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Budget
The 2006 budget showed another healthy surplus due to strong membership participation:
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Membership remained steady at 90 for 2006.
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Total receipts and expenses stayed level, with a slight increase in picnic profits and a significant increase in holiday cocktail party expenses ($534 this year vs. an average of $175 in prior years). Nearly half the cocktail party expenses were related to feeding and supervising the children who attended.
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The Association realized savings in the fall cleanup of the Green, which was $170 last year compared to $500 the year before.
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The Association continues to show a healthy annual surplus: $2,230 on receipts of $4,421.
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This is the fourth year since 2001 where we have spent less than half of what we took in.
Income - CPA receives funds from four sources:
- Membership dues, currently set at $25 per household
- Voluntary contributions to the "tree fund" to cover the costs of maintaining and replacing trees
- Profits from the annual picnic
- "Friends of the Park" program open to residents and businesses outside Chester Park
- Location fees from weddings, film companies and other sources
- Community-improvement grants from corporations, such as Starbucks
Currently, more than 60% of the households in Chester Park pay their dues, a dramatic improvement over past years. But our goal is still 100% participation reflecting the CPA's belief that every member of the community should be heard.
Expenses - Annual expenses include:
- Capital improvements, such as the recent pathway renovation
- Mowing
- Tree and stump removal
- Liability insurance
- July picnic
- Year-end party
- Miscellaneous administrative costs
Help us reduce our expenses by recommending or volunteering lower-cost services.
Volunteerism - While not a part of our formal budget, most of Chester Park’s efforts would flounder without a burgeoning spirit of volunteerism. Many generous members contribute time, expertise and services - often anonymously - to better this community. Contributions include:
- Refreshments, food, entertainment and decorations at social events
- Bulbs, bushes and trees for the Park
- Professional advice on landscaping, administrative and legal issues
- Production and distribution of NewsLetters
Liability and insurance
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The Chester Park Association insures all members against personal injury and property damage claims by third parties. The Park continues to be open to all residents and their guests for a myriad of activities, with the only stipulation that you leave the Park area as you found it. Like all parks in Pelham, the Park is not to be used after dark except for CPA events.
