CVS Building Vote

Castleton Recreation: Post #2 

Moving Forward or Status Quo?

Vote “YES” on Article 36 because:

• It will give our community a place to gather and play (a “third-space” outside of home or school) which promotes physical and mental health and resilience for community members of all ages. A vibrant growing town includes recreational opportunities in its Town Plan – which it is in our Town Plan!
• The opportunity of our new full-time Parks and Recreation Director to fully realize a robust revenue-producing Recreation program is jeopardized without a place to gather, organize, and offer programs. With the town keeping the CVS building “on the market” for sale Recreation will not be able to generate any revenue because no businesses or seekers of professional space will not enter into a contract – TOO RISKY for them.
• Without CVS, Recreation will have no gym access. With the 6^th grade back at the Elementary School, gym-time is at a premium with no room for Recreation programs.
• The building will improve Castleton’s emergency preparedness, as an emergency shelter during severe weather and natural disasters if needed (with some upgrades).
• The building will allow community-building events: Town Meetings, community dinners, adult rec, youth rec, dances, tournaments, clubs, community theater, and enrichment classes. When Castleton Recreation has a physical space the potential for robust recreation programming is limitless.
• The Recreation Department can amplify the work of other Castleton organizations (i.e., the Castleton Free Library, Community School Organization, Castleton Community Seniors, etc.) by collaborating on joint-programming and/or sharing use of resources such as meeting rooms, the gym, and equipment.
• A centrally located, highly utilized building will increase traffic to downtown businesses, promoting economic opportunities to the merchants.
• A strong show of public support will be further evidence of Castleton’s endorsement of Recreation programming for all ages of its residents.

Vote “YES” – Article 36 on Castleton ballot, March 7, 2023.