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G Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, May 9, 2007 3 ArtsWeek draws crowds Organizers declared ArtsWeek a success again with all activities including Art in the Glen, Acoustic Extravaganza, Rising Stars, John Sommer Juried Art Show well attended. Photos by Sabrina Byrnes Maeve Sharkey performed Popular from Wicked during the Rising Star Youth Concert held at St. John's United Church in Glen Williams Saturday afternoon as part of Arts Week. Travis Paul listens as Sarah Wilkinson perfomed All That Jazz from Chicago durng the Rising Star Youth Concert Artist Mary Ann Martin looks at a fellow artist's work during the Credit Valley Artisans Sale held at Cedarvale Park Saturday afternoon. Olivia Elliott, 5, who got all dressed up for the occasion, takes a little rest at the annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party at the Glen Willams Visual Arts Centre Saturday afternoon, which was part of Arts Week in Glen Williams. Recreation survey indicates.. Space for youth and seniors centres in high demand CYNTHIA GAMBLE Staff Writer The Halton Hills Recreation and Parks Department is currently developing a plan that will direct how to spend its money and resources during the next 10 years. Many of these directions were developed through community input such as a telephone residents' survey. Following is a synopsis of those recommendations for various non-sports organizations: Youth facilities · Difficult to determine what youth want because trends change. · Decisions on youth space will require youth consultation. · Possible locations of dedicated space in Mold-Masters SportsPlex, Acton Arena & Community Centre and Gellert Community Centre · 71% residents place high priority on developing new youth space Seniors facilities · There are two types of seniors: traditional (65+) and emerging (more active, less involved), and both have different needs and desires. · Maintain current space for traditional seniors at the Georgetown Seniors centre for and add space (for emerging seniors) at the Gellert Community Centre such as a lounge · Proceed with Fairy Lake studies to determine appropriate uses · Add public washrooms at major parks and key locations along trails · Monitor usage of town picnic pavilions and gazebos · Construct one playground in Georgetown that is fully accessible to children with disabilities-- monitor usage before considering a second one for Acton. · Ensure there is one playground within 10 minute walk of all urban residents. One gap currently exists in Georgetown · Proceed with Destination Park Policy · Work with community to maintain existing community gardens · Implement a community allotment garden in Acton and Georgetown on a trial basis Trails · Survey says 55% want natural trails, 48% want paved trails and 41% want on-road bike lanes. · Design future subdivisions with trail networks · Minimize human impact in environmental sensitive areas · Explore addition of bike lanes to major roads. Resident Laurent Thibalt urged more emphasis on cycling, remarking he had just returned from The Netherlands where cycling is common form of transportation. He pointed to the Main St. S. walkway, which is an excellent bicycling and walking linkage from Georgetown South to Downtown Georgetown-- more of that is needed, he said. Other · Off-leash dog parks-- current policy is fine · Beach volley-- develop two sand courts as pilot project · Outdoor skating rinks-- monitor use and identify strategy if significant demand. · Indoor turf facility-- continue existing practice (i.e. supporting Acton Agricultural Society's indoor facility) Arts and Culture · Undertake an arts and cultural strategic action plan to address its own specific needs. "It became quite clear it was an area that needed its own study," said Brown · Then, identify links to recreation facilities, ie. shared space · President of the Georgetown Choral Society Laurent Thibault recommend the study proceed immediately. This town he said is severely lacking in adequately sized facilities. His contention was backed by several other public meeting participants. · Assist Acton Seniors Centre to find ways to expand its centre · Georgetown Senior Centre president George Chadwick said most seniors live in the central area and do not like going to Gellert Community Centre in Georgetown South. That's why the central one is being maintained said study leader Todd Brown. · Senior Centre member Clarence Gough suggested the Town explore partnerships with social service agencies providing services for seniors to relocate seniors centre and agencies together. Parkland/playgrounds · Develop strategy for acquiring parkland and focus on more neighbourhood parks during the development planning process More details are available on the Town's website, www.haltonhills.ca or by calling Project Lead Warren Harris, 905-873-2601, ext. 2274. S Next Edition - June 2007 I D E R O A D S of Halton Hills