Jack Downing park revitalization project moving forward

August 19, 2021 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Shelburne is moving the Jack Downing revitalization project forward, with tenders out on the park’s gazebo.

The Town of Shelburne issued the request for proposals on Aug. 6 with bids open until 3 p.m. on Aug. 19.

Jack Downing Park, located along Main Street in the down core, is named after Shelburne resident John Robert “Jack” Downing who passed away in 2014 at the age of 93. Downing, in 1998, advocated for the Town to purchase the vacant land where the park now sits and raised over $86,000 for the park development. The park officially opened in June 2000.

The revitalization project of Jack Downing Park was scheduled for 2020, to mark the 20 year anniversary, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Planned to be located adjacent to Shelburne Town Hall, according to the proposal the gazebo will “act as a gathering place for the community, facilitating a wide range of community based outdoor programing/activities and [shielding] Shelburne [residents] from the elements”. The proposal also notes the pavilion will provide visitors to the community with a space to enjoy the surrounding area.

Shelburne Town Council, during their meeting on May 10, approved an increase in the budget for the Jack Downing Park revitalization project to $56,000, up from the original $20,000. The project is funded through the Town’s parks and recreation reserve which had an estimated balance of $82,152.

The budget available for the pavilion replacement is $35,000.