Envisioning The Arts, Seniors & Recreation All In One Facility

By Kendra Bobowick

The more the merrier is the sentiment of at least two organizations that might relocate in one new facility in the coming years.

A performing arts stage, studio space, classrooms, and dual purpose exhibit areas might suit the newly formed Newtown Cultural Arts Commission — the group most recently showing an interest in sharing a home in a multi-purpose recreation/community center that would be located on the Fairfield Hills Campus.

Speaking with the Parks and Recreation Commission members last Tuesday was Brigette Sorensen, representing the commission.

“I wanted to give words of encouragement why Parks and Recreation and the [Newtown] Cultural Arts Commission should merge,” she said, meaning the groups would share space, not merge as entities. “We definitely have space needs in Newtown.”

The dialogue for shared space in a multipurpose center had begun in recent months when seniors also spoke with the recreation department.

The multiple groups’ needs had led First Selectman Herb Rosenthal to ask if a combined-use facility might suit them all. Late in 2006, Commission on Aging members had met with the recreation members to discuss the possibility of sharing a building.

The Arts

The arts community is encouraged by the idea of sharing a building at Fairfield Hills.

Ms Sorensen sees one state-level avenue of assistance in coordinating a multipurpose site. She turned attention toward the Peer Advisory Network, (PAN), which she said is a good starting point. Ms Kasbarian also believes that PAN may be able to help.

Part of the Connecticut Commission of Culture and Tourism Arts Division, PAN is a flexible and affordable capacity building program that matches a nonprofit arts organization or a community cultural group with a designated peer advisor for a one- to two-day consultancy.

The state commission has established an initial network of advisors who have been trained to provide short-term consulting services to help organizations address health and capacity issues.

PAN expertise is available in the following general areas: organizational planning, organizational development, financial management, program development, management, and evaluation, marketing and public relations, special areas such as contract negotiation, public art, facility planning, and more.

Mr Marks believes timing is critical as the Fairfield Hills Authority, the board that is overseeing the redevelopment of the former state hospital campus, progresses in its plans that include mothballing, renovating, leasing, and possibly razing some structures on the grounds.

“Fairfield Hills is moving ahead and narrowing our choices,” he said.

Recreation members and Ms Sorensen agreed they needed to provide PAN with as much information as possible regarding potential location and space needs for all involved.

They also agree that a broader discussion needs to take place among the groups potentially facing a shared environment. Mr Marks also believes that if meetings take place with a PAN advisor that representatives from all parties should be welcomed.

“I think we should include all and invite them to the process, that’s right to do that,” Mr Marks said.

He also believes that his commission “should present to the [Commission on Aging] as well. We’re hoping to get plans in place for everyone.” With no money for the capital project of a recreation center now, he feels the facility will come together over time, he said, and be completed in stages. A new town pool is one necessity that the recreation department seeks in the center.

The Seniors

Ms Kasbarian had expressed a positive view of a combined space when Commission on the Aging members met with the recreation board toward the end of 2006.

She had said, “I think that one larger building would be easier to sell [to the public].” She stressed the benefits of promoting one, rather than several, building to voters. Commission on Aging member Edward Rees had met with the recreation members and initially agreed to raise the topic with the rest of his commission.

Last week, Senior Center Director Marilyn Place pleaded the seniors’ case. “Seniors have outgrown their space,” she said.

Many are aware that the seniors may want a space of their own. At last Tuesday’s meeting, recreation Chairman Edward Marks had said he sensed the seniors were hesitant. Ms Kasbarian agreed.

“They may want their own place,” she said.

Regarding a combined facility, however, Ms Place said, “No one is saying no to anything, this is all in discussion.” Stressing the need for careful planning, she said, “Everyone has to think ahead; my main concern is for the elderly in our community. They need their own programming.”

Mr Marks believes that a multipurpose space could work.

“We are trying to say that it makes sense to share,” he said.

He also said he wanted to speak with a consultant to research the best location and layout for a new home.