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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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What is a SHARROW? Durham resident (and Planning Board Chair) Andrew Corrow forwarded the above cartoon along, which does a nice job illustrating a "sharrow." Courtesy Andrew Corrow
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The Oyster River Middle School annual Service Palooza event will be held during the school day on May 12th. All students and staff at ORMS will participate in this day of service.
On this date in 1940, John Steinbeck won a Pulitzer Prize for The Grapes of Wrath.
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Charles Forcey, Chair of Energy Committee, Matt Sullivan of SRPC, Mr. Selig, Michael Behrendt, Dir. of Planning, Andrew Corrow, PB Chair, and Shanna Saunders, NH Planners Assn./Somersworth City Planner -- at today's presentation of the Plan of the Year award to Durham for its new Master Plan at the Holiday Inn in Concord. Courtesy NH Planners Assoc. & City of Dover
DURHAM RECEIVES MASTER PLAN OF YEAR AWARD FROM NH ASSOCIATION OF STATE PLANNERS
And speaking of Pulitzer Prizes, we were very pleased to learn that Durham’s recently adopted Master Plan was selected by the New Hampshire Planners Association as the Plan of the Year! The Town and Strafford Regional Planning Commission (our master plan consultant) submitted a joint application to NHPA for the award.
Our application was selected in a tie for first place along with the City of Dover’s downtown transportation plan.
Many in the community knew that Durham’s Master Plan was a high quality document, but it is nice for the community's work to be recognized by the New Hampshire Planners Association.
The award was given today at a ceremony in Concord.
You can view the plan on the Town’s website by clicking HERE.
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WHAT IS "THE TRANSECT"? | An Exerpt from The Smart Growth Manual
Here is another excerpt from “The Smart Growth Manual,” which has been added to the Planning Department's library of planning books in Town Hall.
This book was written by Andres Duany and Jeff Speck (with Mike Lydon), authors of “Suburban Nation.” We will from time to time include an excerpt from the book.
“The Transect. The transect is a concept drawn from ecology. It is a progression through a sequence of habitats, such as from wetland to upland to foothill. Ecologists use the transect to describe how each habitat supports symbiotic sets of mineral conditions, microclimate, flora, and fauna. The rural-to-urban transect extends this classification system to include a sequence of human habitats of increasing density and complexity, from the rural hinterland to the urban core. Design at every scale should correspond to the logic of transition from the natural edge to the man-made center…[T]ransportation, planting, buildings, setbacks, and all the myriad details of the human habitat vary across the transect. What matters is not whether the transition between transect zones is made gradually or abruptly – Fifth Avenue can abut Central Park – but rather whether the details of each transect zone are internally consistent and therefore mutually supportive. This logic of place coordinates the techniques that lead to sustainable urban environments, which in turn provide for the variety of lifestyles that Americans desire. . ..”
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PLANNING BOARD TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS ON TWO PROPOSED ZONING CHANGES ON MAY 11TH– The Keeping of Goats and Amendments to the Historic Overlay District
Public Hearing - Proposed Ordinance for Keeping Goats. The Durham Agricultural Commission developed a proposed ordinance to allow keeping a limited number of goats as an accessory use to single-family and two-family residences. The draft is based loosely on the ordinance adopted in 2013 for the keeping of poultry. The Commission requested that the Planning Board initiate the ordinance as an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Board reviewed the draft on April 27 and made a handful of changes. This revised document is presented for a public hearing. Recommended action: Close the public hearing and initiate the amendment substantially as now written or make changes and set a new public hearing.
Public Hearing - Historic District Ordinance - Amendments. The Town Council formally initiated numerous proposed amendments to Article XVII – Durham Historic Overlay District, pursuant to changes proposed by the Historic District Commission. The changes involve administrative matters, delineation of the district, purview of the commission, procedures, submission materials, review criteria, required maintenance and demolition by neglect, standards for review of signs, and other matters. The Planning Board has made a number of additional changes to the document. Recommended action: Make any additional changes and set a new public hearing for June 8.
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MILL PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT PRESENTATION POSTPONED
The presentation to the Planning Board on the Mill Plaza redevelopment is postponed from the May 11 meeting to the June 8 meeting. The applicant is still working on revising the plans for the project. Revised plans are expected to be submitted to the Town by May 25. Once received, the plans will be posted on the Town's website.
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Many UNH officials were out and about yesterday helping to set the tone for Cinco de Mayo. From the left: Mary Rhiel, College of Liberal Arts (currently acting Senior Vice Provost as well), Police Chief Kurz (bright yellow), Ann Broussard, College of Health and Human Services, Kim Babbitt, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, Neil Niman, Paul College of Business and Economics, and Ted Kirkpatrick, UNH Dean of Students. Other University representatives who were out yesterday afternoon and last night included Chuck Zercher, College of Engineering and Physical Science, Chris Clement, VP for Financial Affairs, P.T. Vasudevan, UNH Provost, Dave May, Assoc. VP for Business Affairs, and Charlie Putnam, Interim Director of the Conduct System at UNH.
Courtesy Craig Stevens, DCAT.
THE CINCO DE MAYO REPORT
Yesterday was a very busy day for our public safety responders yet they handled things professionally and with grace.
There were a handful of arrests but only two downtown during the afternoon period. It did get busier later in the evening and both NH Liquor Enforcement and NH State Police were active thorough the night. There were approx. 4 DWI’s, which is somewhat higher than normal. This highlights the fact that many who have nothing to do with UNH come to Durham/UNH to party and then leave. NH State Police were very active on all of the roadways entering and exiting town yesterday. Durham Police is dealing with a sexual assault off-campus. There were approximately 9 arrests on campus, and UNH served 7,700 meals at the Stillings BBQ. The inclement weather certainly helped to keep a damper on things.
All in all, Durham and UNH emergency responders and the numerous agencies from around the region that supported our efforts, along with UNH Administration, did a superb job managing a very active day. In total, we had 100+ police officers in and around town over the course of the day.
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In this photo volunteers are swapping out old chrismas lights on the downtown wreaths with LED Christmas lights and painting the ornaments to spruce them up. The swapping out of old bulbs to LED will provide the Town energy savings between 60-70% when they are hung in the Holiday season. Courtesy DPW
LIBERTY MUTUAL’S "LIBERTY SERVES" VOLUNTEERS SPRUCE UP DURHAM – Over 200 volunteers have helped out DPW with myriad projects this week.
Over 200 volunteers from Liberty Mutual working in teams of 20 or so have been in town every day this week (and next week as well) assisting the Department of Public Works with projects all over town. From painting the plow trucks to spreading mulch at the Town Hall to tidying up Durham’s graveyards and more, they have been of tremendous benefit to the community. This annual program connects Liberty Mutual employees with local organizations around the region. We extend thanks to the terrific folks from Liberty Mutual.
SPRING CLEANUP OF BULKY WASTE ONGOING
DPW is making headway with Spring Cleanup this week. Remember, all items were to be out on Monday, May 2nd and any item that would need an electronic sticker at the Transfer Station also needs one curbside. ADDITIONAL REMINDER, THIS IS SPRING CLEANUP OF BULKY WASTE- NO BRUSH OR LEAF BAGS WILL BE PICKED UP- those items can be brought to the Transfer Station and Recycling Center with your regular permit. That type of debris is only picked up curbside during the Fall cleanup which is typically in November.
MEMORIAL DAY TRANSFER & RECYCLING STATION SCHEDULE!
Reminder of the Transfer Station and refuse/recycling schedule changes for the holiday; Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2016. *NO CURBSIDE COLLECTION ON MONDAY- DELAYED ONE DAY ALL WEEK- MON COLLECTION ON TUES, TUES ON WED, ETC. *TRANSFER STATION CLOSED SAT 5/28/16 *NO COMMERCIAL COLLECTION ON FRI 6/3/16.
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ORMS students learning about climate change recently at the Middle School. Courtesy UNH Cooperative Extension
HOW IS CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTING NH TOWNS & WHAT CAN WE DO? | Learn from 5th grade students of Oyster River Middle School on May 25th!
Fifth Graders of Oyster River Middle School have been learning about climate change from their teachers and from experts at Strafford Regional Planning, UNH Cooperative Extension, and NH Sea Grant. In April, students learned from these experts about the differences between climate and weather, the changes we are seeing and can expect in the future, and what NH communities can and are already doing to plan with climate change in mind. Students recorded what they have learned onto posters in response to questions about climate change.
For parents, community leaders, and residents of Durham, Lee, and Madbury.
May 25, 2016, 6:00-7:30PM @ Durham Public Library
Light refreshments provided.
Please arrive at 5:45. Program begins at 6:00.
What to expect:
- Learn about local climate change
- Hear what area communities are doing to plan for climate change
- Tour posters presented by students
- Provide input on what communities can do
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A typical residential septic system and its interface with the Great Bay. Courtesy SRPC
SEPTIC SYSTEM WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS ON MAY 14TH | Is Your Septic System Working As It Should for your home and the watershed?
If you do not receive a sewer bill from the town, your property utilizes a private septic system.
According to the Great Bay Nitrogen Non-Point Study (June, 2014), the Oyster River Watershed is among one of the highest nitrogen yields (pounds per acre per year) in the coastal watershed area. It should be noted, that the model used to predict the non-point source (non-wastewater treatment plant) nitrogen load to the estuary estimated that nearly 30% of the nitrogen was attributed to private septic systems.
In response, and in concert with the Town of Durham’s own efforts, the Strafford Regional Planning Commission is partnering up with the Lamprey River Advisory Committee and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to co-host a workshop on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 10AM-12:00PM at the Durham Public Library focusing on septic systems. No registration is required. There is no cost for the program.
Almost all homeowners could use a refresher course concerning their septic system.
Learn:
- Basic septic system 101
- How a septic system works
- How to make them last longer
- Myth v. reality
- Regional and NH perspectives
- Latest technology and pollutant removal
- Q&A session with septic system professionals and experts
While parents are learning about septic systems, children of all ages can attend the Library’s STEAM (Science, Technonoly, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Saturday Family Program held in the storytime/craft room. The theme is planting, water, and watersheds. The children’s program runs from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
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EVERSOURCE Open Letter to the Durham Community REGARDING SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT
Eversource has provided an open letter to the community dated April 28, 2016 in regard to the Seacoast Reliabilty Project. To view the letter, click HERE.
The simplest way for residents to view information about the project would be through the Eversource project website. This link will take residents directly to the Eversource web page and then under the SEC application section there's a link to the SEC's website where the entire electronic application is posted.
As reported previously, in April Eversource filed its application for a Certificate of Site and Facility with the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) for the Seacoast Reliability Project (SRP), a new 115-kilovolt transmission line connecting substations in Madbury and Portsmouth. The SRP is part of a suite of projects that have been developed by Eversource to support the reliable delivery of electric power, in order to meet the Seacoast region’s current demand and support future economic growth.
The Independent System Operator of New England (ISO-NE) has identified additional transmission capacity as an important need in the Seacoast region.
The project consists of an approximately 13-mile long transmission line, within the communities of Madbury, Durham, Newington, and Portsmouth. It utilizes a combination of overhead, underground, and underwater line design. In Durham, the project utilizes existing Eversource Rights-of-Way where distribution lines now exist.
Before construction can begin, the project must receive a Certificate of Site and Facility from the SEC. The SEC has up to 14 months to review the application and determine whether to issue the Certificate.
Eversource completed an initial round of Public Information Sessions last year, in advance of the SEC filing, as well as an additional session with Durham residents at the Town Hall and a subsequent bus tour of the route with interested residents, and will host another round of public information sessions in Strafford and Rockingham Counties within 45 days of the SEC deeming the application to be complete. Additional public hearings will be hosted by the SEC within 90 days of that determination.
These events will provide an opportunity for members of the public to register questions or comments with the SEC regarding the project.
Durham and UNH officials have worked together in engaging with Eversource since last year’s forums. More than 30 meetings have taken place involving Durham, UNH, and Eversource officials resulting in numerous modifications to the project in order to address local concerns and priorities.
8TH ANNUAL BOBCAT BOLT 5K AND KIDS FUN RUN SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 8TH
The 8th Annual Bobcat Bolt 5K and Kids Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 2016, at the Oyster River High School. 9am - 5K Start, 10:15am - Kids Fun Run. Pancake Breakfast 9-11am (free for runners, $5 for spectators). The ORMS Jazz Band will entertain. Register at www.bobcatbolt.com. In memory of Josh and Nate Hardy, proceeds benefit Oyster River youth initiatives.
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PILOT EFFORTS PLANNED FOR MADBURY ROAD TO SLOW VEHICULAR SPEED AND IMPROVE SAFETY | An Initiative for Spring/Summer 2016
For years many residents along Madbury Road have complained about fast traveling vehicles creating safety issues for homeowners, walkers, bikers, and generally diminishing the sense of community for the area. While accident data does not demonstrate a safety problem, the Town is endeavoring to be responsive to this concern.
The the Durham Traffic Safety Committee is planning to implement a pilot program this summer season in which one or more “chicanes” in the form of temporary center islands will be installed along Madbury Road. A chicane is an artificial feature creating extra turns in a road used to slow traffic for safety. After review, wile we do not have enough pavement due to the size of the ROW to create a true curvy chicane system without sizable expense and permanent physical changes, Orange DPW delineators with reflective tops will be likely be utilized as part of the pilot program in two locations along Madbury Road.
DPW Director Mike Lynch, Asst. Dir. for Ops. Doug Bullen, Police Chief Kurz, and Mr. Selig were out along Madbury Road earlier this week testing potential locations with bright orange barrels. If successful, the delineators would become curbed islands in the future.
Again, this is a PILOT program in which we are attempting to address neighborhood concerns to slow the rate of speed with the goal of making Madbury Road feel more like a neighborhood street rather than a through way.
Speed data will be gathered in the current state as well as during the PILOT program. If the program is not acceptable, it can easily be removed and the delineators will simply be utilized elsewhere as they have been in the past (delineators had been at the old Town Office designating the bike parking area).
Please also note that there are NOT bike lanes on Madbury Road between Route 4 and Edgewood because the roadway is not wide enough to create standard sufficient widths. Instead, the roadway is designated as a “sharrows.”
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DOE FARM TO BE CLOSED TO PUBLIC DURING ONE WEEK IN OCTOBER TO FACILITATE INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL
The Trustees of the Trust Funds, in coordination with DPW, plan to close Doe Farm to public use during one week in October around the time the Town's contractor is spraying herbicide to kill invasive plants.
Since the weather patterns in the early Fall may vary enough from normal to cause the Trustees to shift their "best time" selection forward or backward by a week, they can't say yet which week the Farm will be closed. The Trustees are not closing because they expect the spraying operation to endanger anyone, but to prevent unwanted, unprotected public contact with herbicides and interference with the workers. (As you may recall, someone (or ones) removed all of the flagging delineating the invasive plant investation areas earlier this year causing frustrating delays and additional expense for the project.)
The Trustees and DPW will work to minimize the time of closure.
UNH & DURHAM TEAM UP AND APPLY FOR USDOT “TIGER CAT” 8 GRANT
“Dynamic Community – Dynamic Transport– Integrated Mobility & Access Improvements in Durham, NH.” This is how UNH and Durham have teamed up to describe a suite of projects that collectively may have very positive impacts for the community.
The application consists of a coordinated package of four linked multi‐modal projects from the UNH and Durham Master Plans that integrate community transportation systems, enhance downtown and campus development opportunities, improve pedestrian safety and transit capacity, while accelerating transition to low‐emission CNG fleet.
These high value projects -- South Drive GreenWay, Downtown Hub, Rail Station & Transit Center, and Transit Fleet Enhancements -- highlight town‐gown integration, reduce emissions and congestion, and affect regional impact centered at the hub of Strafford County’s largest employer.
It is an $8.6 Million Total Project with proposed 2.58 Million (UNH + Durham) 30% local match. The Town’s share would be a percentage of the potential construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Main Street, Pettee Brook Lane, and Quad Way.
The specific project envisioned include:
South Drive GreenWay ‐ $3.0M Final engineering and construction.
- provides important separated grade crossing of Boston‐Portland rail line for enhanced emergency preparedness;
- enables transit access to southwest quadrant of campus and improves overall campus transit efficiency;
- will be completed using best practice bioretention, lighting, and environmental practices;
- designed as a ‘Complete Street’ with full inclusion of bike lanes, sidewalks, transit infrastructure;
- improves major pedestrian crossing at South and McDaniel Drives;
- project already has air quality and congestion modeling complete and requires only minor wetlands permit updates.
Downtown Hub (likely a roundbout) at Main/Pettee/Quad Way (Campus Crossing) ‐ $750K Final alternative engineering, selection, and construction.
- newly configured intersection will respond to > 200% increased pedestrian volumes and transit growth;
- facilitates enhanced downtown economic development and infill capacity;
- improves bike/pedestrian and vehicular safety;
- air quality and congestion benefits, as well as transit operational cost savings have been modeled.
UNH Wildcat Transit Fleet ‐ $4.5M Procurement.
- Replacement of up to eight 2006 full‐size diesel transit vehicles with equivalent seat capacity CNG transit fleet responding to changing profile of transit use – growth of in‐town transportation Campus Connector;
- Will demonstrate cleaner mixed fleet – move UNH transit fleet to majority CNG fuel source;
- Continue free in‐town transit for growing walkable community;
- Link downtown – campus – rail station and new housing to maximize transportation resources.
UNH –Durham Rail Station Transit Center ‐ $350K Final engineering and construction Implement 2015 FTA design study to:
- expand and improve platform capacity and safety in response to ridership growth;
- provide intercity bus parking and improved connection to adjacent Depot Lot;
- completes UNH‐Durham’s second Main Street gateway and completes renovation of 110 year old transportation facility.
DURHAM SELECTED TO PARTICIAPTE IN HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN’S 2016 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
Durham has once again been selected for inclusion in the Human Rights Campaign’s 2016 Municipal Equality Index. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bise-ual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. The Municipal Equality Index (MEI) is the first nationwide evaluation of municipal laws, policies, and services affecting the LGBT community.
This year, HRC will evaluate the 408 cities rated last year and at least 500 cities total. Last year’s cities included the 50 state capitals, the 200 largest cities in the country, the five largest cities in each state, the cities home to the state’s two largest public universities, and 75 cities and census-designated places with high proportions of same-se-x couples.
In each of the past years, Durham has ranked #1 in the state for inclusivity of those communities surveyed.
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FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The New Hampshire State Primary is September 13. In New Hampshire, anyone who is registered to vote may do so in a Primary (unlike in some other states) but must vote the party with which they are registered (Republicans vote for Republican candidates, Democrats vote for Democratic candidates).
Undeclared voters may pick the ballot they wish to use. The Supervisors are sure that most residents who wish to be Undeclared or in a party different from the one they voted for in February have done so, some residents have not done that yet..
May 31 is the last day party affiliations can be changed before the Primary.
The Supervisors believe they have made all of the changes that have been requested so far, but urge residents to check to make sure they are where they want to be. A new (as of April 26) checklist has been posted at the Town Hall and at the Durham Post Office (in the room with the mail boxes). Residents may also check easily HERE. Don’t be disappointed in September!
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The cover of Durham resident Bridget Finnegan's new book, Doc MacDoodle's. Courtesy Bridget Finnegan
DURHAM RESIDENT BRIDGET FINNEGAN HAS PRODUCED A COLORING BOOK FOR GROWN-UPS – Doc MacDoodles!
Durham resident (and native) Bridget Finnegan has created a coloring book for grown-ups of all ages that is available for pre-sale on Amazon.
Bridget states: “I've had the greatest time working on this project and hope that it is the first of many!”
For more information, click HERE.
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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WEEKLY MINI FILM SERIES
Durham's Agricultural Commission's has begun featuring a Mini Film Series in the weekly "Friday Updates". Each week a short video on an agricultural topic will be posted that Commission members hope subscribers will enjoy and find helpful.
This week's mini film: Using Goats to Graze Brush and Invasive Plants.
Goats are well suited to clearing land. Learn about the advantages of using goats to manage land. Learn, too,about a possible business opportunity: Your own herd of grazing goats for hire!
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DURHAM POINT ROAD BRIDGE REPAIR PROJECT
Advertisement to formally bid the project for construction hits the newspapers this weekend. Bids will be due on Thursday May 19th, 2016 at 1pm. Construction is expected to begin late summer 2016 pending environmental permitting. Project letters will be sent to affected residents on Durham Point Road and Bay Road to inform them of project schedule and bridge closure information. If you have any questions please contact Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. at atalon@ci.durham.nh.us or 603-868-5578.
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UNH COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION SURVEY IN PROGRESS
The Survey Center is assisting UNH Transportation Services and Campus Planning with an important transportation survey relating to UNH parking, transit and campus mobility.
Last conducted in 2011, this survey has been repeated every 5-7 years since 2001 to provide important benchmark and attitudinal data. Faculty and Staff may be selected for a random phone call version of the survey over the course of the next two weeks.
Durham residents affiliated with UNH in a faculty, staff and/or student capacity are invited to take the web-based survey during the course of the next several weeks.
The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and can be found HERE.
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SUMMER UNH CONSTRUCTION IMPACTING TWO UNH-OWNED PUBLIC STREETS - Lower Quad Reconstruction
Per notice provided to the Town Traffic Safety Committee, effective the Monday after Commencement (May 23, 2016) , the Lower Quad reconstruction project will result in Quad Way (south of Holloway Commons Loading dock) and Academic Way (between Mill and Quad Way) being closed to all traffic for the entire summer. All parking in lower quad will be closed. Please find alternate routes. If you are inviting guests to campus, be sure to provide them with directions exclusive of these road sections.
A map of current construction projects can always be found on the UNH Facilities website.
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2016 UPDATE TO THE NEW HAMPSHIRE HOMEOWNERS GUIDE TO STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Want to know more about how you can manage stormwater generated from your property? Read the Homeowners Stormwater Guide from NHDES that was recently updated! It is a great learning tool and has Do-It-Yourself Solutions!
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY 2016 LIBRARY USER SURVEY - Your Voice Does Make a Difference!
The Durham Public Library Board of Trustees and Staff want to hear from you!
Please take 5 minutes to complete the adult or youth survey. Use your home computer or come to the library where every computer terminal has a quick link. Every member of your family is welcome to participate by taking the survey individually.
The responses to the anonymous surveys will be used to assist the staff and Trustees in preparation for our annual strategic planning process, setting priorities, and ensuring we are meeting the needs of the entire community.
If you are unable to access a computer or cannot take the survey online, you can complete a paper version of the survey—ask for it at the front desk of the library. Once completed, please drop it in the confidential library dropbox inside the front door.
Access the Adult Survey (ages 18 and over) HERE
Access the Children and Teen Survey (under 18) HERE
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about the Durham Public Library.
The survey ends Friday May 13th.
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS IN MAY
In May, the Town Council will meet on Monday, May 9th and Monday, 23rd instead of its usual 1st and 3rd Mondays.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 30, 2016 FOR MEMORIAL DAY
All Durham Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2016, in observance of Memorial Day. All Town offices will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, May 31, 2016.
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Transfer Station and Refuse/Recycling Schedule Changes for the Memorial Day Holiday
NO CURBSIDE COLLECTION ON MON 5/30/16 - Delayed one day all week. Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, etc.
TRANSFER STATION CLOSED SAT 5/28/16
NO COMMERCIAL COLLECTION ON FRI 6/3/16. The holiday schedule can be viewed HERE.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
Online Program Registration- Now Available!
Durham Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the addition of online program registration and payments to our department! You can find program and department information by visiting us HERE. Please create an account on the left hand side of the page, which will allow access to register for programs. Please be sure to ask questions, and let us know if something isn’t operating correctly.
2016 Memorial Day Parade
On Monday, May 30th the Town of Durham will have a parade honoring our veterans beginning 10:00am at Mill Pond Road. Immediately following the welcoming announcement, we will proceed down Mill Pond Road, and turn left onto Newmarket Road. From there, we’ll make another left onto Dover Road/Main Street, toward downtown and Memorial Park, where the second ceremony will take place. There will be live music, musket salute, invocation, and other special announcements.
For those interested in participating in the parade, please fill out our Parade Participant Registration Form (under forms & documents) and return back to Parks & Recreation by May 25th.
After School Mountain Bike Club- Tuesdays & Thursdays beginning Thursday, May 19th-Thursday, June 9th. After school until 5pm. Bikes will be transported by DPR from ORMS to Madbury Town Hall each session. Bus # 29 will be available to transport middle school students after school to Madbury Town Hall. Min. of 6. Max of 8. Please register with DPR by Friday, May 13th.
Stargazing At Wagon Hill Farm
Durham Parks & Recreation and UNH Astronomer John Gianforte - The SkyGuy, have teamed up to offer Stargazing at Wagon Hill Farm! We will be offering an interactive stargazing workshop on the second Saturday of each month beginning in May. Participants can join us in the orchard at Wagon Hill Farm where we will view the moon, Jupiter, constellations, and more! In the case of inclement weather, join us at Churchill Rink! $10/person, $20/family. Please pre-register with Durham Parks & Recreation by Thursday of each listed stargazing dates.
Stargazing Dates & Times
Saturday, May 14th- 8:30-9:30pm
Saturday, June 11th- 8:45-9:45pm
Saturday, July 9th- 9:00-10:00pm
Discover Durham’s Trails
Durham Conservation Commission, Parks & Recreation and the Land Stewardship Committee are offering once a month guided treks for community members to get to know the trails and recreational spaces in Durham. These treks will take place the third Sunday of each month at 10am. Participation is FREE!
Join us for our next scheduled trek: Sunday, May 15th: Spruce Hole Bog at 10am- Parking available at Oyster River Forest off Packers Falls Road
Volunteers Wanted: Are you interested in being a Field Trip Leader to lead or co-lead a trek for Discover Durham’s Trails? We would love to have you!! Please contact the Parks & Recreation Department for more details on this volunteer position.
2016 Summer Day Camps with Durham Parks & Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation is offering nine exciting weeks of Summer Day Camps beginning June 27th- August 26th 2016!
Full or half day options available along with a five-week partnership camp with ORCSD Camp R.E.A.C.H. DPR provides an afternoon camp option to each of their morning camp sessions! Camp R.E.A.C.H. will run weekly from July 11th-August 12th Monday- Thursday with an optional Friday Field Trip. Scheduled trips include, Jenness Beach, Water Country, an Island Kayak Adventure, Blitz Air Park & Mini Golf, and Hampton Beach & Ice Cream!!!
DPR also has some great fun-filled and educational camp options before the July 11th start of Camp R.E.A.C.H. and after R.E.A.C.H concluded on August 12th. Campers can look forward to Wicked Gross Science Camp, Super Hero Physics Camp, an Adventure Paddle Camp, Extreme Earth Camp, Youth Yoga Camps and Wicked Cool Med. School Camp!!
Registration is open for any of our camp weeks! For more information or to register please visit us HERE.
FREE Balance Workshop with Sally Baker, PT
Better balance prevents falls and injuries.Join Sally Ann Baker PT from Durham Physical Therapy as she shows you easy balance exercises, which will help restore some of the flexibility, and strength you remember.
As we get older, falling can result in more than the bruises we might have experienced in our youth; it can rob us of our independence. Every year thousands of older people experience broken hips and head injuries. Don’t join this group!
Join Sally Thursdays at 12pm at the Durham Recreation Parks & Recreation building located in the old court house on 2 Dover Road, for a half hour of fun, gentle, preventive exercise, a no sweat approach, which will arm you against the uneven surfaces.
Call the Durham Parks & Recreation at 817- 4074 or email at recreation@ci.durham.nh.usfor more information about this FREE recurring program. Pre-registration is not necessary for participation.
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The annual Letter Carriers Food Drive will be held on Saturday, May 14th. See more information below.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Mast Way School Annual May Fair Fund-raising Event - Friday, May 6, 2016, 4:30 - 7:00 PM. Will include a raffle, games, Kona Ice, face painting, delicious food and much more.
10th Annual Quackfest - Hosted by the Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay, Saturday, May 7, 2016. Rubber duck race on the Oyster River at the Town Landing. Music, children activities, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Event starts 11AM; ducks launched at 1PM. Prizes given for winning ducks. Ducks can be purchased from Rotarians in front of Rite Aide Thu & Fri (Apr 28 & 29) from 3:30 to 5:30PM and Sat (Apr 30), from 10AM– 1PM. Ducks can also be purchased at the event. Do not have to be present to win. Ducks: $5 each or 5 for $20.
Yogathon Fund-raiser for the Waysmeet Center, Saturday, May 7, 2016, Three Bridges Yoga Studio. Each class will be taught by a different local yoga instructor, starting on the hour between the hours at 12 and 7PM. Suggested donation is $10/class. For class listings and information on registering, click HERE.
Herring Aid - Saturday May 7, 2016, 10:00AM - 12:00 Noon, Macallen Dam, Newmarket. Sponsored by NH Fish & Game and Lamprey River Advisory Committee. More information HERE.
Durham Post Office Letter Carriers 24th Annual Food Drive, Saturday, May 14, 2016. Residents are asked to leave non-perishable canned and boxed food out by their mailboxes and their letter carrier will pick it up when they deliver mail. All donations will help stock local panties in town and are greatly appreciated.
TimberNook Enchanted Evening, Saturday, May 21, 2016, 5 - 8PM, Moharimet Elementary School, Madbury NH. Ages 5-10 years old, $35/child. Register HERE or call 603-868-1335. More information HERE.
ORHS Presents Footloose The Musical, Thursday, May 26 - Sunday, May 29, 2016. Presented with great music, dancing, and singing by the ORHS Student Players. Ticket information available soon.
Annual Plant Sale - Hosted by Strafford County Master Gardeners Association, Sunday, May 29, 2016, 10AM - 2PM, Durham Town Hall parking lot, 8 Newmarket Road. Large variety of perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and trees available at discounted prices. Master gardeners available to answer questions. Contact Traci Bisson, tracibisson@metrocast.net. More information HERE.
Growing Places Timbernook Enchanted Evening - SPRING: April vacation week for school age children. SUMMER: Two exciting summer camps. FALL: New before school program.
UNH Summer Camps taking Registrations. Camps are offered for all ages, and in areas such as STEM learning, the Arts, Academic Enrichment, Athletics, and Recreational programs. Registration information HERE.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Children’s and Young Adult Programs:
S.T.E.A.M. Program, Sat. May 7th, 10:30-11:30am. This week: Volume & Weight! Join us every Saturday for S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) activities in the Storytime/Craftroom. All ages welcome!
Next Week, Sat. May 14th – Planting, Water and Watersheds!
Babysitting Class with McGregor EMS, Sat. May 7th, 10:00am-2:00 pm – This course is designed to certify kids ages 11 & up who are looking to or already babysit. All students will receive a Babysitting, CPR and first aid certification. The cost is $35 and payment is due upon registration. To register, visit www.cprsafe.org or call 603-862-3674
Game Afternoon (ages 10 & up) Monday May 9th, 2:45-4:00 pm – This week: Pictionary & Apples to Apples Jr.! Join us for board games, snack and prizes. All are welcome!
Storytimes! Tues. May 10th and Thurs. May 12th 10:30am, This week’s theme: Fish! Join us for stories, finger-plays, felt board, songs and a craft.
PJ Storytime, Weds. May 11th, 6:00 pm - This month: “Puppies!” Join Oyster River Parents and Pre-schoolers (ORPP) and the Durham Library for this month’s PJ storytime. Come wearing your pajamas! Come and hear some Puppy stories, and make a pup-tastic craft. We will have a special animal visitor. Snacks are provided by ORPP and all are welcome.
Baby-Lapsit, Wed. May 11th 10:30-11:30am - For children & their care-givers, infancy to age 2. Songs, stories, movement, rhymes & socializing afterward.
Lego Club (K-4th grade) on Thurs. May 12th 3:30-4:30pm, Theme: Knights & Castles! –Like to build Legos? Join us to do Lego challenges and build cool structures.
Homeschoolers Group, Fri. May 13th 10:30am, Theme: Planting/Gardening! – Join us for books, games puzzles and a fun craft.
Oyster River High School Spring Poetry Night, Weds. May 18 6:00 pm - Join us for a creative night of poetry readings and enjoy light refreshments. The new Oyster River Poet Laureate will be announced! All are welcome.
Children's Summer Reading REGISTRATION Begins Monday. June 13 - On your mark, Get Set...READ! Register at the Children's Desk Ages 2-12
The library now has two Kindles for kids to check out and two Kindles for Young Adults to check out. The kids Kindles are loaded with lots of great books, apps and videos while the YA Kindles have favorite YA titles to check out. See the Children’s/YA Librarian at the Children’s desk to check one out.
Tales for Tails – Have a child who needs to increase their confidence in reading? Have them read to one of our Pet Partner dogs! Your child will read ½ hour once a week to one of the dogs and their handlers. Sessions run for 4 weeks. Call the Children’s Dept. at 590-1124 to sign up now! Still room to read with Tango!
Join the Reading Patch Club! Ages 2-12 years - Earn patches and a tote bag for hours that you read! Program sponsored by The Friends of the Durham Public Library.
Adult Programs:
Fifty-Plus Years of SCUBA Diving Adventures, Wed. May 11, 7pm - Denny Chasteen presents a "photo tour". He has been SCUBA diving since the early days of the sport, traveling throughout the world photographing marine life while witnessing their interesting behavior.
On Display in the Art Gallery.
Oyster River ASD Friends, Tues. May 10, 6:30pm - Guest Heidi Cloutier, UNH Institute on Disability, Envisioning the Future! ASD Transition & Person Centered Planning. Parents connecting & learning to support themselves and their teens/young adults on the Autism Spectrum. Contact Julie jsmith@icloud.com
Acoustic Open Mic in the DPL Café - Wed. May 11, 6:30pm
SOFT and Other Things We Learned: How UNH Developed a Writing Style, Thurs. May 12, 5-7pm - The Rhetoric Society of America Student Chapter of New Hampshire Presents SOFT and Other Things We Learned: How UNH Developed a Writing Style with Professor Emeritus Tom Newkirk. Light refreshments served.
Get Pumped - Septic Systems ,Sat. May 14, 10am - Lamprey Rivers Advisory Committee & Strafford Regional Planning Commission will discuss how septic systems work and inexpensive ways to make them last as long as possible. Septic system professionals will be available to answer technical questions and provide information about new technologies. Contact Armida 603-590-1117
Friends' Book Discussion, Thurs. May 26, 10:30 - Please join the Friends' book discussion: May 26, 10:30, facilitated by Jennifer Lee, of three short stories from the collection After Rain by William Trevor: The Piano Tuner's Wives, Widows and the title story. All are welcome. Your copy awaits.
Ole Time Auto Event Sat. June 4, 2016 10am-1pm -Just a month away. DPL's first Auto Show! New additions to the cars on display:1976 MG B and 1957 Porsche Coupe 356 A-TI. Contact Armida 603-590-1117 or ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Durham Photo Contest: July 4, 2015 through July 4, 2016 - $300 Cash Prize for the Winner! Contest is sponsored by a Durham resident, to capture the beauty, character, and identity of Durham using seven photographs that express Durham’s character. More information can be found on the website http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org
MUSEUM PASSES -- The Friends of the DPL sponsor passes to twelve different museums. Try the Portland Museum of Art, 45 minutes away in historic Portland, Maine. Free admission to general and special exhibits for two adults and six children.Reserve online using the library website http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org Pick up the reserved museum pass at the circulation desk.
Visit our website durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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