George McManus, chair of the Madison Park Development Committee, had some good news to share with the Board of Selectmen recently, and then, on behalf of the committee, he had a few requests. Three, to be specific.

First, McManus said the Park Development Committee, after more than three years of discussion and planning to begin the process of turning the 42-acre former Griswold Airport into a multi-use park facility, was now preparing to move aside. In its place, the development committee strongly recommends the selectmen put together an oversight committee.

"This property is unique," he said; it will include active recreation areas, passive recreation areas, and conservation areas. It requires a committee with a unique make-up as well. The Park Development Committee is recommending a committee to work with the Beach and Recreation Commission, but to report directly to the Board of Selectmen.

Membership should include representatives from the Conservation Commission, Inland Wetlands Commission, Shellfish Commission, Beach and Recreation, and a member from the Park Development Committee "because it will be a challenge" to balance the needs of passive and active recreation while also maintaining its environment and commitment to conservation.

First Selectman Fillmore McPherson asked McManus to send him a written memo with the specific recommendations for members. Selectman Al Goldberg asked that the matter be placed on the board's next agenda for action.

"Our job is slowly coming to a close and our committee will sunset," McManus said. The nine members of the present committee believe strongly that "it will be challenging to balance three, full-size, multiuse playing fields with the irrigation, parking, and landscaping" while still addressing conservation issues.

McManus then said at present the development budget does not look as though it will be able to cover costs for the restrooms originally included in this first phase.

"We will probably run out of funds," he said.

The selectmen will need to consider what steps to take next.

"We hope money can be found" to complete the restrooms, McManus said, and that temporary facilities will not have to be installed.

The third request was perhaps the most sensitive.

"We continue to hear comments from residents about their unhappiness with the Constitution Park name," McManus said. "We are asking the selectmen to reconsider the choice."

There are several "good names" listed in the development committee's earlier minutes and he urged the selectmen to review them.