Westford Board of Selectmen Meeting May 12, 2015

Who are the Friends? The Westford Friends of Recreation, Inc. was established in January (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 McElligott 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 Attend out-reach events, create website and FaceBook page to attract and organize supporters Increase participation in Westford Recreation Master Plan public input sessions Based on recreation master plan findings, advocate and possibly fundraise for a feasibility study /5 2015

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