Centering On the Community

To the Editor:

I just want to take a moment to thank Judith Josephs and her small staff of dedicated Dept. of Community Programs employees for a great season of fun they provided with little cost to taxpayers. This summer’s concerts and Screen on the Green were paid for by various donors. The direct expenses of the municipal golf course and Family Aquatics Center are covered by user fees. 

The Fall season is well under way with football, art, cheerleading, etc.  Registration for basketball, karate, golf clinics is taking place now.  Please note, no one is turned away for inability to pay, just ask. Those interested in playing platform tennis can do so at no charge.  Hurricane Irene took out one wall of one court so only one is playable right now, but the other will be fixed shortly. To reserve a court go online to recdept@cityofsummit.org, or call.

The Department of Community Programs has taken over the operation of the Senior Connections bus. It is housed at the Community Center. Longer term it is the desire of most of us on Council to rework the Community Center to build a teen lounge and a more permanent spot for seniors. A conceptual plan for discussion purposes has been drawn up. A public meeting will be held Sunday, October 23rd at 6pm. The hope is that the changes to the Community Center would be paid for with the proceeds of the sale of the current youth center at 2 Walnut Street.

New ideas...not mine but I’ll promote it. How about a dog park at the Family Aquatics Center off season? Maybe we could partner with Summit based “Homes for Good Dogs” and come up with a plan. I’ve mentioned this before but walking paths by the Passaic River and through the transfer station would be easy to accomplish. Bocce can be expanded. I’d love to start a team. We really do have everything we need here. Let’s thank Judith and join the fun!

Ellen Dickson
Candidate for Mayor