Greg Gerber posted on November 16, 2009 08:34
CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire's park system, the only self-funded system in the country, is looking to hand over some care and control of as many as half its 71 parks because the system can't afford their upkeep.
On Tuesday, Madison selectmen are voting on whether to take over maintenance of the 17-acre Madison Boulder Natural Area from the cash-strapped state parks system.
State Rep. Jeffrey St. Cyr, R-Alton, hopes other towns, businesses and citizens' groups will step up to preserve smaller state parks in need of attention that the state no longer can provide. He has filed legislation to form an adopt-a-park program to create a formal process for volunteers to take on specific tasks, whether it be to haul trash or clear specified trails. The House will consider his bill next year.
He modeled his plan after the state's adopt-a-highway program, under which groups volunteer to pick up litter and are recognized with small signs along the stretches of road they patrol. St. Cyr envisions similar plaque recognition for park upkeep.
It isn't a new idea. Similar parks and highway litter programs exist elsewhere in the country, but New Hampshire relies on a few profitable parks to support the entire system.
To read the complete story in the Boston Globe, click here.