Town Open Space and Recreation Forum Tonight

This article was submitted by Swampscott Town Planner Pete Kane.

The Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee has been developing a new Open Space & Recreation Plan for the town of Swampscott since August 2012. After reviewing numerous previous studies including the last plan from 1983, performing a community survey, and meeting with town boards, departments and experts, the committee has completed a draft of a new Plan.

A community forum will be held Tuesday, June 11, at 7 pm at Swampscott High School in the auditorium. It will focus on explaining the purpose of a plan, describing the current state and issues of the town's open spaces and recreation areas, outlining the analysis of needs, and presenting the goals and objectives to help Swampscott improve and fully realize the potential of these key features in town. A draft of the Plan will be available to download from the Town website (www.town.swampscott.ma.us<http://www.town.swampscott.ma.us>) by June 7.

Swampscott residents, this is your opportunity to take part in shaping a vision for Swampscott's open spaces.

Goals contained in the new 2013 Plan include:

*         Establish a Green Corridor Network

*         Maintain Open Spaces & Recreation Facilities

*         Improve Public Access & Awareness

*         Expand & Improve Open Spaces & Recreation Facilities to Meet Needs

*         Preserve the Scenic Character of the Town

*         Strengthen Environmental Protection

Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the plan as well as provide feedback and additional insight to help strengthen and improve the plan. After the public review and approval by the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board, the plan will be submitted to the state for final approval.