The Introduction
A different type of blog article. For a change :-).
I have never been to the Camp Shepard property. I have been a few meetings of the Committee to listen about their plans.
This summer, someone wanted to meet with me to discuss some personal and career issues. They said, why don't we meet at Camp Shepard. I said, sure. Get some exercise and chat.
The Experience
We arrived separately and met at the entrance. It was difficult to find. But that was my first time traveling to that part of Smithfield. It is rather close to my home.
The Day
It was a warm, summer day. Not hot, but just warm. One thing that became apparent to me was the level of mosquitos that were there. It was a little humid and the air was thick. Wondering if there was a mosquito issue with various communicative diseases, it would be an issue.
First Impression
Beautiful. Peaceful. Scenic. Rustic. Tranquil.
The trails have some markings. However, thankfully the person I walked with has been there many times so he knew the area pretty well. We had a nice chat about life, career and goal setting. Having this conversation while walking on a nice day in a tranquil location added tremendous value to the time. In these difficult and crazy times ... we need more of this. To bond with friends. Talk about life. Reconnect with people. While I like Panera and other places to connect, this was SO different.
I said this a few times during our walk. Having spend two weeks in Vancouver and Alaska last August, it reminded me of Alaska. Denali. And the inland parts of Alaska that I experienced off the cruise ship in the land component.
I saw the area that the YMCA used for its activities. Reminded me of my childhood in Bristol and my parents signed me up for YMCA day camp at Hog Island (off the Bristol coast). We would take the ferry in the morning from the downtown and spend the day there at a small area with a open air outdoor building with a roof ... just like Camp Shepard. Awesome! Reminiscent. Our young people need something like this ...
- Leave the cell phones at home.
- Develop relationships and and get to know other people.
- Interact. Play games.
- Increase body activity and general health.
- Clear the mind!!
Again, reminiscent of my YMCA experience in the late 1960s. Forgetting the incident learning how to swim in Narragansett Bay :-(.
The Opportunity
Without losing the purpose of our visit, I often saw the opportunities of how/what this property could be.
Day Camp Activities -- For the Town residents, this would be a great product to offer the children of Town residents. Before moving forward with this, here are the suggestions to enable this opportunity.
- A detailed, carefully thought out survey to residents in January before the fall of implementation. Many people believe they can write a quality survey. It is a science to writing an effective survey for the purpose and objective of its need.
- Instead, or in addition, a focus group meeting with residents. One of the things that should have been implemented by the CS committee and the Town. This meeting could help gauge not only the interest, but also the various components of what people would like for the day camp.
- Design a comprehensive analysis of the initiative. Activities, days/hours, staffing requirements, capital requirements and operating costs. Then, develop a cost structure that is realistic for both residents and the Town's fiscal budget.
Events -- The Town could plan and implement events to be housed at the Park. Fireworks, concerts, sport competitions, and general community activities to build relationships with other residents and friends.
Rental -- There has been a lot of discussion about this. Firstly, the legal issues associated with liability, costs, and limitations (based on sources of funding) need to be investigated and compiled. Into a quality document with clear details on the various activities that can be booked at the property. Therefore, the infrastructure needs to accommodate the needs of the market that will be targeted (weddings, corporate functions, etc.).
All of these and other issues must be studied in detail. Fully. Vetted. Planned. Analyzed. Not with any interference or unreasonable speed to just "get" something done.
The Challenges and Suggestions
Having discussed the possibilities ... and there could be more ...then there are the challenges.
Website -- The Town needs a small, targeted website for the Park. Even in its current status. A map of trails. Hours. Suggestions for your day/time at the Park.
Security -- As in our beaches, our assets need a detailed and wide view of the security issues. Especially in light of liability and threat to injury and death of a visitor. Just because we are a municipality and have certain "protections" does not mean we are immune of these issues, both financially and public opinion.
Transportation Infrastructure -- When driving to/from the Property, one thought became apparent. If there was a major event or activities (or increase in popularity) for the Park, the road infrastructure needs to be reviewed. Living in this area, the roads are narrow and not necessarily "straight" and at 90-degree angles ... Just like Log and Mann School Road :-).
Business and Political Context -- These issues are usually integrated into any decision involving public and fiscal policy. It needs to be focused. Objective. Calling the "balls and strikes" as they are. To implement the "right" proposal and details int he best interest of the Town and its residents/visitors. It is interesting that a member of our community with property which abuts the Park has expressed his opposition to certain types of strategies for the Park. The sense is ... "not in my backyard" mindset ... which I understand as a resident. However, if I decided to disclose the identity, it would be an interesting discussion.
Fiscal --In ALL of these discussions, analyses, planning and decisions ... the fiscal numbers must be considered seriously. And appropriately. In my experience, there have been several instances of fiscal matters that "sounded good", but the analysis (discussion, mindset, political context) was either too narrow or predetermined. Unfortunately, once a decision is made and implemented, the outcome is often difficult to redact. AKA, the plaza on Route 44/295.
I am suggesting that we have a "gem" here. However, we need to be detailed and apolitical. Avoiding the "shiny bobble" of some governmental ideas and strategies.
