Town Common Project Committee

2002 Annual Report

The Town Common Project Committee (originally known as the Meetinghouse Common Committee) was established by the Selectmen June 5, 2000, in response to public interest. The Dunbarton Garden Club had recently completed landscaping improvements to the Town Common, sparking an interest for even more enhancements: benches for sitting, plantings, walkways and, most of all, a new bandstand/gazebo. Historically, a bandstand was on the Common for almost 100 years, eventually being destroyed in a storm. Although we may never see the formation of another Dunbarton Band (see cover of 2001 Town Report), townsfolk recognize the benefit of such a structure for many other uses. The Town Common has been, and will continue you to be, the heart of Dunbarton: a well-used gathering place and a lovely symbol of our historic community.

A survey sent to all homes in Dunbarton via the Bow Times showed consensus: all changes made to the Town Common should be simple, practical, durable and low-maintenance, preserving the green space and historic character of the Common. We heard you! Changes will be made only after public input.

No designs or potential plans have been drawn to date. Since the Town Common Project Committee (TCPC) began its work, the Selectmen have also created another committee, the Dunbarton Center Planning Committee (DCPC) to undertake the larger task of evaluating the long-range needs of the town services located in the Town Center and making recommendations for the future. Because the mission of our committee (TCPC) involves simply the grounds of the Common, the work of the Dunbarton Center Planning Committee must first be completed and a plan approved by taxpayers. We will then be able to start the design and cost phase of our work in collaboration with the overall Town Center plan.

The Town Common Project is funded by donations: $31,287.49 as of 12/31/02. Approximately $16,000 of this came from the highly successful Auction held on Old Home Day; the balance from raffles, craft sales and co-op fundraisers. A small “Gift Shop” located in the Town Office building sells crafts made by volunteers on a continuing basis. Fundraising will continue; our tentative goal is $50,000 based on costs incurred by other communities for similar projects.

Our email address is (towncommonprojec@aol.com); we welcome your questions and comments. Email us if you would like to be included on our mailing list.

We would like to thank the community for its support and enthusiasm. Our volunteers have become a mainstay on Election Day selling raffle tickets and crafts – sharing many a laugh and smile with fellow citizens as they have opened their wallets and purses. It’s been a pleasure getting to know more of you. See you on the Common!

Respectfully Submitted:

Donna Dunn, Co-Chair, Treasurer Diana Driscoll

Judy Peterson, Co-Chair Bill Morse

Deb Auger, Secretary Joanne Johnson

Les Hammond, Selectmen Liaison