Recent Survey Sheds Light on Residents’ Open Space Desires

By David Dunbar

Is more “open space” needed in Bellingham? In response to a recent survey, 83.2% replied “yes.”

The survey, conducted by the town’s Open Space Committee, drew 508 responses, and was concluded last month. Compared to surrounding towns, “Bellingham has a lot of opportunities to create more open space with what the town already owns,” observes Conservation Agent Hannah Crawford.

The term “open space” is often used to refer to conservation land, forested land, recreation land, agricultural land, corridor parks and amenities such as small parks, green buffers along roadways or any open area that is owned by an agency or organization dedicated to conservation.  Some of the town’s current, and most popular, open spaces include Silver Lake, the Town Common, and the SNETT trail.

According to the survey, what many people want done is not “hugely expensive,” according to Crawford. “They want walking trails and trash cans that are emptied regularly.”

The survey, which was conducted mostly online, had about half a dozen questions and the one that drew the most opinionated response (287 out of a total of 508) was about the town improving open spaces.  

Respondents want more events that appeal to kids and families, cleaner parks, restrooms in public spaces and seating areas, and improved communications from the town. “Many citizens and I,” says Crawford, “would like to see a true Department of Parks and Recreation that could implement both community and conservation values.” There may be a formal proposal to do so presented at the spring town meeting.

Crawford joined the Town of Bellingham as Conservation Agent last August and supports the Conservation Commission. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the involvement of Bellingham residents… they help make a difference… people care!”

What are some of the challenges that prevent residents from enjoying local open spaces? Survey says 44% cite “lack of information” about where to go and what to do. The lack of parking space and walking access were also frequently mentioned.

Interestingly, says Crawford, 52% of respondents were between the ages of 35 and 54. More than two thirds of all respondents were female.

While this survey was being conducted, significant commercial and residential development in town was underway. How to reconcile this kind of development with conservation goals? Crawford explains, “There isn’t a clear boundary between the two; we need to talk and find compromises to work out solutions.”

“We need workshops and open discussions where stakeholders can explore solutions,” she adds. Nearly 70% responded that they were concerned about climate-related issues.

The Town’s Conservation Commission administers Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 131, section 40, (The Wetlands Protection Act) and as such reviews a variety of applications in relation to changes made to a wetland or within a wetland buffer zone. Site inspections and reviews are conducted in conjunction with most filings. 

In addition, the Commission meets with proponents, consultants, and other town boards to provide guidance and input relative to the specified interests of The Wetlands Protection Act. Lastly, the Commission manages and seeks to expand conservation properties through donation, purchase, or conservation restrictions as well as implement targeted goals within The Bellingham Open Space and Recreation Plan. You can learn more by visiting www.bellinghamma.org/conservation-commission

Crawford says the results of the survey will play a key role in updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan which was last done in 2017. The Conservation Commission meets twice a month, the public is invited, and the website listed above has details. 

Although the survey has closed, Crawford says she would still welcome specific comments and ideas about open space. She can be reached at (508) 657-2858 or by emailing [email protected] .