ATHOL – The Open Space and Recreation Review Committee voted to support a town-owned property off Lincoln Avenue as the location for a proposed skate park and other recreational uses.

The location will next be presented to the Selectboard for approval.

Athol resident Stephen Sharp brought the skate park proposal to the committee at its June 23 meeting. Members expressed support for the proposal, and Director of Planning and Community Development Eric Smith said he would identify town-owned properties for consideration.

At the Aug. 25 meeting, Smith said he reviewed 158 town property assessment records and presented several options to the committee, including a portion of Lake Park and property at the end of Union Street. Members ultimately agreed to move forward with the Lincoln Avenue property.

The Lincoln Avenue location is a field near the back entrance to Silver Lake Park. It used to have tennis courts, and Smith said the site would provide well over 10,000 square feet of space.

Committee member Dave Small said this site could potentially accommodate more than just a skate park.

“So, to me that would be a good focus area for a whole suite of recreational activities,” Small said, citing Unity Park in Turners Falls as an example, noting that it includes a playground, splash pad and skate park.

Committee members also discussed several advantages to the Lincoln Avenue property, including its existing parking and access to bathrooms, water and electricity. They said the property’s location near the Department of Public Works, along with the potential for several recreational uses in one area, could make maintenance easier.

Committee member Matt King asked Sharp whether he thought the Lincoln Avenue property would be a better location than the town’s former skate park at Silver Lake Park. Sharp said the former location was secluded, which made it difficult for others to see what was happening there and could allow problems such as vandalism or drug use to go unnoticed.

“But with this, with houses being right across the street, like within eyesight of that field, I mean, I don’t think people would be able to get away with that as easily,” Sharp said.

He also suggested installing cameras at the Lincoln Avenue site that could feed to the nearby police station, allowing officers to respond quickly if problems arise.

Small expressed his support for moving forward with the Lincoln Avenue location.

“We could be another 10 years waiting for the right spot to show up. I think we have the momentum with the people involved right now to try to do something,” he said.

In other business, the town is working with BSC Group to update its Open Space and Recreation Plan. Smith said the town received a $25,000 state grant to help fund the update. A community survey is now available for residents to provide input on open space, parks, and recreation priorities and will remain open through Sept. 19.

An open house on the plan is scheduled for Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Program Room at the Athol Public Library, 568 Main St.