Keeping the land for residents is #1 in my opinion. Move park and rec to this spot. Boating, classes, the shallow pools are perfect for seniors. Sudbury rec day camp here would be good too. Concerts in the summer!

There is no other local summer camp like it. I hope it continues to operate as the wonderful outdoor camp that it has been all these decades.

I would like to see clear and detailed communication to town residents about the plans for the property, the costs of its upgrade (if required) and maintenance for use by the town community, and what kinds of recreation will be made available. If the town is not able to afford the necessary costs to make the property usable by the public, I would want to see a reconsideration of the town's ownership of the property. Purchase of a summer camp with town funds and then running of that camp with a rented operator (which will take the facilities out of public use) does not seem to add to available town amenities.

A summer camp serves only a small, wealthy subset of the town. 11 million dollars needs to serve the whole town

I believe strongly that Sudbury residents should not have to pay above and beyond to use amenities at the property given we will already be paying for it in our taxes. That said, I also don't believe we need to be in the business of running a camp ourselves and that the property should generate revenue. Perhaps there could be a compromise where part of the property can be run for a summer camp by a private operator to generate revenue, but some of it can be kept for Sudbury residents to use also given the size of the land and the ability to split up outdoor swimming, etc.

I think there is so much than can be done. My children do/have gone to Sewataro as campers and I think the space is perfect for this purpose. A few ideas, which aren't new: Generate potentially significant revenue for the town by keeping a camp. One of the big reasons we've never considered Sudbury Summer because of the sun exposure at Haskell -- there is virtually no shade outside of that tent. If Sudbury Summer was run at Sewataro or a private operator for a day camp, great. Give the schools access for outdoor experiences and overnights (Odyssey!?). When school is in session, camp isn't. If retaining a camp isn't feasible, a "town beach" or other use would be good. Transition Monday night concert events at Haskell to Sewataro. The shade and amenities at Sewataro are perfect for town concerts and events.

Not having a town run pond is a big strike against Sudbury. Priority should be made to give access to residents to the pond with a model similar to White Pond in Concord ($150/year per family) or Wayland Public Beach ($135/year per family). Also, give an opportunity to our high-school swim team members to lifeguard for the summer. I hope this will be a priority following this acquisition.

I’d like to see my hard earned tax dollars well used. I’d love access to outdoor pools and also a camp for my children to go to during the summer.

I believe Sudbury residents should have preference for summer camp sessions and access to public parks/ponds/kayaks, etc.

There are many towns kids and families that cherish, depend and plan for the camp each summer. Although, I do not oppose the town using the property when the camp is not operating, it would need to be highly monitored to ensure the safety of the children and preserve this special place.

If camp is to continue next summer a decision need to be made soon regarding an operator. Parents sign up at the end of each summer for the next Please take into serious consideration the input from the taylors. This will be a great revenue generator if done right. Dont make any big changes the first few years. Or you risk blowing it.

My biggest hope for the purchase is that it will provide an inexpensive summer camp option for residents.

Operating a summer camp there is paramount, and should be priority #1 for the town. If a summer is missed while it’s figured out, the ability to sustain momentum of a popular revenue generating camp will significantly decrease.

I voted in favor of the property as someone who loves being outdoors and loves Summer Camp. I think the property is beautiful and I would hate to see it not being used properly.

The top priority should be financial sustainability; the second should be providing amenities to residents. Operating a summer camp is a lower priority.

To the last question - I think the most important factor is to minimize the financial impact on town residents. So if the best option is to allow a private operator to run the camp then tax payers should not pay a penny for the land but if the town runs it and there is a tax impact on individual residents then we should have access to it at an affordable cost. Not every Sudbury resident is wealthy and often times the least wealthy of us has the opportunity to get our children out of town in the summer to water for recreation so that should be a factor when thinking about cost and access.

One of the talking points by selectmen was the future use of the acquisition as a facility similar to Concord and Acton, which would pay for itself through use fees. It was DEFINITELY not presented as a summer camp or sports camp. If this were the case I would not have voted for it.

I shared all comments in earlier responses, but just in case I'll reshare here: - I think that using the property as a summer camp - whether the new home of Sudbury Summer or lease to a camp operator — makes the most sense. It’s the perfect, idyllic setting for a camp. However, camp is only 8 weeks of the summer, and then not on weekends. On summer nights/weekends, and throughout the year, I would love the see the property used as a public park with access to the swimming amenities, sports fields/courts, walking trails, and pavilions (rentable for parties). I would also love to see town events held there, whether movies, concerts or picnics like the one they hosted recently. It was the best event I’d ever attended in town, in arguably the most beautiful location in town, and it did not seem to require a huge undertaking to organize. I would love to see a town committee formed to talk and plan through the many, wonderful options we may have.

I have never been to Sewataro but it sounds lovely. If the town is going to run it as a camp, then would like to see Sudbury Summer and other Park and Rec things moved there. Can town sports programs access it especially at the younger ages? Would like to know there is a revenue plan to keep costs down in light of yet another property we have been forced into purchasing.

To expand on my 'other' answer in the last question. I think there should be a closure of facilities on the property (zipline, pools, buildings, docks - anything that requires staffing - if no staffing/overhead expenses - leave it open) that require staffing during non summer camp hours. If I want to enjoy the park but not participate in any of these facilities/activities, we do not want to pay a fee to enter the public land for a picnic or hike. creating a fee based/or membership based access will limit public access to the park.

If you’re going to increase my taxes to pay for it then I don’t have to pay to use it. If it’s a private camp the town can make money on and residents can still walk trails and swim that’s fine but it’s also fine to leave it as a private summer camp! Or use it for field trips for the schools. Would a private company be willing to foot the bill on insurance for private citizens?

Please find a way to keep the camp open for Summer 2020. Sewataro has a very loyal and well paying customer base and I worry that even one summer of not operating would cause many families to pursue other area camps, like Camp Thoreau, and we would lose them forever as customers.

We have a once-in-a-liftetime opportunity to establish Sewataro as both a spectacular recreational asset for town residents and a revenue-generating summer camp. I hope the Town convenes a committee of smart, creative residents and administrators who can develop a visionary plan to achieve these goals.

I agree with others that it was purchased without a plan, which is not good, but in this case, I don't believe there was an opportunity to plan for it--either use it or lose it. That said, I was in favor of purchasing the property. Every time I go to NARA Park in Acton, I have town envy. It would be great if Sudbury could have outdoor summer theater and concerts, as well as a permanent home for the Sudbury Art Association, considering there is an amazing kiln and arts and crafts shop on site. It would also be nice for there to be a town pool, since Greenwood and SS&T are not exclusive, but difficult for all Sudbury residents to enjoy at any one time. This would make recreation in town more democratic. And having access to canoes and kayaks would also be great for people young and old.

If a private operator is engaged, all profit to the operator or town should go towards paying down the debt needed to buy the property. Moreover, preference of private operator should be given to current employees of the camp. The camp should continue to charge its current fees and not provide financial aid beyond what is done currently. The chosen camp operator must be incentified to improving and maintaining the camp, but profits from the camp must otherwise go to paying off the debt due to buying the camp. Any use of the grounds other than summer camp must be self-supporting, not from funds paid by campers. The homes on the property should be once again rented out or sold, again with income going to pay down the debt. Taxes should not and need not be applied to paying off the camp purchase if this advice is followed. Finally, sign ups for camp in 2020 needs to start as usual this summer.

Not happy about Tax increases to the residents especially for families who are not interested in the summer camp.

I feel the town was negligent in fully disclosing the options available vs cost ramifications to the town. The only town forum that I know of was held during April break when many of us were away. It can’t operate as an independent summer camp AND be open to residents for summer recreation. It’s also a large piece of property that will require significant maintenance. I hope moving forward there is greater transparency on all options and associated budget implications.

realistically - the tax payers got screwed on this deal. We way overpaid - now I would like you to return that money and start manking some revenue off of this place. Walking trails and ponds can be drop in- free to use - but pool, zipline, etc - all have to be monitored and inspected and have safety percaustions put into place. Our current park and recs department does not have the ability nor do they have the capacity to run this operation. becareful farming it out - you might get us even more screwed then we already are! Some revenue ideas are: Charging small fees for access, year long membeship, daily use fees, birthday parties (think zipline, archery, adventure programming), family programs, summer camps. Summer camp is a cash cow - if you do it right. that camp was way overpriced and out of most peoples reach - but may still be accessible to most (not my family)

I strongly believe that if the town decides to operate (whether that is with or without a private operator) a summer camp it is essential that there be clear benefits to the residents of the town including priority enrollment and discounted fees vs. non-residents and regular access to the property for all residents (potentially by fee or membership) during evenings and weekends.

I am afraid that this property will turn into a taxpayer-funded summer camp. Under no circumstances, town taxes should be used to run the summer camp. If a camp operator does not cover the cost of running the camp including the general upkeep of the property the year-round, then the best option is to cancel the summer camp. The property must not be used as a subsidized summer camp.

Our town is not equipped and should not be in the business of operating a high end summer camp. Recreational use is only in my opinion.

We've spent tens of thousands sending our kids to Sewataro; there is no way I would pay that much for sudbury summer management. It needs to be leased by a third party camp or open to the public as a park. I also worry about the security of my kids with residents accessing the camp grounds.

I feel strongly that it would make the most sense for parks and rec to have a presence at the property and use it for “Sudbury summer” if it is still to be run as a camp. Otherwise if another party contracts to run the camp and the price point for the camp remain high it feels like the taxpayers of the town are subsidizing a camp that they may not even be able to afford to send their children to, which feels wrong. Although many families may be able to afford high priced summer camps many cannot, and we are ALL helping pay for this property. When camp is not in session (afternoon/evening/weekends/other seasons) it would be ideal to have it available to residents (and with a small fee for the pool for lifeguards/upkeep is reasonable).

My hope for this property is for it to be used as a summer camp similar to the high standards set forth by sewataro. Additionally, I'd like to see bike trails, kayaking, and other pubic space available to the public in seperate areas or at times when Camp is not in session.

Use native plants to landscape and the summer camp can gave a emphasis on learning about nature, plants and birds etc.

I am a long term resident of Sudbury and believe that an outdoor pool and recreation area was one of the features that was lacking for residents. I never was able to join the two town clubs and had to join Wayland's town beach for summer weekend swimming. This makes the town even more attractive.

The demand for summer camp is extremely high, and Sudbury would be missing a huge opportunity to cash in if it doesn't run a camp here.

I voted against the town purchase of Camp Sewataro. So my recommendations is to lease the property as an independent day camp in the summer and be open to the public during the other months. This would have the least impact on town expenses.

I would not send my children to a camp that is open to the public during the summer months when camp is in operation. They currently attend Sewataro. I support anything that doesn’t cost me or the town additional funds. The purchase is already costing me a ton, because my home value is more than the average estimated amount.

Ideally, the town would come forward with three options for the property with a financial analysis of each plan: (1) public park only (non developable), (2) hybrid option, (3) summer camp run by a third party operator.

Residents should have access to the property and/or receive a significant discount for a summer camp being run at the space.

The town has no knowledge of running a summer camp and if run by the town with town mandated wage rates will not be a profitable enterprise.

Perhaps consider making any fees associated with Sudbury residence a little less expensive than any fees for out-of-town people who would like to use the property. Maybe make the walking trails and some other things free for everyone to use and perhaps charging for a pool use, or kayak rental, etc. perhaps consider making one part of the park dog friendly while the swimming areas for example, might be dog free. Perhaps consider working with the Sudbury art association to have an outdoor art gallery experience ( temporary installation) along some of the paths like they do in other towns (Stowe VT for example) I have an opening “community weekend“ before any camps get started for the community to come together at the property and perhaps a community weekend at the end of the summer as well. Similar to the food truck party that the friends of Sewataro hosted.

I am 100% opposed to having a private operator run an expensive camp I can't afford to send my kids to. I couldn' t afford Sewataro and it makes me VERY uphappy my tax dollars are subsidizing an expensive camp for rich kids in town. The tuition is $1,460 for 2 weeks. That is VERY expensive for a daycamp IMO. I want an outdoor pool I can enjoy with my family. I can't afford Sudbury Pool and Tennis and the waiting list is insane. Having an outdoor pool I can take my kids to all summer would be something I am on-board with.

I think having some summer events, like the picnic that occurred to promote Sewataro, would be beneficial to the community

Some subsidy for residents who have financial need to the summer camp

Concerts in the summer. Skating/x-country skiing in the winter.

I believe the property should be accessible to the town people; however, I do not want the ongoing costs to be part of an override. It should be included in the town’s budget. I am not supportive of a camp continuing to run there and limiting residents’ access. If that is the town’s plan then I would want the property to be sold. I do not support the town running a camp or contracting it out (other than for next summer while things are being sorted out).

The acquisition of this property is such a fantastic opportunity for the town of Sudbury. We have the chance to do something very special with this property and have it be a huge asset for all residents for generations to come. As it would help the town by generating income via having it used as a high quality day camp for the summers, please be open to input from people who are familiar with the property as well as with operating successful day camps (such as the Taylor family) to help find someone who can do that successfully. It is also important to balance the needs of the residents by having the property available on weekends and evenings during the summer season so that as many people as possible can enjoy what this property has to offer. The possibilities are endless - outdoor swimming, playing fields, hiking, town festivals, summer concerts, winter sports (sledding, snowshoeing, etc.), maybe even creating a splash pad/water play area. This property is a huge asset for Sudbury!

Revenue-generation is important, at least for the new few/several years in order to make a dent in the associated debt. Beyond that, the property should be primarily for Sudbury residents (including Sudbury Summer camp) with short-term rentals possible by corporations/school for off-season mid-week outings/retreats in order to offset some of the maintenance costs.

Beautiful property. Let’s make it multi-use to get the most use of this beautiful land as possible camp during the week, park on weekends and in non-summer season, put Senior Center on the property (which would be carved out to keep separate from summer campers.

This was an incredibly irresponsible financial decision and was handled poorly by the town. The actual vote to purchase should have been held in a town meeting format with all the information presented. As it was the information was poorly disseminated and led to people making uninformed decisions. I do not support the purchase or the financial damage it has caused, and I absolutely don't support the town spending any money or devoting any resources to trying to run a day camp - any such endeavor should be handled by selling the property to a group interested in doing so - there was already an interested party prior to this ill-advised vote. This was a problem that didn't need solving, and all we've done is taken hard earned money from the pockets of taxpayers and given the property owners a sweet deal. To further strain finances by subsidizing summer camp for a handful of kids is throwing even more good money after bad.

I support contracting a private operator to run a summer camp provided that residents can continue to use the property and facilities at the same time as the camp, similar to Wayland Town Beach. I would opposed the summer camp plan if it shuts down the property and facilities to residents. I also would support using some of the land for affordable housing. The location that is close to Rt 117 and Maynard commercial area would be very convenient for housing. I would like to see more affordable housing in Sudbury, especially for people who work in Sudbury. If we put affordable housing in part of Sewataro, it should be designed thoughtfully, in harmony for the surroundings. Do not put the usual Pulte/Avalon mass market construction there.

Since my tax dollars are paying for it and my 3 kids ages 11,11,14 do not go to camp sewataro, I’d like to see this property being available to all residents to use, especially during the summer days. It’d be great to have a place the kids could hang out, swim, play basketball, play tennis, have a picnic, etc..would also be great to have early evening concerts there.

If residents are paying for this property the property should always have at least portions of it available to residents for use, regardless of summer camp usage.

I would feel good about developing a way for under-privileged kids, from elsewhere as well as from Sudbury, to go to summer camp at no expense.

Running a summer camp there would only be acceptable to me if it was open for public use at the same time.

Would like to see outdoor swimming available for adults and children at a depth feasible for adults since I have heard some of the outdoor pools are shallow. Kayaking and canoeing would be a fun activity to have available with boat rentals. We enjoyed the outdoor volleyball court at the open house. We would love to see weekly summer events there.

I think the town should use the property as a summer day camp open to residents (reduced fee) and non-residents (higher fee), and when a town camp is not operating, all town residents should have access to the recreation opportunities of the camp such as ponds, swimming pools, trails, playing fields, etc.