District D Councillor John Lawn's presentation proposing consideration of building a recreation center on the former Browne School site.

1. Town of Watertown Discussion Document: New Recreation & Community Center Presented by Councilor John Lawn November 28, 2006

2. Introduction As we have begun the steps of relocating the Police Station to the town owned land at the former Browne School - I would like this Council and this Community to think long term about what other possibilities and additional opportunities we have at this site. We have, as a Town, created and supported many bold initiatives throughout our deep history and thankfully, for the most part, our former town leaders have thought long term of future needs. We, as a Council, must also think long term about some of the lasting impacts our decisions today may have on our current citizens but also on future generations of Watertown citizens. Watertown, as we all know, is an ethnically diverse community. We have a lot to offer. What we have also come to realize, due to its dense population, is that we must also be committed to maximizing every opportunity that presents itself to the Town Council We talk and hear a lot about how this town has changed over the last 20 years. It is true that the demographics have changed.

8. Background – Some Interesting Numbers! Watertown is 2 nd in population in Middlesex League.... and last in student population!!! * Numbers taken from Mass Municipal Directory 2006.

9. Background – Some Interesting Numbers! Based on % of Population to Student Population, Watertown ranks last in the Middlesex League. * Numbers taken from Mass Municipal Directory 2006.

12. Next Steps I would like to propose a Special Town Council Meeting and have the Council Members and members of the Community come and listen to ideas and suggestions around this initiative. I would like to hear input from residents, neighbors, youth sports directors, youth coaches, High School coaches, Athletic Director, School Administrators and community groups. If there is an appropriate level of support at the Open Forum, I would propose moving forward with a Town-wide Recreation and Community Questionnaire to appropriately quantify resident interest in this initiative. Meeting: Watertown Free Public Library December 2006/January 2007

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