The Benson Park Advisory Committee met on March 19 with a full agenda, but one item in particular set an optimistic tone for the evening: the successful passage of Warrant Article 14, a measure aimed at clarifying and strengthening the financial framework that supports the long-term care of Benson Park.
“That was to revise the Benson Land and Capital Reserve Fund,” said Committee member Sue Clement, who has long advocated for clearer financial tools to maintain the park’s historic structures and grounds. “It passed, so that’s awesome.”
While the article did not add new money to the fund, Selectman Liaison Heidi Jakoby emphasized that the changes were significant. The fund has existed for years, but its purpose and allowable uses were never fully defined, creating uncertainty about what projects could legally be supported. The revised language now provides clarity and flexibility, two things the committee has repeatedly said are essential as the park’s aging buildings continue to deteriorate.
“That fund has been in existence for a long time, but it wasn’t as clearly defined for what that fund can be used for,” Jakoby explained. “As we look at the aging of all of the buildings and all the different things that need to happen, we wanted to ensure those funds could go to whatever the needs of the park are to sustain the deed and our commitment. It’s been carefully redefined to accomplish all of that.”
Benson Park’s financial obligations are unique. The town is responsible not only for maintaining the property under the terms of the original deed but also for preserving several state recognized historical structures. Those obligations can be costly, and the current Capital Reserve Fund balance of $120,660.66 is modest compared to the long list of repairs and improvements needed.
“As we get money into that fund, we can use it for all of the buildings and things the state has required of us,” Jakoby said. “But it is a very small fund for what we have to do.”
Committee members hope the clearer language will encourage more donations from residents, businesses, and community groups who want to support the park but previously may not have understood how their contributions would be used.
One potential donation already generating excitement involves the park’s Lions Pride statues, which have been awaiting specialized repairs. Clement said she has been in contact with Erikson Foundation and Solutions, a Hudson based company that may be able to help. “I’ve been in contact with them and I can hopefully get a date with them to come and look at the lions,” she said. “They do foundations and fixing all of the time, maybe this would be an easy project for them. They’re right down the road.”
The Hudson Lions Club has also shown interest, donating $200 toward evaluating and possibly restringing the statues. At least one other individual has expressed willingness to assist, giving the committee hope that the long awaited restoration may finally move forward.
The committee also discussed public safety and enforcement issues within the park. Jakoby reported that Hudson Police Lieutenant Matthew Flynn is exploring the use of electric bike patrols in Benson Park. “The Police Department will have two ebikes, one was donated, one they found funding for,” she said. “They’re creating an ebike patrol, which will probably be significant for Benson Park and other areas.”
However, the idea raised questions about park rules. Some residents believe ebikes should not be allowed in the park at all, while others see them as a valuable tool for law enforcement. Jakoby suggested researching how other major parks regulate ebikes before making any recommendations. She noted that vandalism remains a persistent issue at Benson Park, even after the installation of cameras last year, making the conversation about enforcement increasingly urgent.
Committee member Jake Beauchemin cautioned that any new rules or ordinances must be enforceable. “The challenge is that you can make a hundred rules, but you have to enforce them,” he said. “If push comes to shove and we needed the police to step in, if they can only enforce very specific language, and they don’t have that language, there’s not much they can do.”
Committee member Evan Maloney agreed to work with Jakoby to research how other communities handle similar issues, including ebike regulations, vandalism prevention, and park specific ordinances.
As the meeting concluded, members expressed optimism that the passage of Warrant Article 14 will give the town a stronger foundation for preserving Benson Park’s historic character while addressing modern challenges. With clearer financial tools, potential new partnerships, and ongoing discussions about safety and enforcement, the committee hopes to build momentum heading into the spring season.
The next meeting of the Benson Park Advisory Committee is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m. in the Hudson Cable Access Center.