DENNIS – The town of Dennis Open Space and Recreation Plan needs to be updated and is now available for review.
The town is seeking public comments on the plan through November 27.
“This keeps us eligible for state and federal money for open space and recreation projects,” said Dennis Town Planner Daniel Fortier.
The Open Space and Recreation Plan 2015 Update looks at the general goals of town, according to Fortier.
“We should continue to protect the water supply,” he said. “We should continue to make strides in bringing all our open space areas and all our recreation areas into ADA compliance.”
Fortier said the town has been aggressive in acquiring open space and has made several improvements in accessibility for individuals with disabilities to enjoy open space and recreation areas over the last five to 10 years.
“We have taken great strides in acquiring the dune chairs so that people can get out onto the sand that might need a wheelchair,” he said. “We have been working to make all our picnic areas and public restrooms at park and recreation area accessible for ADA.”
Fortier said the town can still do more when it comes to accessibility throughout the town.
One difference in the plan update compared to five years ago is a need for a closer connection between the Open Space and Recreation Plan and the town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.
“There’s a section on flood zone areas that looks at ways to protect land within the flood zone,” Fortier said.
Fortier said protecting flood storage areas needs to be a higher priority.
A community forum on the plan will be held on November 9 at the Dennis Senior Center at 7 p.m. and members of the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Beach Commission, Recreation Commission, Board of Selectmen and Waterways Committee will be on hand to present the plan, answer questions and listen to comments and concerns.
The plan can be found here or in a pdf format here.
By BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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