BERLIN – Interviews are currently underway for an individual to fill the new position of project coordinator for Berlin Falls Park.
Mayor Gee Williams said this week that he expected the project coordinator position for Berlin Falls Park, the former Tyson industrial property, to be filled no later than early September.
“Interviews are now underway that are being conducted by the town administrator and other town department directors,” Williams said. “I am expecting a recommendation to fill the position this month.”
Town officials have said for some time that a new employee would be hired to coordinate efforts at Berlin Falls Park (BFP), which was purchased for $2.5 million earlier this year. The former industrial site will be gradually developed into a multi-purpose public space.
“The BFP project manager will be responsible for budgeted park capital projects including the scope of work and implementation of the park budget,” Williams said. “Duties will include negotiating, preparing and implementing and administering consultant contracts as necessary.”
The individual will essentially serve as the town’s contact person during the redevelopment of the 65-acre park. The project coordinator will provide information to the public, contractors and consultants during the lengthy process. The new employee will also be tasked with grant writing and working with area businesses.
“They will develop partnerships with both public and private stakeholders including, but not limited to agencies, organizations, schools, businesses and sponsors for the projects and events,” Williams said.
Berlin Falls Park has been open to the public since late May. Though the site has yet to be redeveloped in any way, citizens are able to traverse the property and take in its natural attributes. Williams, however, says the only feedback he’s received about the park has related to the July 3 fireworks display held there.
“Most comments were about the larger than expected parking and that the property looked better than they had anticipated at this early stage of re-development,” he said.
Resident Jack Orris Jr. says that when he visited the site he was thrilled by the amount of potential it had. Orris, who’s running for a town council seat, said the property could provide space for parking, a skate park, a dog park and even drone use. He’d also like the town to explore how the ponds on the property could be used safely.
“When I went to the park, I saw a lot of potential, along with a lot of work to get it where it can be,” Orris said.
While she too sees more possibilities for the town’s newest park, resident Amanda Shick says she’s just happy to have another public space to enjoy nature.
“My family is from the Adirondacks and I very much miss the lakes and serenity and peacefulness of the natural surroundings and wildlife,” she said. “Berlin Falls is my little piece of the Adirondacks in Berlin.”
She says she’d love to see the town focus on the site’s existing natural beauty as the property is redeveloped.
“I would love to see benches, more trails, more picnic tables and nature observation decks that would enhance the land to water views,” she said.
She added that an outdoor amphitheater could provide space for things like camps, yoga, theater and live music.
Resident Zackery Tyndall—also a candidate in this fall’s council election—says he too wants to see the town promote the site as an environmental attraction.
“I believe the property is a great place for residents and guests to learn about the environment on the Eastern Shore and see the natural beauty of our town,” said Tyndall, who likes to go running at Berlin Falls Park. “I would love to see a path around the park so families can safely enjoy the sights by foot or by bike.”
