MARCH Workshop summary

Thank you to everyone who joined us on March 14th for the Amenia Parks & Rec community workshop. 10% of our attendees were kids and we continue to look for diverse input.

What We Heard

• Strong interest in expanded recreational programming, including sports (basketball, volleyball, pickleball), fitness (yoga, meditation), and classes like dance, karate, and cooking

• Desire for more community events and social gatherings, such as open mic nights, music series, dinners, and flea markets

• Interest in arts and creative programming, like sip-and-paint, felting, and other hands-on workshops

• Need for more inclusive, multigenerational programming that brings together seniors, youth, and families

• Emphasis on creating connection opportunities, including clubs, meetups, and informal gathering spaces (e.g., coffee or social groups)

• Interest in dog-related amenities and programs, including dog parks, training classes, and events

• Desire for better use of existing spaces, especially Town Hall and school facilities, including weekend access

• Suggestions to enhance specific locations, such as adding benches along trails, improving pool access, and activating underused areas

• Interest in new amenities, including outdoor volleyball, natural playgrounds, and improved walking paths

• Strong need for better communication and coordination of events to avoid overlap and increase participation

• Importance of reaching a broader audience, including multilingual outreach and stronger connections between different community groups

• Interest in connecting key community hubs (Town Hall, library, parks) and even nearby communities

• Support for organized, calendar-based programming with a consistent mix of offerings to reflect community diversity

• Recognition of the importance of volunteers and community-led efforts to support programming