New donations and fresh volunteer support highlighted the July 16 meeting of the Benson Park Advisory Committee, where members celebrated recent contributions and prepared for several upcoming events aimed at improving the park and engaging the community.
Chair Sue Clement announced a donation of $250 worth of flowers for the park’s Adopt-a-Spot program, calling it a welcome boost for volunteers who maintain landscaped areas throughout Benson Park.
“It’s in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the USA and the centennial celebration of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm,” Clement said. “We really appreciate the flower donation, and all of our volunteers will be happy to hear we reached that goal.”
The flowers have already been installed at Adopt-a-Spot locations. Clement also reminded residents that a walking tour and unveiling of a centennial historical marker is scheduled for Saturday, July 25 at 10 a.m., with a rain date of Sunday, July 26 at 10 a.m.
Looking ahead, the Committee discussed reopening its tree donation program for another year. Clement said the program may resume this fall, with each tree costing $1,200, including planting and one year of care provided by the Department of Public Works.
“If anybody is interested and would like to do a tree donation, now is the time to set that up,” Clement said. She encouraged donors to contact her through information available on the town website. “We would set up a time to go over to the park and show some areas that are a good location and what particular tree would be good for that area.”
With a limited budget, Benson Park continues to rely heavily on donations and volunteer labor. For the August Volunteer Cleanup Day, Girl Scout Amy Campbell offered to gather donations for the volunteer lunch. Her troop will host the Cleanup Day on Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Friends of Benson Park encouraged residents to sign up online.
The Committee also heard updates from Ally Web of the Friends of Hudson Dog Park, who reported changes in the organization’s leadership.
“Two of our members resigned,” Web said. “We do have new board members who were sworn in yesterday, and officially I am now the President for the Friends of Hudson Dog Park.”
Web noted that both new members have been regular volunteers at past Cleanup Days. As a relatively new nonprofit, the Dog Park board is focusing on communication and improving park upkeep.
“We will be having a table at Old Home Day next month,” Web said. “Come by, say hi to the Hudson dogs, and hopefully we’ll have lots of dogs popping through.”
She also announced a change in maintenance responsibilities. Beginning Aug. 1, Regis Landscaping will take over mowing duties at the dog park, replacing the biweekly volunteer schedule. Web asked Cleanup Day volunteers to give attention to the outside perimeter of the dog park during their next visit.
The Benson Park Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet again on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Hudson Cable TV Access Center.
