BERLIN — The Berlin Parks Commission at its May 7 meeting discussed plans to hold a mural design contest to replace fading artwork along the racquetball court wall behind the tennis courts in Stephen Decatur Park.
According to a proposed application for the contest, the commission would seek original artwork depicting scenes from Berlin.
The commission’s town liaison, Deputy Administrator Mary Bohlen, said she could contact local schools to publicize the contest.
The commission also discussed a proposal to allow individuals or organizations to sponsor several flowerbeds in Stephen Decatur Park. The areas would be designated with signs. A proposal to establish a “Friends of Berlin Parks” board that would operate under the supervision of the commission was briefly raised as a possibility.
The commission also discussed replacing faded walking path distance signs in the park. Bohlen said she was reviewing the costs of making the replacements.
For William Henry Park, the commission was updated by Terran Wright, who serves on the commission’s Henry Park Subcommittee, on a first-time proposal for “Berlin Day in the Park,” which would be held at on May 25 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on May 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wright, who would spearhead the events, said activities during the Memorial Day weekend event would include basketball and horseshoe tournaments and activities for children.
The Berlin Town Council approved the proposal at its May 13 meeting. Also, a pin oak has been planted in Henry Park in memory of former Parks Commission member Mary Burton, who served on the commission from 2004 to 2007 and was a strong supporter of developing Henry Park. A sign will be ordered to mark the memorial.
Melanie Windsor of Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services reported that four additional paver stones were needed for the children’s outdoor reading garden on Flower Street across from Henry Park. There are currently 16 stones that are used as seating areas.
Patricia Dufendach briefed the commission on the possibility of asking the town to participate in Maryland’s Oyster Recovery Partnership, which collects recycled oyster shells that are used as a substrate by oyster hatcheries to provide surfaces for oyster spat to attach to until they mature.
The commission discussed the feasibility of placing shell collection receptacles at the recycling center near Burbage Park on William Street.