The Recreation Governance Study Committee has scheduled a public hearing to share the draft agreement for the formation of a recreation district between the Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction. The hearing will take place on Thursday, August 4, at 6:30p.m., at Essex Middle School, 60 Founders Road.

The ten-member study committee was formed in March when the Village Trustees and Essex Selectboard unanimously agreed to examine the future delivery of recreation services. Over the course of the last four months, the committee evaluated several different options for future governance and identified the formation of a recreation district as the best choice. “This is truly a win all the way around. We will be able to take two outstanding recreation departments and consolidate them under one roof. We will be able to continue all of the great things that both organizations offer to our community, and expand and build upon each department’s strengths,” said Michael Smith, Chair of the study committee.

Voters of the Village and Town will vote at a special meeting on Tuesday, December 13, on whether or not to enter into the district. The agreement that is being presented at the public hearing contains the basic tenets under which the district would operate. “This is an opportunity for the public to learn about the contents of the agreement to form a recreation district and provide feedback before it gets voted on,” said Smith. Along with hosting a public hearing, the committee is presenting the draft agreement to four local boards – the Selectboard, Trustees, Prudential Committee, and Unified Union School Board. After the presentations, the committee will have the opportunity to consider any feedback that is shared when they reconvene on August 10 to finalize the agreement. The agreement will then be sent to the Attorney General’s office for final review. Additional information about the committee’s work and a copy of the draft of the agreement can be found at essex.org or ejrp.org.

Jan 17, 2025, 2 to 3 PM

Jan 20, 2025, 7 to 8 PM

Jan 21, 2025, 10:30 AM to 12 PM