So many possibilities for former Barton school

The last day of school in June 2017 was bitter sweet for the children attending the tiny community school in Barton.

Opened in 1960, one of the first graduates that year was distinguished playwright, Hal Theriault. Indeed, it was Hal who spoke eloquently at the CeleBarton event on June 5 encouraging people to not dwell on the school’s closure, but instead focus on the memories made. “The memories created here will last beyond the brick and mortar of the building itself, through the people who went here and their children after them,” he said.

I drove by recently and saw the over growth in the yard, but the infrastructure remains. It was here that so many generations of Barton Consolidated School children learned that their school was much more than just reading, writing and arithmetic; they developed a sense of belonging, experienced their community and established roots.

But what do you do with the surplus publically owned lands and structure? That determination is now in the hands of the municipal unit. Yet, that structure is integral to the citizens of that community and they too need a voice in its disposition. The school was and remains an integral part of the community’s identity. It was/is a gathering spot, a focus.

There are many assets in that building that are sorely needed for the local residents. The former school has a kitchen, meeting space as well as ample parking. The grounds have the potential for accessible walking trails that have access to a beautiful St. Mary’s Bay beach. The transit lines pass right in front of the door.

Other such entities have been adapted to provide the communities in which they were located with so many opportunities. Locally, The Oakdene Centre in Bear River is now a source of cultural development, health enhancement and economic growth. Surplus space in Digby Neck Consolidated is now a very successful social enterprise, a fellowship center and so very much more.

What to do? Perhaps wellness classes, i.e. yoga, information sessions, perhaps youth groups, activities, perhaps gathering activities for seniors, perhaps accessible fitness walking trails, perhaps a farm market, cooking classes, perhaps a Café social enterprise, perhaps a centre for artistic and cultural awareness. The potentials are endless.

These potentials must speak to the needs of those who reside in that community.

I hear that our municipal unit is having a session on March 5 to set a date for an open house. Has a decision been made? The municipal councillor for the district has been asked to include some dynamic people from our own area who have experience with respect to the usage of surplus public assets as participants. I do hope that happens.

Many moons ago, I was part of a trade mission to Scotland. At that time, I noted their constructive use of public buildings for the communities in which they existed. Can we not take a page from their play book and ensure that public assets are used for the people who need them, want then and will use them to benefit their own citizens?

Have your ideas and suggestions heard. Your voice matters. Only we as citizens can protect freedoms and we must be vigilant. There is a group that is looking at these options for Barton. Their e-mail is st.marysbaycommunitycenter@ gmail.com but if you contact me I will forward your ideas as well.