2024 Whitman Open Space & Recreation Plan

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* 1. Do you live, work, or own property in Whitman?

Live

Work

Own property

None of the above

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* 2. "Open Space" broadly refers to public or private land with conservation or recreation interest. It can apply to land used for conservation, forests, recreation, agriculture, parks, etc. It can also include vacant lots for future opportunities for conservation or recreation uses.

How important, if at all, do you think open space and recreation are to your quality of life? Please choose one answer.

Not at all important.

Not so important.

Somewhat important.

Very important.

Extremely important.

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* 3. What outdoor activities, if any, do you enjoy the most? Select all that apply

Bird Watching

Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking

Court sports (basketball, pickleball, tennis, etc.)

Field sports (soccer, football, baseball, etc.)

Fishing

Geocaching

Golfing

Horseback Riding

Ice Skating

Nature Appreciation

Off-road bicycling

On-road bicycling

Off-road e-bicycling

On-road e-bicycling

Photography

Picnicking

Playgrounds

Rollerblading

Running/jogging

Skateboarding

Sledding

Sunbathing

Swimming

Walking or hiking without a dog

Walking or hiking with a dog

I don't enjoy or am unable to participate in outdoor activities.

Other (please specify)

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* 4. How satisfied are you with the following places in town? If you haven't visited a place, choose "Never Been."

	Very Dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neutral	Satisfied	Very Satisfied	Never Been
Open Space Area Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied Never Been	Open Space Area Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied Never Been Very Dissatisfied	Open Space Area Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied Never Been Dissatisfied	Open Space Area Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied Never Been Neutral	Open Space Area Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied Never Been Satisfied	Open Space Area Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied Never Been Very Satisfied	Open Space Area Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied Never Been Never Been
Whitman Town Park	Whitman Town Park Very Dissatisfied	Whitman Town Park Dissatisfied	Whitman Town Park Neutral	Whitman Town Park Satisfied	Whitman Town Park Very Satisfied	Whitman Town Park Never Been
Hobart Pond	Hobart Pond Very Dissatisfied	Hobart Pond Dissatisfied	Hobart Pond Neutral	Hobart Pond Satisfied	Hobart Pond Very Satisfied	Hobart Pond Never Been
Hardings Pond	Hardings Pond Very Dissatisfied	Hardings Pond Dissatisfied	Hardings Pond Neutral	Hardings Pond Satisfied	Hardings Pond Very Satisfied	Hardings Pond Never Been
Hobart Meadow	Hobart Meadow Very Dissatisfied	Hobart Meadow Dissatisfied	Hobart Meadow Neutral	Hobart Meadow Satisfied	Hobart Meadow Very Satisfied	Hobart Meadow Never Been
Town Forest	Town Forest Very Dissatisfied	Town Forest Dissatisfied	Town Forest Neutral	Town Forest Satisfied	Town Forest Very Satisfied	Town Forest Never Been
Parker Bates Memorial Field (behind Whitman PD)	Parker Bates Memorial Field (behind Whitman PD) Very Dissatisfied	Parker Bates Memorial Field (behind Whitman PD) Dissatisfied	Parker Bates Memorial Field (behind Whitman PD) Neutral	Parker Bates Memorial Field (behind Whitman PD) Satisfied	Parker Bates Memorial Field (behind Whitman PD) Very Satisfied	Parker Bates Memorial Field (behind Whitman PD) Never Been
Playing Fields at Whitman Hanson High School	Playing Fields at Whitman Hanson High School Very Dissatisfied	Playing Fields at Whitman Hanson High School Dissatisfied	Playing Fields at Whitman Hanson High School Neutral	Playing Fields at Whitman Hanson High School Satisfied	Playing Fields at Whitman Hanson High School Very Satisfied	Playing Fields at Whitman Hanson High School Never Been
Playing Courts at Whitman Hanson High School	Playing Courts at Whitman Hanson High School Very Dissatisfied	Playing Courts at Whitman Hanson High School Dissatisfied	Playing Courts at Whitman Hanson High School Neutral	Playing Courts at Whitman Hanson High School Satisfied	Playing Courts at Whitman Hanson High School Very Satisfied	Playing Courts at Whitman Hanson High School Never Been

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* 5. Please tell us why you expressed dissatisfaction with any of the places above. Or if you'd like to comment on other places, please do so here:

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* 6. Are any challenges or barriers preventing you from enjoying Whitman’s outdoor open spaces and recreational areas? Please list those in the space below

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* 7. How do you usually get to open spaces and recreation areas in town? Please select all that apply.

Walk

Bike

Scoot (mobility device)

Drive

I don’t visit these places in town.

Other (please specify)

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* 8. Are there any open and/or recreation spaces within the region that you frequent?

Yes

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* 9. Where and why do you frequent these locations? Please use the space below to provide your answer.

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* 10. Should the town acquire more open space for conservation and/or recreation purposes?

Yes

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* 11. Do you support the dedication of town financial resources to develop, secure, or purchase any of the following? (check all that apply)

Athletic Facilities (courts, fields, pathways, etc.)

Conservation Land (fee simple)

Passive Recreation Areas

No, the town should not dedicate financial resources towards this cause

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* 12. Do you think the town has enough outdoor spaces and recreational facilities for the following age groups?

	No	Yes	Do not know
Under 6	Under 6 No	Under 6 Yes	Under 6 Do not know
6 – 12	6 – 12 No	6 – 12 Yes	6 – 12 Do not know
13 – 18	13 – 18 No	13 – 18 Yes	13 – 18 Do not know
19 – 29	19 – 29 No	19 – 29 Yes	19 – 29 Do not know
30 – 39	30 – 39 No	30 – 39 Yes	30 – 39 Do not know
40 – 49	40 – 49 No	40 – 49 Yes	40 – 49 Do not know
50 – 59	50 – 59 No	50 – 59 Yes	50 – 59 Do not know
60+	60+ No	60+ Yes	60+ Do not know

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* 13. If you answered “NO” to any of the above, please tell us why in the space below.

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* 14. Which, if any, of the following outdoor amenities and facilities does our community need more of?

	More	Less	Satisfactory
Playgrounds	Playgrounds More	Playgrounds Less	Playgrounds Satisfactory
Picnic Areas	Picnic Areas More	Picnic Areas Less	Picnic Areas Satisfactory
Unpaved trails for walking, hiking, or running	Unpaved trails for walking, hiking, or running More	Unpaved trails for walking, hiking, or running Less	Unpaved trails for walking, hiking, or running Satisfactory
Community gardens	Community gardens More	Community gardens Less	Community gardens Satisfactory
Sports Equipment	Sports Equipment More	Sports Equipment Less	Sports Equipment Satisfactory
Intergenerational playgrounds/active spaces	Intergenerational playgrounds/active spaces More	Intergenerational playgrounds/active spaces Less	Intergenerational playgrounds/active spaces Satisfactory
Accessible/ADA trails and paths	Accessible/ADA trails and paths More	Accessible/ADA trails and paths Less	Accessible/ADA trails and paths Satisfactory
Benches or seating areas for rest and relaxation	Benches or seating areas for rest and relaxation More	Benches or seating areas for rest and relaxation Less	Benches or seating areas for rest and relaxation Satisfactory
Public restrooms	Public restrooms More	Public restrooms Less	Public restrooms Satisfactory
Dog waste stations	Dog waste stations More	Dog waste stations Less	Dog waste stations Satisfactory
Bike racks	Bike racks More	Bike racks Less	Bike racks Satisfactory
Parking	Parking More	Parking Less	Parking Satisfactory
Signage	Signage More	Signage Less	Signage Satisfactory

Other (please specify)

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* 15. Which, if any, of the following sports facilities and activities does the town of Whitman need more of?

	More	Less	Satisfactory
Baseball court	Baseball court More	Baseball court Less	Baseball court Satisfactory
Basketball court	Basketball court More	Basketball court Less	Basketball court Satisfactory
Pickleball court	Pickleball court More	Pickleball court Less	Pickleball court Satisfactory
Soccer field	Soccer field More	Soccer field Less	Soccer field Satisfactory
Skatepark	Skatepark More	Skatepark Less	Skatepark Satisfactory
Tennis court	Tennis court More	Tennis court Less	Tennis court Satisfactory
Multipurpose field – turf	Multipurpose field – turf More	Multipurpose field – turf Less	Multipurpose field – turf Satisfactory
Multipurpose field – grass	Multipurpose field – grass More	Multipurpose field – grass Less	Multipurpose field – grass Satisfactory
Street hockey rink	Street hockey rink More	Street hockey rink Less	Street hockey rink Satisfactory
Dog park	Dog park More	Dog park Less	Dog park Satisfactory
Horseback riding trails	Horseback riding trails More	Horseback riding trails Less	Horseback riding trails Satisfactory
Geocaching locations	Geocaching locations More	Geocaching locations Less	Geocaching locations Satisfactory
On-road bicycle lanes/paths	On-road bicycle lanes/paths More	On-road bicycle lanes/paths Less	On-road bicycle lanes/paths Satisfactory
Off-road bicycle trails/paths	Off-road bicycle trails/paths More	Off-road bicycle trails/paths Less	Off-road bicycle trails/paths Satisfactory
Walking/hiking trails with dogs	Walking/hiking trails with dogs More	Walking/hiking trails with dogs Less	Walking/hiking trails with dogs Satisfactory
Walking/hiking trails without dogs	Walking/hiking trails without dogs More	Walking/hiking trails without dogs Less	Walking/hiking trails without dogs Satisfactory

Other (please specify)

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* 16. Of the existing recreational programs and facilities in Whitman, which of the following needs upgrading?

Whitman Town Park

Hobart Pond

Hardings Pond

Hobart Meadow

Town Forest

Parker Bates Memorial Field (behind Whitman PD)

Playing Fields at Whitman Hanson High School

Playing Courts at Whitman Hanson High School

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* 17. Which of the following services and facilities should be located in town? Select top 2

Town to Town Bicycle Paths

Nature and Walking Trails

Expanded sidewalks

Dog parks (dedicated)

Multi-purpose fields

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* 18. How satisfied are you with the places available in town for recreation?

Very satisfied

Satisfied

Dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied

Unsure

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* 19. With every tax bill, 1% (one percent) goes to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) to protect open space, create affordable housing, and rehabilitate historic resources. Of the total collected, how much should be designated for the purchase, protection, and improvement of open and recreational spaces (by law, the amount cannot be greater than 70% of the total collected)

50% of the total

25% of the total

None of it

No opinion

It depends

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* 20. Should Whitman set aside funds to identify and preserve environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitats, natural open spaces)?

Yes

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* 21. Which, if any, of the following programs or activities does the town of Whitman need more of? Select top 3

Agricultural food growing programs

Walking clubs and events

Running clubs and events

Trail Steward volunteer opportunities

Bicycling events

Historical educational programs

Nature wildlife educational programs

Citizen science opportunities like herring counts and water quality monitoring

Outdoor community events

None of the above.

Other (please specify)

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* 22. The Open Space and Recreation Plan will include goals for our community. How important, if at all, are the following goals to you?

	Not at all important	Not so important	Somewhat Important	Very Important	Extremely Important
Protecting our drinking water and other water resources	Protecting our drinking water and other water resources Not at all important	Protecting our drinking water and other water resources Not so important	Protecting our drinking water and other water resources Somewhat Important	Protecting our drinking water and other water resources Very Important	Protecting our drinking water and other water resources Extremely Important
Planning for climate change	Planning for climate change Not at all important	Planning for climate change Not so important	Planning for climate change Somewhat Important	Planning for climate change Very Important	Planning for climate change Extremely Important
Preserving our natural areas and environment	Preserving our natural areas and environment Not at all important	Preserving our natural areas and environment Not so important	Preserving our natural areas and environment Somewhat Important	Preserving our natural areas and environment Very Important	Preserving our natural areas and environment Extremely Important
Preserving our town’s unique character	Preserving our town’s unique character Not at all important	Preserving our town’s unique character Not so important	Preserving our town’s unique character Somewhat Important	Preserving our town’s unique character Very Important	Preserving our town’s unique character Extremely Important
Managing recreation opportunities to minimize the impact on the environment	Managing recreation opportunities to minimize the impact on the environment Not at all important	Managing recreation opportunities to minimize the impact on the environment Not so important	Managing recreation opportunities to minimize the impact on the environment Somewhat Important	Managing recreation opportunities to minimize the impact on the environment Very Important	Managing recreation opportunities to minimize the impact on the environment Extremely Important

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* 23. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for other goals.

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* 24. Thinking about the Town of Whitman, how important, if at all, are the following to you?

	Not at all important	Not so important	Somewhat Important	Very Important	Extremely Important
Using existing open space for passive recreation, like walking, running, fishing, and birdwatching	Using existing open space for passive recreation, like walking, running, fishing, and birdwatching Not at all important	Using existing open space for passive recreation, like walking, running, fishing, and birdwatching Not so important	Using existing open space for passive recreation, like walking, running, fishing, and birdwatching Somewhat Important	Using existing open space for passive recreation, like walking, running, fishing, and birdwatching Very Important	Using existing open space for passive recreation, like walking, running, fishing, and birdwatching Extremely Important
Using existing open space for active recreation, like Baseball, Soccer, and Pickleball	Using existing open space for active recreation, like Baseball, Soccer, and Pickleball Not at all important	Using existing open space for active recreation, like Baseball, Soccer, and Pickleball Not so important	Using existing open space for active recreation, like Baseball, Soccer, and Pickleball Somewhat Important	Using existing open space for active recreation, like Baseball, Soccer, and Pickleball Very Important	Using existing open space for active recreation, like Baseball, Soccer, and Pickleball Extremely Important
Acquiring more open space in our community to preserve its suburban character	Acquiring more open space in our community to preserve its suburban character Not at all important	Acquiring more open space in our community to preserve its suburban character Not so important	Acquiring more open space in our community to preserve its suburban character Somewhat Important	Acquiring more open space in our community to preserve its suburban character Very Important	Acquiring more open space in our community to preserve its suburban character Extremely Important
Leaving existing open space alone to preserve/restore	Leaving existing open space alone to preserve/restore Not at all important	Leaving existing open space alone to preserve/restore Not so important	Leaving existing open space alone to preserve/restore Somewhat Important	Leaving existing open space alone to preserve/restore Very Important	Leaving existing open space alone to preserve/restore Extremely Important
Wildlife habitat and natural functions	Wildlife habitat and natural functions Not at all important	Wildlife habitat and natural functions Not so important	Wildlife habitat and natural functions Somewhat Important	Wildlife habitat and natural functions Very Important	Wildlife habitat and natural functions Extremely Important
Using open space to help protect our drinking water supplies	Using open space to help protect our drinking water supplies Not at all important	Using open space to help protect our drinking water supplies Not so important	Using open space to help protect our drinking water supplies Somewhat Important	Using open space to help protect our drinking water supplies Very Important	Using open space to help protect our drinking water supplies Extremely Important
Growing food in our community	Growing food in our community Not at all important	Growing food in our community Not so important	Growing food in our community Somewhat Important	Growing food in our community Very Important	Growing food in our community Extremely Important
Preserving places of Historic value	Preserving places of Historic value Not at all important	Preserving places of Historic value Not so important	Preserving places of Historic value Somewhat Important	Preserving places of Historic value Very Important	Preserving places of Historic value Extremely Important
Managing invasive species like knotweed, that threaten open space	Managing invasive species like knotweed, that threaten open space Not at all important	Managing invasive species like knotweed, that threaten open space Not so important	Managing invasive species like knotweed, that threaten open space Somewhat Important	Managing invasive species like knotweed, that threaten open space Very Important	Managing invasive species like knotweed, that threaten open space Extremely Important
Using open space to reduce flooding in our community	Using open space to reduce flooding in our community Not at all important	Using open space to reduce flooding in our community Not so important	Using open space to reduce flooding in our community Somewhat Important	Using open space to reduce flooding in our community Very Important	Using open space to reduce flooding in our community Extremely Important
Connecting open spaces in town and to nearby towns	Connecting open spaces in town and to nearby towns Not at all important	Connecting open spaces in town and to nearby towns Not so important	Connecting open spaces in town and to nearby towns Somewhat Important	Connecting open spaces in town and to nearby towns Very Important	Connecting open spaces in town and to nearby towns Extremely Important

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* 25. Which parameters should be used to prioritize open space protection decisions? (rank by priority) 1- 9 & Not Applicable

Active recreation potential

N/A

Passive recreation potential

N/A

Visual character/scenic value

N/A

Water resource protection

N/A

Upland habitat protection

N/A

Freshwater wetland habitat protection

N/A

Historic resource protection

N/A

Land for combined use as affordable housing and open space

N/A

Open space/conservation land

N/A

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* 26. What should be the priorities for active recreational facility improvements? (rank by priority) 1- 8 & Not Applicable

Boating

N/A

Canoeing/kayaking access

N/A

Restrooms

N/A

Handicapped access

N/A

Bike trails

N/A

Walking/running trails

N/A

Tot-lots/playgrounds

N/A

Athletic fields/courts

N/A

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* 27. Do you support the dedication of town financial resources to develop, secure, or purchase any of the following? Select all that apply

Athletic Facilities (courts. fields, pathways, etc.)

Conservation Land (Fee Simple)

Conservation Restrictions (on land owned by others such as Commonwealth of Massachusetts or private landowners)

Parks

Passive Recreation Areas (walking, bird watching, sitting, etc.)

Water Resource/Wellhead Protection Areas

Ways to Water (landings, easements, walkways, etc.)

None of the above

Other (please specify)

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* 28. What are the three best ways to get you town-related open space and recreation information? Please check no more than three boxes.

Instagram

Facebook

X (Twitter)

Official town website

Public schools

Library

Senior Center

Whitman PACTV

Direct email

Text message

Whitman Recreation Department

Other (please specify)

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* 29. We ask the following demographic questions to ensure we hear from a wide variety of people in our community. These questions are optional, but your answers will help ensure we reach out to everyone in town.

How old are you?

Under 18

18 to 29

30 to 39

40 to 49

50 to 59

60+

Prefer not to say

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* 30. What is your ethnic background?

White/Caucasion

Asian/Eastern

Asian/Indian

Hispanic

African American

Native American

Multiracial

I prefer not to say

Other (please specify)

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* 31. Do any children under 18 live with you?

Yes

I prefer not to say

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* 32. Do any adults aged 60+ live with you?

Yes

I prefer not to say

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* 33. Do you or does someone who lives with you have any disability, handicap, or chronic disease?

Yes

I prefer not to say

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* 34. What gender do you identify as?

Male

Female

Transgender

Non-Binary

I prefer not to say

Prefer to self-identify:

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* 35. Your time and input are valuable to us. If there's anything else you'd like to share about open space and recreation-related issues, please do so in the space below:

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* 36. If you would like to receive updates from the town related to open space and recreation, please provide your email address and phone number below. Your contact information will not be shared with any third parties.

Phone Number

2024 Whitman Open Space & Recreation Plan

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* 1. Do you live, work, or own property in Whitman?

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* 3. What outdoor activities, if any, do you enjoy the most? Select all that apply

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* 4. How satisfied are you with the following places in town? If you haven't visited a place, choose "Never Been."

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* 5. Please tell us why you expressed dissatisfaction with any of the places above. Or if you'd like to comment on other places, please do so here:

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* 6. Are any challenges or barriers preventing you from enjoying Whitman’s outdoor open spaces and recreational areas? Please list those in the space below

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* 7. How do you usually get to open spaces and recreation areas in town? Please select all that apply.

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* 8. Are there any open and/or recreation spaces within the region that you frequent?

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* 9. Where and why do you frequent these locations? Please use the space below to provide your answer.

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* 10. Should the town acquire more open space for conservation and/or recreation purposes?

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* 11. Do you support the dedication of town financial resources to develop, secure, or purchase any of the following? (check all that apply)

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* 12. Do you think the town has enough outdoor spaces and recreational facilities for the following age groups?

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* 13. If you answered “NO” to any of the above, please tell us why in the space below.

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* 14. Which, if any, of the following outdoor amenities and facilities does our community need more of?

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* 15. Which, if any, of the following sports facilities and activities does the town of Whitman need more of?

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* 16. Of the existing recreational programs and facilities in Whitman, which of the following needs upgrading?

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* 17. Which of the following services and facilities should be located in town? Select top 2

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* 18. How satisfied are you with the places available in town for recreation?

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* 20. Should Whitman set aside funds to identify and preserve environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitats, natural open spaces)?

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* 21. Which, if any, of the following programs or activities does the town of Whitman need more of? Select top 3

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* 22. The Open Space and Recreation Plan will include goals for our community. How important, if at all, are the following goals to you?

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* 23. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for other goals.

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* 24. Thinking about the Town of Whitman, how important, if at all, are the following to you?

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* 25. Which parameters should be used to prioritize open space protection decisions? (rank by priority) 1- 9 & Not Applicable

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* 26. What should be the priorities for active recreational facility improvements? (rank by priority) 1- 8 & Not Applicable

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* 27. Do you support the dedication of town financial resources to develop, secure, or purchase any of the following? Select all that apply

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* 28. What are the three best ways to get you town-related open space and recreation information? Please check no more than three boxes.

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* 29. We ask the following demographic questions to ensure we hear from a wide variety of people in our community. These questions are optional, but your answers will help ensure we reach out to everyone in town.How old are you?

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* 30. What is your ethnic background?

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* 31. Do any children under 18 live with you?

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* 32. Do any adults aged 60+ live with you?

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* 33. Do you or does someone who lives with you have any disability, handicap, or chronic disease?

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* 34. What gender do you identify as?

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* 35. Your time and input are valuable to us. If there's anything else you'd like to share about open space and recreation-related issues, please do so in the space below:

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* 36. If you would like to receive updates from the town related to open space and recreation, please provide your email address and phone number below. Your contact information will not be shared with any third parties.

* 29. We ask the following demographic questions to ensure we hear from a wide variety of people in our community. These questions are optional, but your answers will help ensure we reach out to everyone in town.

How old are you?