WILTON - Selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to back a grassroots effort to beautify and revitalize areas around the foot of Wilson Lake and the downtown.

Betty Shibles, representing a committee of 20, asked selectmen for their support before the group continues working on its plan, which includes growing flowers, store window decorations, an Earth Day celebration and monthly third Thursday celebrations, along with changes to Bass Park and the area at the head of Wilson Lake. The group intends to implement their ideas next year, she told the board.

"Wilton is a special place to me," Shibles said. "I'm not here asking for money or any extra work for the town."

Shibles, the daughter of former town doctor Maynard Colley, grew up in Wilton. Although she and husband Mark found work in Connecticut, the Shibles kept a cottage in Wilton, living here through the summers.

After driving through downtown last April, Shibles spent the drive home thinking how she could put her experience and background to work to make a difference to the town's Main street, she said.

Talking to other Wilton residents, a plan was developed and a committee of 20 formed. Support and input from residents as well as selectmen is being sought before the plan progresses.

One component includes beautifying the lake area by planting grass, trees and shrubs on the dirt space used for parking, John Black of Rocky Hill Landscaping and Nursery told the board. Benches and picnic tables would be added along with a walkway. A couple of lakeside parking spots would be left for disabled drivers.

Across the road in Bass Park, the gazebo is moved and the driving loop deleted. A grassy spot around the gazebo will offer opportunities for concerts while a parking area is located to the side of the park. The area around the boat ramp would undergo some changes.

An estimated $20,000 price tag would be covered by donations and fundraising, he said.

Other parts of the plan include the germination of 1,000 plants next spring that would later adorn the downtown area, Bass Park and East Wilton, Shibles said.

While traditionally Boy Scouts perform a spring clean up day in Wilton and East Wilton, the committee plans to encourage others to join them.

A special Earth Day celebration will include planting flowers and time to bring the community together for food and fun, she said. A third Thursday celebration continues for every month from May to September. Downtown would be blocked off from 6 to 9 p.m. for events such as a farmers market, displays, antique cars, open businesses and other activities.

This summer Shibles developed window displays for some downtown businesses. She also met with Mt. Blue High School Principal Monique Poulin concerning an idea for an independent study program for juniors and seniors. Learning about the businesses, the students would create a couple windows during the winter and spring to attract customers, she said.

After questioning the loss of the parking area around the lake and whether permits were needed from the state Department of Environmental Protection, the board endorsed the work.

"There are so many projects that Wilton needs to do," said Chairman Paul Gooch, "to have a group want to do something like this but without asking taxpayers to support it...." was something Gooch said he had not seen in his 30 years in Wilton.