Calling friends of Tardif Park: the association needs you

Kevin Moulton, who grew up in Laconia, remembers his parents going to dances held at the Tardif Park building in Ward 2. When he married Lisa 23 years ago, they held their wedding reception there. They celebrated their children's christenings and birthdays at the park building, and now they fear that they might be witnessing the end of the park building as a cultural center of the neighborhood.

Tardif Park, like the four other playground/parks in the city, has a building that is managed by an association of volunteers. The volunteers organize social events that take place at the buildings, rent out the building for private events, and use any proceeds for maintenance and improvements to the building and park.

However, in the case of Tardif Park Association, the group is down to two people: Lisa and Kevin Moulton. Many of the other members have pulled back to deal with family and health issues, and the Moultons are concerned that the two of them alone won't be able to keep the building vibrant enough to be significant to the neighborhood.

Lisa and Kevin are putting out a call for interest in the association. They're hoping that neighbors and friends of the park will attend one of the monthly association meetings, such as the one coming up on April 3 at the Community Centeron Union Avenue, starting at 6 p.m., to bring some "fresh ideas" for fun fundraising events, and to think about joining the association.

Tardif Park is on Crescent Street, on block south of Gilford Ave., and residents who live in that area would be a natural fit for the organization. But the Moultons said that anyone interested would be welcome to join or just attend a meeting, even those that aren't Laconia residents. "We need fresh ideas," said Lisa.

Some of the ideas could be along the lines of traditional uses of the building, such as indoor yard sales or dances. Novel ideas are also welcome, such as events geared toward children or teenagers. Anything that would draw attention to the building would be considered.

The park and the building date back to 1949, when Archie Tardif, an entrepreneur, former city councilor and resident of Winter Street, who had most notable success with the company Guay & Tardif Construction, donated the land and the structure to the city. Jewett Brook, flowing down from Gilford, runs right behind the building and separates the playground, tennis court area from a wonderfully scenic picnic area.

Tardif, uncle of former Laconia Mayor Tom Tardif, lived on nearby Winter Street.

The building was built by Phil Roux, who also founded the Christmas Island Steak House and Resort. At one time there were swimming pools where the playground is now, but they were long-ago filled in for liability reasons.

This winter was the first one in memory during which the building had to be closed because there wasn't enough left in the account to keep it heated. Kevin said the city gives the association a yearly allotment of $1,200 for utilities, but that's not enough for a year's worth of heating and electric bills. In theory, the rental fees and revenues from events would cover the rest of the costs, but that plan didn't pan out last year. Kevin received several calls to rent the hall this winter, which he had to turn down because the building was closed up for the season.

The Moultons consider it a shame, because the building itself is in good condition. The interior has a hardwood floor and wood paneling. Features include a full kitchen, restroom facilities and a raised platform that could function as a stage. With tables and chairs, the Moultons say 140 people could comfortably fit in the building, and with the floor cleared of furniture, the building has a maximum capacity of 300.

Those who join the association should be able to commit to one meeting per month with summers off, a group cleanup that Lisa said goes very quickly, and should look forward to social events such as potluck dinners and a cookout in the beginning of summer.

To Parks and Rec Director Phil Rowley, the park associations are "the volunteer arm" of his department. The service they provide is irreplaceable. Yes, if the association folds, the rec department would take over management of the building, but a professional overseeing the rental of the building from the department's office just can't provide the same level of care and creativity that a group of neighbors can when tending to a building in their neighborhood. The association, he said, is "a real benefit to the city and it's taxpayers. It's people like the Moultons who ensure that Tardif Park remains a safe place for the enjoyment of both the youth and adults of the neighborhood."

"I just don't want to lose Tardif Park," said Kevin.