Whitman OSRP Implementation Committee - September 24, 2026 Meeting.

The Whitman Open Space and Recreation Plan Implementation Committee met on September 24, 2026, to review environmental and recreation projects. The committee discussed a draft invasive-species plan, including public education and follow-up on an approved Japanese knotweed removal, and considered inviting the MSPCA to discuss goose-management options. Members also planned to identify and rank the town’s approximately 33 culverts; an OCPC-funded assessment is available once priority sites are selected. A member agreed to develop a list with addresses and rough assessments for the next meeting. The committee discussed wetlands review and permitting considerations for possible dog-park and skate-park improvements at Memorial Field, and agreed to prioritize a dog-park survey. The survey is expected to run from October 5 through October 30, with outreach through town channels and community organizations.

No contracts, vendor selections, bid approvals, or spending votes were identified. The committee discussed future cost estimates and possible CPA or grant funding for recreation improvements, and noted that a 12.5-acre property near 16 Jacob’s Lane is being considered for purchase and will be presented to the Select Board on October 6; no purchase decision was made at this meeting. Members also raised further review of town-forest designation and organizing a Friends of Hobart Pond group, partly to support future dam-related fundraising. The only recorded vote was to adjourn.