Mission & Use of the Village Green
Mission & Use:
The Village Green, lovingly known in the hamlet of Woodstock and shared by many guests, travelers, and residents alike, comprises a portion of property that was deeded by the Town to The Woodstock Reformed Church from the Davis, Sickler, Riseley, and Neher families beginning in 1806. The original structure of Woodstock Reformed Church was built on that piece of land.
As shared stewards of the Village Green, the Town and Woodstock Reformed Church are dedicated to its conservation, preservation, and maintenance. The historic purpose and vision of the Village Green, as stated in the Town’s Agreement since April 19th, 2005, is to be an open space for all. The Agreement spells out some guidelines and parameters for safety and decorum, that were jointly arrived at by Town and Church, after a number of noise and usage issues arose over the years. The use of the Village Green continues to be treasured as a public gathering place, as well as a space for passive recreational purposes.
We are committed to protecting its openness and safety: not only physically, but symbolically, as an environment that fosters creativity and free expression among all faiths, cultures, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, and sexual and gender orientations. This preservation continues to be important for the social, aesthetic, and economic vigor of the town, as well as a scenic resource for future generations.
Encouraged Activities:
Picnics, quiet guitar and musical instruments, peaceful demonstrations / signs, display of artwork (not for sale), conversation, chalk art, juggling, dogs and children, quiet reflection and meditation, photography, reading, and more.
Prohibited Activities:
In a longstanding agreement with the Town: to preserve the historic, open nature of the Village Green, nearby residents, and businesses, the following are not allowed on the space:
below), amplifiers are not to be used, so as to honor the merchants near the Green who are conducting business and hospitality, as well as the nearby residents seeking a tranquil environment.
Organized Music or Performances by Groups:
The Agreement states that the playing of organized performance music is limited to the following times, which need to be applied for and permission granted (see more info. below) –
In addition, there shall be no music played or other noise made on the Village Green which interferes with any church functions occurring in the church sanctuary.
Normal- to quiet- levels of buskers, playing guitar or other instruments without amplifiers, does not have to be limited to the above slotted times. But common sense needs to be used when playing after dark, etc., so as not to disturb local businesses and residents.
Note: the sidewalks around the Green are not church property, but rather public property. Thus the church does not weigh in on matters strictly confined to the sidewalks (i.e., protestors, etc.)
Requests to Use the Village Green:
Permits may be applied for and granted between: April and November, as these are the most seasonal months for outdoor performances, demonstrations, music, arts, etc.
For specific requests to use the Green, prior approval must be given. If individuals or groups are interested in using the Green, please contact the Village Green Subcommittee by filling out the Google request form at this link: https://www.woodstockreformedchurch.org/Home/if-you-want-to-use-the-village-green
The current church Village Green committee consists of Ed Jabs, Larry Todd, and Jen Reilly Bluma. These are volunteers, and not staff, so the requests will not be able to be read, discussed, and evaluated more often than approximately once a week.
As a volunteer group, we try to respond to every request in a timely manner. Thank you for your patience!
Additionally, for inquiries about maintenance of shrubs and flowers, please contact the Town. The church does not handle this. But the town have a group of dedicated volunteers who maintain the landscaping. The Town also handles the garbage / waste removal and snow / ice removal.
Enforcement of the Town / Church Agreement:
It’s expected that groups and individuals will abide by the above guidelines and norms. Should there be an event that runs counter to these principles, a member of the church Property Committee, and/or the Pastor, and/or a Police Officer may respectfully inform the individual / party that they need to play music more quietly, turn off amps, or whatever the case may be, to be in compliance with the above Agreement.
It’s our joint hope that we can all interact in a civil manner and work together with a spirit of neighborliness, appreciation of creativity, and respect.
We would like to thank our Church and Town volunteers for the many hours they have dedicated to our Property Committee, past and present. And we thank you, for your interest in contributing to the shared peaceful expression, history, and vision of Woodstock.
Sincerely,
The Consistory (Pastor, Elders, and Deacons) of The Woodstock Reformed Church
Revised on May 15, 2024