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Home My Public Portal AboutOSRP Section 6 Draft Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 6 1 June 5, 2020 SECTION 6. COMMUNITY VISION A. Description of Process The Town pulled from several sources to understand the community’s vision for open space and recreational resources. These included public input expressed during recent planning efforts as well as specific engagement during the OSRP update process. 1. Previous Planning Initiatives The Town of Brewster has conducted several planning initiatives that involved public engagement such as workshops, community surveys, and stakeholder meetings. They are detailed in Section 2. These initiatives created plans that the Town is currently implementing and using to guide local policies. They support open space and recreation planning and it is important that the OSRP be consistent with them. All of these plans informed Section 7 Analysis of Needs, and subsequently Section 8 Goals and Objectives. They are incorporated into this OSRP by reference and noted as needed throughout the plan. 2. Community Survey An online community survey was developed to understand the current open space and recreational needs and opportunities in Brewster. It was administered between April 13 and May 11, 2020 and available through the Town's website. Town departments distributed to their email lists and local partners were asked to share the survey via email to their memberships, including Council on Aging, Brewster Land Conservation Trust, Nauset High School, Association to Preserve Cape Cod, Brewster Chamber of Commerce, and others. The survey was also announced on Brewster Cable public television. Due to COVID-19 and social distancing orders, town buildings were closed, therefore, paper copies were not available. A total of 552 responded. Below highlights the key findings of the survey and the full output can be found in Appendix X. Cooperative land conservation efforts between government and non-profits Town purchase of land Mandatory dedication of open space by developers Conservation restrictions/easements (legal agreement between a landowner and a… Zoning that encourages open space conservation 0%20%40%60%80%100% What Town actions do you favor to preserve and protect open space? (Check all that apply) (545 responsed) Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 6 2 June 5, 2020 Cooperative land conservation efforts between government and non-profits Town purchase of land Mandatory dedication of open space by developers Conservation restrictions/easements (legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization that permanently or for a stated… Zoning that encourages open space conservation 0%20%40%60%80%100% What Town actions do you favor to preserve and protect open space? (Check all that apply) (545 responsed) Expand bike trails and paths for recreation and transportation throughout town Expand pedestrian trails and paths for recreation and transportation throughout town Develop a town wide plan that includes all existing trails and sidewalks, potential areas for expansion,… Improve bicycling safety and information Identify areas of improvement for existing trails and sidewalks such as signage, safety, and lighting Provide new active recreation opportunities (seasonal and year-round), including those for youth Identify locations for new facilities such as, a community pool, pickleball, volleyball, and… Research potential ways to provide transportation to recreation areas Provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access to existing fields and facilities 0%20%40%60%80%100% What are the most important actions the Town should take in the next 5 years ... ? (545 responsed) Not At All Important Slightly Important Moderately Important Extremely Important Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 6 3 June 5, 2020 Trail/boardwalk to Wing Island Fenced children’s playground Summer events Pavilion Exercise programs Walking trails 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% What uses would you like to see at Drummer Boy Park? (Check all that apply) (461 responsed) Dog parks Better boardwalks on wet trail sections Better trail markers on conservation trails Better signage at conservation trailheads Better parking at conservation trailheads Better parking at recreation facilities Improved accessibility for handicapped or mobility-… Improved accessibility for handicapped or mobility-… Better control of invasive species and forest pests Management of wildlife and plant habitat Better park/playing field/playground maintenance More indoor recreation facilities More trails for walking, hiking, running Outdoor fitness equipment More community gardens More neighborhood parks More sites/facilities for adult sports More activities for teens Inclusive playground More children’s playgrounds 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175Number of responses Select up to 2 improvements you would like the Town to pursue: (458 responsed) Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 6 4 June 5, 2020 3. Public Workshop Scheduled for June 18, 2020 B. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals Based on public engagements conducted by the Town, the primary goals related to open space and recreation identified by residents include: 1. Protect the Town’s drinking water supply to meet the needs of residents and visitors today and in the future. 2. Provide open space and recreation opportunities that maintain Brewster’s rural character and small coastal community identity and support a sustainable local economy as a center for ecotourism. 3. Preserve and enhance habitat diversity and protect marine and fresh surface water resources to maintain their important ecological functions and values to the community. 0%20%40%60%80%100% Trail running Benches along trails Sailing programs Swimming lessons Seniors, gentle exercise Dog/pet walking areas Fitness classes (adults) Tennis courts Gardens, public/botanical Fitness trails Community gardening Teen programs Nature study Fishing Picnic areas Conservation volunteering Summer concerts outdoors Playgrounds Water bottle filling stations/fountains Canoeing, kayaking, or SUP-boarding Cape Cod Rail Trail extension to beach Bird and wildlife watching Swimming, pond Historic site interpretation (markers signage) Sidewalks Biking Farmers market Herring run Walking/hiking Accessible walking trails In planning for future open space and recreation, how important are the following? (490 responsed) Chart shows answers where 50% or more felt was extremely or moderately important. Extremely Important Moderately Important Slightly Important Not At All Important Brewster Open Space and Recreation Plan DRAFT – SECTION 6 5 June 5, 2020 4. Provide a variety of recreation and open space opportunities to promote healthy and active lifestyles for Brewster residents, ensuring equitable accessible for all users and abilities. 5. Support coordination and communication of regional open space and recreation needs.