources of funding opportunities (grants, donations, funding partners and sponsorships, etc.).
6. Recommend a project timeline, including potential phases of development/construction.
7. Design, plan and construct a public park that will be an integral and essential part of the Town of Exeter's downtown, enjoyed today and for future generations.
Members:
Ann Hohenberger Voting Steven Jones, Chair Voting
Amanda Kelly Voting Jennifer Martel Voting
Judy Rowan Voting David Short Voting
Devon Skerritt Voting Mary Tegel Voting
Keith Whitehouse Voting
William Campbell Alternate Suzanne Stone Alternate
Dave Sharples Planning Director Greg Bisson Parks & Rec Director
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Rep. Historic District Commission Rep.
Heritage Commission Rep. Niko Papakonstantis Select Board Rep.
Updated: 7/9/24
The lot was donated to the town at the end of 2023 with the condition that it become a public park. The Town formed the Pairpoint Park Stakeholders Advisory Committee to help formulate recommendations to the Select Board for the future of the park. To that end, the committee has launched an online survey to gather ideas and suggestions from the public.
