Orleans’ Eldredge Park Could See A Much Needed Recreational Redesign

Change has been a good thing for public recreational efforts in the town of Orleans over the last two years. And now Eldredge Park could see critical recreational improvements with the passage of article 10 at the fall town meeting on Oct. 28.
Let’s take a look at key events leading us to where we are today.
At the spring town meeting in 2022, a recreational master study for Eldredge Park, the Nauset Regional Middle School, and the elementary school was authorized to take a fresh look at how the three properties could be modified to better fit the outdoor recreational needs of our town. A diverse group of over a dozen stakeholders began their work to produce a cohesive plan.
Then in November 2023, after the uncomfortable exits of two different recreation department directors, Tom DeSiervo was hired to lead and rebuild the program from the ground up. With excellent experience and a fresh infusion of funds, Tom hired a recreation program manager and an administrative assistant. After years of anemic offerings, the public has been excited to see new programs like after-school open gym for elementary school students, flag football, yoga, wiffleball, early bird fitness, winter indoor soccer, weightlifting, and even an art class. Registration numbers are up substantially. Tom is a hard worker and a dedicated leader, turning over stones and working closely with the recreational advisory committee to see what residents want and expand programming. 
The recreation master plan was completed in spring 2024 and rolled out to town and school groups, receiving broad support and encouragement. It’s an impressive vision of what recreational facilities could look like in the heart of Orleans. It lays out a five-phase approach to completely renovate the current facilities, many of which are many decades old. This includes lights, access paths, new courts, new multi-sport fields, better parking, and a general vision for shared community use. 
The first phase of this plan begins at Eldredge Park and that’s why we’re asking for your help. 
At the Monday, Oct. 28 special town meeting at 6 p.m. at the middle school gym, voters will be asked to support Article 10, which asks for $850,000 to begin work on phase one of the master plan of this project. It would fund design and engineering plans for a new Eldredge Park that provides opportunities for multiple sports. Some of the funds could be used for renovation or construction. Imagine an Eldredge Park that includes a full-sized basketball court that is lit for evening use and a fully renovated accessible playground with a multi-use play area for scooters and tricycles. Better facilities, better parking, better lighting, and a better layout.  
We encourage you to come to town meeting to support Article 10. This initiative reminds us of how lucky the town was to be given this roughly four-acre property in 1913 by “Win” Eldredge, who noted that the land gift was “In consideration of my affection for and interest in the young people of Orleans and my desire to provide a playground for them.” Let's rebuild Eldredge Park so that it honors that vision.
Imagine how, working together as residents, neighbors, grandparents, parents, and friends, we can take that first step to build a better recreational future for the children and adults of Orleans. 
Tracy Murphy and Jamie Balliett are members of the Orleans Recreational Advisory Committee.