Buying a tree or bench can help Coupeville parks grow

In Coupeville, the private purchase of a dogwood can be considered a mortgage on the town's future and a hedge against the depletion of open space.

The Coupeville Parks and Recreation Commission recently has created a sort of "wish list," including a chunk of trail and part of a bench, that residents can buy or sponsor to preserve and build upon public space. The commission is essentially asking town residents to donate money for local parks.

According to commission member Rowena Williamson, the town itself is "strapped" when it comes to funding parks.

"There are certain things that take priority," Williamson said Friday, "and we are running out of open land."

There are a number of places in town where more parks and open spaces are needed, Williamson said. For instance, there is only one preserved wetland in town.

"It's really important that we have some kind of wetland so that more water will go back into our aquifer," Williamson said. "That's one of the things that we look at to purchase."

The commission has discussed setting up catchment ponds and parks around the wetland. Members say there is also a need for a youth center, as well as more public beach access.

The most recent town survey showed that most citizens were more interested in creating and preserving open spaces than using funds for more active recreation.

Williamson said when it comes to people buying park-related items, anything helps. Those without a specific item or piece of land in mind are welcome to simply donate money for parks, Williamson said.

"You can just have it put in the fund for, say, land acquisition," she said.

Town Planner Larry Cort has been the Parks Commission's adviser on the acquisition project. Williamson said anyone wishing to buy or donate should call Cort at town hall.

"Basically, what you do is just say that you want so much money donated for a specific thing for the town improvement fund," Williamson said.

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