BELFAST — The Belfast City Council will meet for its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m., to address an agenda including the future of the Belfast Area High School’s track and field, a property donation, and potential new play space at Belfast Commons. The agenda and pre-meeting report are created by City Manager Erin Herbig, and are available to read in full.  

The first item on the Council’s agenda is a request from RSU #71 to enter into a property exchange agreement with the City. This following the recent defeat of a proposed overhaul of the fields, which have been reportedly deemed unsafe for events. 

In the request, the school district, which serves Belfast, Morrill, Searsmont, Swanville, and Northport, said the land swap would allow the district to work on improving the track and field facilities. 

“To meet the setback requirements of the City and to allow the proposed track and field facilities to be constructed to modern standards, a land swap is necessary of property corners between the City’s Grove Cemetery (Map 12 Lot 50) and RSU #71 (Map 13 Lot 12),” the request reads in part. 

A draft of the agreement will be presented to the Council for review. 

The Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee are requesting approval to accept property recently donated by Charles Beck, the owner of Fristad Trails, which is located at 198 Fristad Trails. Beck has discussed with the City the possibility of donating the 94.36 acre property to serve as an off-leash dog park in perpetuity after he passes. 

The idea for the park reportedly came about due to frustration regarding current dog walking rules and regulations - which stipulate a dog must be leashed at all times when on public property, (with the exception of the Walsh Field dog park). The park will be open year-round from dawn until dusk, with many shady spots provided, along with benches, stream bridges, and three quarters of a mile of trail. 

While off-leash is the point of the park, it is noted in a flyer about the park that this hospitality is extended only to those with well behaved, non-aggressive dogs who are under their owners control. Well mannered dogs are free to run, romp, and roam without concern. One thing of note is something you won’t see at the park that you see at almost any other - doggie bags - the waste can stay, no need to pick up after your dogs when they relieve themselves. 

According to Herbig’s pre-meeting report, Beck has invested time and funding to improve the parcel, including tree removal, trail removal, drainage and pond improvement, trail signs, and driveway work. 

Beck attended a parks and recs committee meeting in spring to discuss his proposition, including his requirements for the property, and what activities would, and would not be allowed. The property is reportedly to be used for walking, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching, and leash-free dogs. 

The committee voted to recommend acceptance of the property for the Council’s consideration. Parks and Rec Director Pam Salokangas will attend the meeting to explain in further detail, and Charles Beck will also attend the meeting to answer any questions. 

It is also noted in a Nov. 6, draft that Beck will continue to own, manage, and provide all physical and financial maintenance, “until hit by a bus (or other).” reads a draft dated Nov. 6. 

Herbig’s complete pre-meeting report and supporting materials are available to view. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com