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A Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, May 9, 2007 3 Go given to Max's Garden Acton Councillor Jon Hurst called the proposed Max MacSween Garden "a fitting tribute to the memory" of the man who spearheaded many garden projects in the community. The late MacSween was a former Acton Citizen of the Year, president of the Acton Horticultural Society (AHS) president and as a master gardener. The garden project, proposed by the AHS, will be located beside the existing walkway garden (one of the one's spearhead by MacSween), from Main St. North into Rotary Park. "Max's Garden" will create a focal point at the end of the walkway garden. It will be a great asset to this town, said Hurst. The AHS will contribute $3,000 for site works include an arbour, bench, plaque, topsoil and plants. Society members are also providing all the volunteer labour to install and maintain the plantings. Local contractor, R&M Construction, has pledged donation of the site preparation, armour stone, screenings and concrete footings (estimated at $3,000). The work will be done this month (May). A formal opening will be held later this year. improve the track crossing at that location. "It happens every three to four years, the tracks on Eastern Ave. get extremely rough," the mayor explained, "My bladder would be gladder if it got fixed. I think there are a few other people in Acton driving along there, who are thankful for the shock absorption on their vehicles." Acton Trunk Sale to return The Acton Trunk Sale will return this summer to the Town-owned lands in the olde Hide House parking lot May 26. Council approved a facility use permit for the Acton Trunk Sale organizers to use the lands for the annual event, which is held Saturday mornings through the summer until Sept. 29. Lease approved Halton Hills council approved a 10-year lease to the Acton Agricultural Society for the lands its new indoor soccer facility and poultry barn is located on in Prospect Park. The lease updates one signed in 2000. Rent is $2 a year, plus utilities. Councillor Mike O'Leary declared a conflict of interest on matter as his company has been appointed as interim manager of the new facility. The new facility is now called Dufferin Rural Heritage Community Centre in deference to Dufferin Aggregates, which donated $100,000 to the building fund. Acton Citizens of the Year On behalf of the Rotary Club of Acton, Bob McKinnon (centre) presented the Citizen of the Year honours to Diane and Bill Spielvogel, longtime organizers of the Acton Fire Fighter Association's Santa Claus Parade. The couple was feted during a special dinner on Saturday night at the Blue Springs Golf Club. Photo by Ted Brown New tracks or new kidneys? The mayor has had his kidneys jostled one too many times on the Eastern Ave. railway tracks. Mayor Rick Bonnette requested the Engineering Department contact the rail line ownership to 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 nonsports 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 · Assist Acton Seniors Centre to find ways to expand its centre Parkland/playgrounds · Develop strategy for acquiring parkland and focus on more neighbourhood parks during the development planning process · 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 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. More details are available on the Town's website, www.haltonhills.ca or by calling Project Lead Warren Harris, 905-873-2601, ext. 2274. · 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. 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. S Next Edition - June 2007 I D E R O A D S of Halton Hills