WILTON – Grass, flowers and less parking at the head of Wilson Lake were discussed Tuesday during a public meeting held to brainstorm ideas for improvements there, at Bass Park and the boat ramp area.

The group decided to make changes in phases starting by concentrating volunteer efforts and fundraising for improvements to the lakeside of Lake Road, leaving Bass Park alone this year except for planting flower gardens.

Removing the gravel left there when the town undertook construction of a retaining wall around the end of the lake was a top priority expressed during the meeting.

“The only goal I have is getting rid of the gravel,” said Paul Gooch, who organized the meeting. Parking along a 230-foot portion can add up to 25 vehicles or more on a hot summer day, he said.

Realizing that some people like to park and watch the lake and sunsets from their cars, the group decided to limit parking to 10 to 12 spaces, nearly half of those designated for handicapped parking.

Wooden fence rails, curbing and a walkway along the lower end of the lake will create areas for grass, benches and flowers.

School children will begin planting marigolds in March for later replanting around the downtown area, said Betty Shibles.

“We want to work with children to help them see the value of the park and build pride,” she said.

Other concerns were raised about the need to repair the retaining wall around the lake before starting the projects and the potential for loosing Wilson Lake Bridge.

The state Department of Transportation is responsible for the bridge and it is within its five-year plan to remove and not replace the bridge, said Gooch. The bridge bears traffic from Lake Road down to the boat launch area.

Gooch, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, told the group that the board needs to worry about the retaining wall and bridge as well as town roads that need repair. Those projects are beyond the scope of a volunteer project, he said.

The group voiced concerns about the atmosphere at the foot of the lake changing after 4 p.m. when people park and visit while using the area for swimming instead of the designated swim area at Kineowatha Park. Concerns were raised about language, smoking and garbage such as diapers being left.

Although people who had expressed concerns and complaints over proposed changes were invited to attend and participate in developing a plan, said Gooch, none joined the 15 at Tuesday’s meeting.

Shibles and a committee of 20 met last summer to consider improvements to the downtown and lake areas before bringing a preliminary plan to selectmen, who endorsed the volunteer project in September.