HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2026_TownofBarnstable_OSRPDraftTown of Barnstable, MA
1 Dowses Beach, Credit: BSC Group Draft I January 2026
Town of Barnstable, MA
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements 4
01 Executive Summary 7
02 Introduction 10
A. Statement of Purpose 11
B. Planning Process & Public Participation 12
C. Enhanced Outreach & Public Participation 13
03 Community Setting 15
A. Regional Context 15
B. Population Characteristics 15
C. Growth & Development Patterns 20
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 27
A. Soils and Topography 27
B. Water Resources 29
C. Vegetation 32
D. Fisheries and Wildlife 36
E. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments 39
F.Climate Change Impacts 44
Korean War Memorial, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
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05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 49
A. Municipally Owned Conservation & Recreation Properties 53
B. Public Properties Providing Conservation & Recreation Amenities 68
C. Permanently Protected Private Parcels 72
D. Park & Open Space Equity 78
06 Analysis of Needs 83
A. Summary of Natural Resource Protection Needs 83
B. Summary of Community’s Outdoor Recreation Needs 85
C. Management Needs 88
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 93
08 Public Comments 116
09 References 122
Appendix A: Maps 124
Appendix B: Survey & Public Engagement Results 136
Appendix C: Stakeholder Recognition 253
Town of Barnstable, MA
Acknowledgements 4
Acknowledgements
The Town of Barnstable hired BSC Group as its consultant to oversee the development of its 2025 Open Space and Recreation
Plan (OSRP) update. The Town would like to thank the residents, stakeholders, and partners who helped shape this Plan Update.
The 2025 OSRP is a guide for the protection and enhancement of the town's natural resources, open spaces, and recreational
facilities, emphasizing environmental justice, climate resiliency, and equitable access. Aligned with the Massachusetts Open
Space and Recreation Planners Workbook (2025), the update integrates long-term strategies, leveraging grant eligibility under
the state's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs guidelines.
Town of Barnstable, MA
James Kupfer, Director of
Planning & Development
Kyle Pedicini, Assistant Director
of Planning & Development
Kate Maldonado, Senior
Planner
Alice Marcus-Krieg, Community
Development Open Space
Planner & Grants Coordinator
Peter Bertling, Community &
Economic Development
Planner
Open Space Committee
Elissa Crowley
Catherine Gulliver
Douglas Payson
Anne Rowland
Farley Lewis
Lev Malakhoff
Elizabeth Lewis
Tracy Pratt
David Gorrill
Town Council
Craig Tamash, President
Kris Clark, Vice President
Gordon Starr
Kristin Terkelsen
Betty Ludtke
John Crow
Paul Neary
Seth Burdick
Jeffrey Mendes
Charles Bloom
Matthew Levesque
Paula Schnepp
Felicia Penn
Town of Barnstable, MA
Acknowledgements 5
Recreation Commission
Tony Lapolla
Rene King
Tim Lus
Brendan Burke
Christina Carrington
Conservation Commission
F.P. Tom Lee
John Abodeely
William Hearn
Peter Sampou
Angela Tangney
Jeffrey Kaschuluk
Robert DeMelo
Planning Board
Stephen Robichaud
Matthew Teague
Raymond Sexton
Michael Mecenas
Catherine Finkenstaedt
Mary Barry
Tim O’Neill
Town Departments
Community Services
Department
Conservation Division
Department of Public Works
Marine & Environmental Affairs
Town Boards, Committees, and
Commissions
Community Preservation
Committee
Disability Commission
Council on Aging
Golf Committee
Sandy Neck Board
Shellfish Committee
Youth Commission
Local & Regional Stakeholders
Water & Fire Districts
Barnstable Land Trust
Barnstable Association for
Recreational Shellfishing
Cape Cod Commission Natural
Resources Analyst
Association to Preserve Cape
Cod
BSC Group, Inc.
Heather Gould, Director of
Planning
Aqsa Butt, Senior Planner
Adam Duchesneau, Planner
Special thank you to the Community
Preservation Committee for providing
funding for this project.
Town of Barnstable, MA
Acknowledgements 6
Veterans Park Beach, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
01 Executive Summary 7
01 Executive Summary
The 2025 OSRP serves as a strategic guide for the Town’s
decision makers in identifying and prioritizing the Town’s
most important conservation and recreation needs. In
addition, the plan maintains the Town’s eligibility for state
funding assistance for open space and recreation
acquisitions and improvements. Together, these roles
ensure that the Town’s future investments, policies, and
regulations effectively protect and enhance its open space
and recreation resources.
The goals of the OSRP have been developed based on
community input, an analysis of environmental challenges
facing the town, and an assessment of the community’s open
space and recreation needs.
The goals of the OSRP are to:
Open Space & Wildlife Habitat
Goal 1: Protect and maintain the maximum feasible
amount of open space to enhance environmental
quality, expand recreational opportunities, and
preserve community character.
Goal 2: Promote policy and regulatory measures to
protect open space.
Goal 3: Promote stewardship of protected open
spaces through volunteer engagement and
partnerships with community organizations.
Goal 4: Continue and expand ongoing maintenance
of conservation areas.
Goal 5: Coordinate open space protection measures
with efforts to protect wildlife habitat and augment the
Town’s green corridors and spaces.
Recreation Facilities & Amenities
Goal 6: Provide diverse recreational opportunities and
equitable access throughout Barnstable to meet
current and future needs of all user groups.
Goal 7: Prioritize opportunities to protect land for
farming and community gardens while balancing
groundwater protection and supporting locally grown
produce.
Water Resources
Goal 8: Coordinate open space protection efforts with
initiatives to protect freshwater and marine wetlands,
and surface waters.
Goal 9: Plan and develop strategies to mitigate
effects of climate change as it relates to open space.
Goal 10: Pursue opportunities to enhance coastal and
freshwater access.
Town of Barnstable, MA
01 Executive Summary 8
Connectivity & Accessibility
Goal 11: Coordinate planning for the Town’s greenway
network to maximize opportunities for trailways,
bikeways, Cape Cod Pathways, and connections
between open spaces.
Goal 12: Identify and implement priority Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements.
Communication & Marketing
Goal 13: Promote coordination and communication on
community open space and recreation needs within
Town government and among stakeholder groups.
Goal 14: Promote public awareness of and support for
open space protection and enhancement of
recreation resources.
These goals establish the outcomes the OSRP seeks to
achieve. The plan includes a ten-year action plan that
identifies potential funding sources, responsible parties,
priority levels, and a time frame for tracking progress.
Long Beach Conservation Area, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
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Craigville Beach, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
02 Introduction 10
02 Introduction
The American parks movement finds its origins in the 18th-
century English landscape tradition, especially through
Capability Brown, whose sweeping pastoral estates
emphasized natural beauty, recreation, and contemplative
leisure as essential to health and well-being. These ideals
seeded the Rural Cemetery Movement in the United States,
where early cemeteries such as Mount Auburn Cemetery in
Cambridge, Massachusetts (1831) were designed not just as
burial grounds, but as public retreats for walking, picnicking,
and passive recreation, providing the first landscaped green
space accessible to all. This notion of open space for public
benefit evolved into more active recreation ideals with
conservationist Benton MacKaye, whose 1921 proposal for
the Appalachian Trail envisioned a continuous American
recreational corridor for hiking, renewal, and social
connectivity across the Eastern United States.
Simultaneously, the founding of The Trustees of
Reservations in Massachusetts in 1891, the first organization
of its kind in the United States, mirrored the values of the
British National Trust, protecting land not just for its scenic or
historic value, but explicitly for public enjoyment, recreation,
and play. Across all these examples, from designed
landscapes to rugged trails, the parks movement has been
deeply intertwined with the idea that access to open space
and nature is fundamental to human health, civic identity,
and joyful participation in public life.
In the mid-1800s, the urban parks movement emerged
largely as a public-health response to the overcrowded,
unsanitary conditions of rapidly industrializing cities.
Diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and tuberculosis were
rampant, prompting reformers to advocate for “lungs of the
city,” green spaces that offered clean air, sunlight, and moral
uplift. Early examples included the Boston Common
(expanded as a healthful promenade), Philadelphia’s
Fairmount Park (protecting the city’s water supply), and New
York’s Central Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and
Calvert Vaux in 1858. Central Park’s creation famously
displaced “Pigsville” and “Seneca Village,” poor and
working-class communities, in an effort to create a pastoral
refuge thought to counter urban vice and disease through
exposure to nature.
Historically, Cape Cod serves as an elixir to city life; an
agrarian and marine focused ideal. Thoreau’s famous
“Walking Cape Cod”, in 1849, was the beginning of the
burgeoning environmental movement and public realization
that human hands have massive impact on landscape.
Today, parks across the United States serve as vital cultural,
nature based, community anchors, which offer spaces for
public gathering, celebration, and expression in a bucolic
setting - as evidenced in the Cape Cod ‘ideal’. According to
the Trust for Public Land (TPL), 93% of Americans say it is
important to have access to nature close to home, and parks
are often the most accessible and equitable way to achieve
that goal (TPL, 2023). Parks host cultural festivals, local
performances, and community events that reflect and
strengthen local identity, heritage, and cohesion. They also
foster social connections across age, income, and racial
groups, helping to reduce social isolation and build stronger,
Town of Barnstable, MA
02 Introduction 11
more resilient communities (TPL, "The Power of Parks to
Strengthen Community").
During the COVID-19 pandemic, open space proved to be a
critical public health resource, offering safe, accessible
places for physical activity, mental health relief, and socially
distanced gathering. As indoor facilities closed and social
restrictions intensified, parks, trails, and greenways became
essential sanctuaries, particularly in urban and densely
populated areas where private outdoor access is limited.
Studies by the Trust for Public Land found park usage
surged nationwide, with some cities reporting a 50–200%
increase in visitation during the height of lockdowns (TPL,
2021).
Moreover, the pandemic highlighted deep inequities in
access to green space, with low-income and communities of
color often living in areas with less parkland or overcrowded
facilities. TPL’s ParkServe data revealed over 100 million
people in the United States did not have a park within a 10-
minute walk of home, disproportionately affecting
marginalized populations (TPL ParkServe).
As illustrated in the early 19th century, the 2020 pandemic
thus reinforced the urgent need to prioritize open space as
essential infrastructure, not just for recreation, but for
resilience, equity, and public well-being in times of crisis; we
have come full circle, health and open space.
A. Statement of Purpose
For several decades, Barnstable has demonstrated a strong
commitment to preserving and enhancing its open space
resources. The Town has advanced this goal through a
series of OSRPs, land acquisition efforts, regulatory and
policy updates that promote resource protection, and
ongoing management of its open space and recreation
inventory.
This plan reviews progress made since the 2018 OSRP,
identifies new issues or changing conditions, and assesses
future needs based on community dynamics. It also outlines
a realistic ten-year action plan with potential funding sources
to address challenges and opportunities in meeting the
community’s open space and recreation needs.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of
Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect,
preserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s environmental
resources and open space. A current approved plan is
required for municipalities to remain eligible for various grant
programs administered by the EEA. These grants support the
acquisition, preservation, and development of parks, trails,
and conservation lands.
This updated OSRP includes an inventory of Barnstable’s
existing open space and recreational assets, integrates
climate considerations, and incorporates principles of
environmental justice and equity. In doing so, it identifies and
addresses the needs of Environmental Justice populations
and ensures that all residents have equitable access to safe,
welcoming, and well-maintained open spaces and
Town of Barnstable, MA
02 Introduction 12
recreational opportunities. Barnstable’s previous open space
planning efforts include:
A Plan for Open Space: Barnstable, MA (1973)
Goals and Policies for the Town of Barnstable (1983)
The Town of Barnstable Open Space & Recreation
Plan (1984, 1987, 1997, 2005, 2010, and 2018)
B. Planning Process & Public Participation
Barnstable implemented a Public Involvement Plan to ensure
that the OSRP decision-making reflects inclusive community
input.
Public Participation
Public participation occurred in four ways during the process
of updating the OSRP: 1.) community survey, 2.) open house
style meeting, 3.) stakeholder interviews, and 4.) community
meeting and public comment period. The survey, open
house, and stakeholder interviews provided input on the
community’s current needs relative to the town’s open space
and recreation areas. The public comment period offered
residents an opportunity to review a draft of the updated
plan. The community meetings (open house and public
comment period) and community survey were promoted
through the following outreach and communication efforts:
Advertised on the Town’s municipal website, e-
newsletters, Barnstable’s podcast and notification
app, a press release, and Town Manager
communications.
Advertised through flyers in frequently visited areas
including the Town libraries, Hyannis Youth &
Community Center, Barnstable Adult Community
Center, and the West Barnstable Village Festival.
Advertised through a social media post on the Town’s
Facebook page.
Advertised through emails to external organizations,
community groups, and partners including the Town
of Barnstable recreation email distribution list,
Barnstable Public Schools, Barnstable Land Trust,
Civic Associations, the Brazilian Resource Center, and
various boards and committees.
Figure 2-1: Social Media Post
Town of Barnstable, MA
02 Introduction 13
Community Survey
The community survey was made available on July 21, 2025,
and closed on August 17, 2025. The survey was conducted
to understand the needs and concerns of Barnstable’s
residents related to open space and recreation. The
community survey received a total of 293 responses. A
summary of key findings is included in Section 6: Analysis of
Needs, with full results available in Appendix B: Survey &
Public Engagement Results.
Community Open House
The Town held an open house style meeting on August 28,
2025. Participants provided input on display maps, dot
activity boards, and completed a “Build Your Own Park
Upgrade Plan” activity to share their recreational
preferences and priorities. A summary of the activities and
results are included in Section 6: Analysis of Needs.
Stakeholder Interviews
BSC Group conducted stakeholder interviews on September
4, 2025, to collect community perspectives on recreation,
conservation, and water resources. The purpose was to
better understand the strengths, challenges and barriers,
emerging interests and needs, and future opportunities
related to Barnstable’s recreation system, conservation
lands, and water resources.
Community Meeting & Public Comment Period
The Town held a public presentation with an open mic
session for comments on November 19, 2025. In addition,
the OSRP draft was posted on the municipal website for
open comment from November 5 to November 26, 2025.
C. Enhanced Outreach & Public Participation
According to the most recent U.S. Census American
Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, Barnstable has
47,015 residents ages 5 years and older. Approximately 3.4%
of this population (an estimated 1,588 individuals) speak
Spanish at home. Among those Spanish speakers, 32.7%
(519 individuals) reported speaking English less than “very
well.” Portuguese has been identified as another commonly
spoken language in the community. As a result, the Town
ensured the OSRP survey and outreach materials were
translated into both Spanish and Portuguese and advertised
in EJ neighborhoods to encourage and maximize community
participation. To further support inclusive participation, live
interpretation in both Spanish and Portuguese languages
was provided during the Community Open House. Open House on August 28, 2025, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
02 Introduction 14
John F. Kennedy Memorial Fountain, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 15
03 Community Setting
A. Regional Context
The Town of Barnstable is a “Mid-Cape” community located
about 20 miles east of the Cape Cod Canal and 50 miles
west of Provincetown. It is the largest town on Cape Cod by
land area (59.9 square miles) and population (49,232 year-
round residents), bordered by Mashpee and Sandwich to the
west, Yarmouth to the east, Cape Cod Bay to the north, and
Nantucket Sound to the south. With over 100 miles of
shoreline, Barnstable is both a coastal and regional hub for
commerce, culture, and recreation.
Barnstable is made up of seven villages: Barnstable, West
Barnstable, Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis, Marstons Mills, and
Osterville. Each of these villages has distinct needs for
preservation and growth management. Hyannis, the largest
of the villages, serves as Cape Cod’s commercial and service
center. It is home to Cape Cod Hospital, the Cape Cod
Gateway Airport, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority,
and ferry service to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Barnstable also contains major retail centers, cultural
institutions, county government offices, and Cape Cod
Community College, making the town a destination for
residents across the Cape.
Barnstable participates actively in regional planning and
governance through the Cape Cod Commission, Cape Cod
Regional Transit Authority, and county-level services.
Collaborative initiatives include water quality planning for
shared estuaries such as Lewis Bay (Barnstable and
Yarmouth), Three Bays and Popponesset Bay (Barnstable,
Mashpee, Sandwich), and broader nitrogen reduction efforts
across Cape Cod watersheds.
Barnstable’s open space system connects directly to
regional conservation and recreation networks. The
Barnstable Land Trust works with the Cape Cod Compact of
Conservation Trusts and statewide groups such as Mass
Audubon and The Trustees of Reservations to protect land
across municipal boundaries.
The town is also part of Cape Cod’s regional trail and
recreation network. Efforts are currently being coordinated
to extend the Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) through the Town
of Barnstable to the Sandwich town line. Its harbors,
beaches, and boat ramps connect to regional water trails
along Nantucket Sound, Cape Cod Bay, and Barnstable
Harbor, all of which are used by residents and visitors
throughout the Cape.
B. Population Characteristics
The demographic information presented in this section is
based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American
Community Survey (5-Year Estimates), unless otherwise
noted. These estimates represent the most current data
available at the time of writing.
Population Trends
Barnstable has an age profile that points to diverse
recreational needs. Roughly 25% of residents are aged 65 or
older, which is higher than the statewide average. This aging
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 16
population highlights a growing demand for low-impact, age-
friendly facilities, including accessible walking paths,
beaches, and safe sidewalks. At the same time, around 18%
of residents are under age 20, underscoring the continued
importance of youth-oriented recreation such as athletic
fields, playgrounds, and structured programs. Population
projections suggest Barnstable’s year-round population will
gradually decline to about 40,000 residents by 2050,
reflecting broader regional trends of outmigration and aging
demographics. These changes indicate that while the Town
must continue to provide diverse recreation opportunities,
future planning should also account for a shrinking and older
base of year-round users.
Economic
characteristics
also influence
recreation needs.
The median
household income
is about $97,300,
but income levels
vary widely. While
many families
have comfortable
earnings, nearly
12% of households
earn less than
$35,000 annually,
making affordability a critical consideration. Free or low-cost
opportunities, such as public beaches, playgrounds, and
accessible community centers, are especially important to
ensure all residents, regardless of income, can participate in
recreation and benefit from the town’s open spaces.
Population and Housing Density
Barnstable has a population density of 821.5 people per
square mile, with development patterns that vary between
suburban neighborhoods, rural coastal areas, and compact
development in areas supported by infrastructure.
Approximately 25% of all units in town are rentals. However,
in and around Hyannis, there are higher concentrations of
multi-family and renter-occupied housing, which create
greater reliance on public parks, playgrounds, and walkable
open spaces given limited access to private yards. In these
areas, neighborhood-scale recreation facilities are especially
important to provide equitable access to outdoor
opportunities close to home.
By contrast, the other 75% of housing units in Barnstable are
owner-occupied, and nearly four out of five homes are
single-family detached structures. These lower-density
neighborhoods and rural sections of town are characterized
by larger tracts of open space and strong connections to
regional recreation resources, including beaches,
conservation lands, and trail networks. Together,
Barnstable’s housing and population distribution call for a
balanced approach: enhancing small-scale, walkable
facilities in denser neighborhoods while protecting and
stewarding the town’s larger natural landscapes for passive
and regional recreation.
Year Population
2000 47,854
2010 45,193
2020 48,916
2025 48,364
2030 47,381
2035 45,851
2040 43,942
2045 41,909
2050 40,008
Table 3-1: Population Projections
Source: UMass Donahue Institute
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 17
Figure 3-1: Regional Context Map
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 18
Environmental Justice Communities
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and
Environmental Affairs (EEA) defines Environmental Justice
(EJ) as the principle that all people have a right to be
protected from environmental hazards and to live in and
enjoy a clean and healthful environment regardless of race,
color, national origin, income, or English language
proficiency. Environmental Justice is the equal protection
and meaningful involvement of all people and communities
with respect to the development, implementation, and
enforcement of energy, climate change, and environmental
laws, regulations, and policies, and the equitable distribution
of energy and environmental benefits and burdens.
A neighborhood within a community is defined as an EJ
population if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
The annual median household income is 65% or less
of the statewide annual median household income.
Minorities comprise 40% or more of the population.
25% or more of households lack English language
proficiency.
Minorities comprise 25% or more of the population
and the annual median household income of the
municipality in which the neighborhood is located
does not exceed 150% of the statewide annual
median household income.
In Barnstable, 12 of the 38 block groups (31.6%) meet EJ
criteria, with nearly one-third of residents (32.4%) living in EJ
neighborhoods. Concentrated mainly in Hyannis, they are
designated as Minority, Minority and Income, Minority and
English Isolation, or Minority, Income, and English Isolation.
Barnstable’s population of children under 18 comprises 17%
overall but has higher shares in EJ areas, while seniors make
up 25% townwide, yet are less concentrated in these
neighborhoods. This contrast highlights the need for more
youth-focused recreation in EJ areas and senior-friendly
facilities community-wide.
Although Barnstable is about 85% White, EJ neighborhoods
have higher proportions of Black, Hispanic/Latino, and
multiracial residents, reinforcing the need for inclusive
programming and outreach. The town’s median household
income is about $92,000, but EJ areas fall well below this,
with poverty levels above the townwide rate of 9%.
Language isolation is also more common in EJ
neighborhoods than the 7 to 8% townwide average,
underscoring the importance of multilingual communication.
Roughly 24% of households are renters, and they are
disproportionately in EJ areas, where limited private yard
space increases reliance on public parks and playgrounds.
EJ populations also face greater health risks such as asthma
and cardiovascular disease. Parks, shaded green spaces,
and safe pedestrian routes can address these vulnerabilities
while supporting climate resilience in denser neighborhoods.
Equitable investment in affordable, accessible recreation,
particularly in Hyannis, is essential to ensure all residents,
regardless of income, race, or language, benefit from
Barnstable’s open space and recreational resources.
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 19
Figure 3-2: Environmental Justice Map
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 20
C. Growth & Development Patterns
The community’s growth and development patterns play a
critical role in shaping how residents and visitors access and
enjoy the town’s open spaces and recreation resources.
Understanding the relationship between land use,
infrastructure, and natural systems is essential to balancing
development pressures with long-term resource protection
and community well-being.
Open Space-Based Infrastructure
Barnstable’s network of open spaces, trails, sidewalks, and
water resources provides a foundation for both recreation
and alternative transportation. The Town’s existing
infrastructure includes a system of multi-use trails and
sidewalks, many of which are concentrated in the villages
and near recreation assets.
There is a desire to strengthen these connections to create a
continuous, community-wide network linking parks, village
centers, conservation lands, and trailheads. Such a network
could serve dual purposes: improving recreational
opportunities while also offering safe, non-motorized routes
for daily travel between the seven villages.
Bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including the Cape Cod Rail
Trail extension currently under construction, and locally
managed trail networks, provide key connections but remain
fragmented. Strengthening links between villages through
sidewalks, greenways, and dedicated bike lanes has the
potential to create a transportation system that reduces
reliance on automobiles while enhancing access to
recreation (see Figure 3-3: Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Map for additional details).
In addition, Barnstable’s extensive shoreline, ponds, and
harbors represent a significant form of open space-based
infrastructure. These water systems are critical for drinking
water supply and ecological health, yet they also function as
community recreation assets, offering opportunities for
boating, fishing, and paddling. Where watershed protection
lands are preserved and open to the public, they provide
additional passive recreation opportunities, such as walking
trails, birdwatching, and nature study.
Long-Term Development Patterns
Barnstable’s growth and land use have long been shaped by
its zoning framework, which designates residential,
commercial, office, industrial, and open space districts across
the town’s seven historic villages (see Figure 3-6: Zoning
Districts Map and Figure 3-7: Zoning Overlay Districts Map).
While zoning has provided structure to development,
ecological impacts and land use conflicts remain significant
concerns. In some areas, zoning does not align with
environmental protection priorities, for example, some
wellhead protection zones and critical habitat areas are still
designated for industrial or other high-intensity uses, placing
drinking water supplies and sensitive ecosystems at risk.
Likewise, low-density residential zoning has contributed to
dispersed development patterns, increasing automobile
dependence, fragmenting wildlife habitat, and consuming
open space.
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 21
Figure 3-3: Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Map
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 22
Looking ahead, Barnstable faces the ongoing challenge of
balancing development pressures with the protection of its
natural resources, water quality, and community character.
Although the town’s population is projected to decline
slightly in the coming decades, demand for housing and
economic activity will continue to place pressure on water
resources, open space, and recreation lands. In response,
the Town’s long-term planning emphasizes strategically
guiding growth toward areas with existing infrastructure and
services, while protecting resource-sensitive lands through
conservation zoning, overlay districts, and strategic land
acquisition. The Downtown Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone
(GIZ) is the primary area in town designated for growth,
including residential, commercial and redevelopment. The
intent of a Growth Incentive Zone is to encourage
development in geographically defined economic centers
supported by community amenities and appropriate
infrastructure, and away from sensitive environmental areas.
Future development should be aligned with Complete
Streets principles, integrating safe pedestrian and bicycle
infrastructure, and improving connectivity between homes,
shops, workplaces, and recreation areas. Investment in the
public realm, including streetscapes, street trees for shade,
small pocket parks, and plazas, can further support
recreation and quality of life by ensuring most residents have
access to open space within a 10-minute walk of their homes.
Waterfront areas present unique opportunities and
challenges. As sea-level rise and coastal hazards intensify,
Barnstable must balance the protection of its working
harbors, public waterfront access, and coastal ecosystems
with the realities of climate adaptation. Focusing new growth
and redevelopment on maritime-supportive uses such as
marine trades, fishing, and recreation, can sustain the town’s
maritime economy and heritage. At the same time,
vulnerable areas should be retrofitted or elevated to
withstand future flood risks, and non-resilient uses should be
steered away from high-hazard coastal zones.
Figure 3-4: Downtown Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 23
Outside of core growth areas, Barnstable’s approach
emphasizes conservation-oriented development that
preserves natural landscapes, protects water supply
recharge areas, and minimizes habitat fragmentation.
Techniques such as conservation subdivisions, low-impact
design (LID), and nature-based stormwater management can
reduce impervious cover, enhance groundwater recharge,
and maintain ecological functions. Limiting the extension of
roads and utilities into undeveloped areas is also critical to
curbing sprawl and protecting wildlife corridors. The Town’s
Resource Protection Overlay District (RPOD) was designed to
protect groundwater quality, reduce nitrogen contamination,
and reduce development potential to be more in line with
infrastructure capacity by requiring a minimum lot size of two
acres. The RPOD covers most areas of Barnstable
encompassing 30,408.9 acres or 77.9% of the community.
In natural areas and water supply recharge zones, the Town
prioritizes resource protection above all else. Recreation
uses in these locations should be carefully designed to be
compatible with conservation objectives, emphasizing
passive activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and nature
study that have minimal ecological impact.
Through coordinated zoning, strategic land use planning,
and targeted investments in infrastructure and public spaces,
Barnstable can shape a future growth pattern that supports
community needs while preserving the town’s extraordinary
natural and cultural assets. This integrated approach of
balancing growth with conservation, resilience, and
recreation access will be critical to achieving the Town’s
long-term goals for open space preservation, water
protection, and equitable access to outdoor resources.
Figure 3-5: Resource Protection Overlay District
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 24
Figure 3-6: Zoning Districts Map
Note: Please see the list above with each of the Base Zoning Districts as organized by residential and mixed-use zoning districts.
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 25
Figure 3-7: Zoning Overlay Districts Map
Town of Barnstable, MA
03 Community Setting 26
Hathaway’s Pond Recreation Area, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 27
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis
Barnstable’s landscape reflects a unique balance between
its coastal setting, historic village centers, and expansive
natural resources. Shaped by its location on Cape Cod, the
town is defined by sandy soils, pine and oak woodlands,
extensive wetlands, and 170 miles of shoreline along
Nantucket Sound, Cape Cod Bay, and Barnstable Harbor.
These natural systems not only provide critical wildlife
habitat and water resources, but also frame the town’s
cultural and scenic identity, from maritime heritage to
agricultural landscapes. Barnstable’s environmental features,
ranging from barrier beaches and estuaries to kettle ponds
and salt marshes, contribute to its rich ecological diversity,
recreational opportunities, and coastal resilience. Together,
these natural and built characteristics form the foundation for
protecting open space and guiding sustainable land use in
the face of development pressures and climate change.
A. Soils and Topography
The town’s soils and topography reflect its glacial origins and
coastal setting, shaping both ecological function and
patterns of development. Barnstable is generally
characterized by gently rolling terrain with localized steep
slopes, kettle ponds, and low-lying wetland areas. Elevations
are as high as 230 feet above sea level in the interior
portions of town, gradually descending toward the extensive
shoreline along Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, and
Barnstable Harbor. This topographic variation influences
drainage, vegetation, and suitability for both recreation and
development.
Barnstable’s soils are predominantly sandy and well-drained,
typical of Cape Cod, which support both groundwater
recharge and residential development dependent on private
wells and septic systems. As can be seen in Figure 4-1: Soils
Map, extensive areas of excessively and well-drained soils
are found across the southern portion of town in villages
such as Centerville, Osterville, and Cotuit, as well as near
Route 6. These soils are highly permeable and critical for
protecting the town’s sole-source aquifer. While favorable for
development, they also raise concerns for groundwater
contamination from septic systems and fertilizer use,
underscoring the importance of land protection strategies
around wellhead and recharge areas.
In contrast, poorly-drained soils, including peats and mucks,
occur throughout Barnstable, most notably in the north just
west of Barnstable Harbor, along the low-lying coastal
fringes of Lewis Bay and Centerville Harbor, and in inland
depressions in Marstons Mills and Centerville. While the
wetlands and marshes that form in these areas help absorb
floodwaters and improve water quality, the underlying soils
remain highly susceptible to flooding, nutrient loading, and
habitat disturbance when altered or developed. Under the
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, these areas are
afforded regulatory protection for their ecological services,
including flood control, water supply protection, and wildlife
habitat. Their presence limits intensive recreational
development but provides opportunities for low-impact uses
such as trails, birdwatching, and environmental education.
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 28
Figure 4-1: Soils Map
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 29
As noted in the 2018 OSRP, 10,482 acres of land in
Barnstable are classified as prime farmland soils, as well as
soils of statewide and local importance, according to Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) criteria. These soil
types are scattered across Barnstable, concentrated in areas
such as West Barnstable, Marstons Mills, and Barnstable
Village. These soils provide an important resource for
sustaining agricultural activity, community gardens, and local
food systems. Protecting these areas from encroaching
development preserves both agricultural heritage and open
space character. The distribution of prime and important
farmland soils will be a key factor in prioritizing land
conservation and guiding policies that balance agricultural
viability with development pressures.
Together, Barnstable’s soils and topography play a defining
role in determining future land use, conservation priorities,
and recreational opportunities. Well-drained soils highlight
the need for careful management of water quality and
aquifer protection; poorly-drained soils emphasize the value
of wetlands and floodplain conservation; and farmland soils
elevate the importance of sustaining working landscapes.
B. Water Resources
Barnstable’s extensive system of water resources is central
to its identity, providing ecological value, drinking water
supply, and recreational opportunities. The town’s bays,
harbors, ponds, and wetlands support boating, fishing,
shellfishing, and passive recreation, while also sustaining
critical wildlife habitat.
However, water quality degradation from nutrient loading,
stormwater runoff, and development pressures has created
challenges that affect both ecological health and recreational
uses.
Watersheds
Barnstable lies within the Cape Cod watershed system, with
numerous sub-watersheds draining to major coastal
embayments such as Barnstable Harbor, Cotuit Bay, and
Centerville Harbor.
Figure 4-2: Water Resources Map highlights the importance
of these watershed divides, as surface water flow and
groundwater recharge areas dictate both ecological function
and drinking water protection. The Three Bays system
(Cotuit, North, and West Bays) and Hyannis Harbor are
particularly vulnerable due to high nutrient loading, limiting
their recreational potential.
Barnstable Harbor, Credit: Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 30
Figure 4-2: Water Resources Map
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 31
Surface Water
The town is defined by its diverse surface water resources,
which include:
Coastal waters such as Barnstable Harbor on Cape
Cod Bay and Centerville, Hyannis, and Cotuit Bays
along Nantucket Sound. These areas support
shellfishing, swimming, boating, and scenic
enjoyment, but are impaired by nitrogen enrichment
from septic systems and stormwater.
Freshwater ponds scattered throughout the town,
including Wequaquet Lake, Shubael Pond, and
Hathaway’s Pond, which provide freshwater
swimming, fishing, and passive recreation.
Rivers and streams such as the Centerville River and
Marstons Mills River that connect ponds to bays,
supporting ecological corridors and limited paddling
opportunities.
Many of these waterbodies are impaired by nutrient
pollution, algal blooms, or invasive species, which can limit
safe recreational access.
Barnstable County has partnered with the Association to
Preserve Cape Cod (APCC), a local non-profit environmental
organization, to proactively monitor Cape Cod’s ponds for
cyanobacteria and, more specifically, the toxins they
sometimes produce. More specifics regarding the particulars
of the monitoring program and identified impacted water
bodies can be found on APCC’s cyanobacteria monitoring
web page.
Aquifer Recharge Areas
Barnstable relies solely on a groundwater aquifer for its
drinking water supply. The Water Resources Map shows
extensive Wellhead Protection Areas in the eastern and
western portions of town, where approved and interim
protection zones surround community and non-community
wells. Protecting these recharge areas is vital, as they
overlay sand and gravel deposits that are highly permeable
and vulnerable to contamination. Land conservation in these
recharge areas provides dual benefits of safeguarding public
water supply while preserving open space.
Flood Hazard Areas
The FEMA National Flood Hazard layer identifies extensive
1% and 0.2% annual chance flood hazard zones along
Barnstable Harbor, Cape Cod Bay, and the Nantucket Sound
coastline, as well as along river corridors. With climate
change driving sea level rise and increased storm intensity,
these areas face growing risk. While flood-prone, these lands
offer opportunities for passive parkland acquisition,
providing flood storage, coastal resilience, and low-impact
recreational uses such as trails, birdwatching, and scenic
overlooks. The Cape Cod Commission’s Coastal Floodplain
Data Viewer serves as a resource for information on
potential future flooding in flood hazard areas.
Wetlands
Barnstable contains extensive forested and non-forested
wetlands, including salt marshes, freshwater swamps, and
bogs. These wetlands are shown prominently on the Water
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 32
Resources Map in low-lying coastal and inland areas. They
provide flood control, water filtration, and essential habitat
for fish and wildlife. Wetlands also serve as key features of
the town’s open space network, offering opportunities for
nature study, birdwatching, and boardwalk access (such as in
Barnstable Harbor marshes). However, encroachment and
hydrologic alteration threaten their ecological and
recreational value.
C. Vegetation
Barnstable’s vegetation reflects its coastal Cape Cod setting,
encompassing extensive pine-oak forests, mixed hardwood
stands, freshwater pond shore communities, salt marshes,
and cranberry bog landscapes. Large areas of pitch pine and
scrub oak dominate the uplands, with pockets of white pine,
red oak, and hickory providing structure and scenic beauty.
These woodlands protect air and water quality, reduce
erosion, and frame many of the town’s recreational
landscapes such as trails, conservation lands, and scenic
byways.1 Coastal plain pond shores, a globally rare habitat,
supports distinct grasses, wildflowers and rare plants and
amphibians. Collectively, these vegetative communities
contribute significantly to the town’s rural character and
recreational appeal.
Public Shade Trees
Public shade trees are important to Barnstable’s character
and quality of life. Oaks, maples, elms, lindens, and
ornamental flowering species provide shade in
1 Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan 2025.
neighborhoods, along roadways, and in civic spaces. Trees
located at village greens, cemeteries, and public commons
offer both cultural and scenic value while moderating heat,
improving air quality, and providing stormwater benefits. In
2023, the Town received a grant through the state’s
Greening the Gateway Cities Grant program to increase tree
canopy by planting 1,100 trees within Environmental Justice
neighborhoods, predominately within Hyannis. All properties
within the defined Planting Zone are eligible for free trees.
By increasing tree canopy the community will realize
numerous benefits including, but not limited to, beautification
of neighborhoods, schools, and public places, improved air
quality, increased wildlife habitat, reduced noise, and
increased shade.
Rare Species
Barnstable is home to several state and federally listed rare
plants under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act
(MESA) associated with pond shores, wetlands, and coastal
habitats. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species
Program (NHESP) identifies significant Priority Habitats of
Rare Species within the town, particularly around Barnstable
Harbor, West Barnstable Conservation Area, Cape Cod Bay,
and the Nantucket Sound. Coastal plain pond vegetation
supports species such as Plymouth Gentian and Slender
Marsh Pink, while salt marshes provide vital habitat for other
rare plants such as Saltpond Pennywort and American Sea-
blite. Protection of these habitats is critical to maintaining
biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 33
Table 4-1: Plant Species of Conservation Concern
Species Common Name Species Scientific Name MESA Status Most Recent Observation
Sandplain Gerardia Agalinis acuta Endangered 2019
Slender Marsh Pink Sabatia campanulata Endangered 2019
Torrey's Beaksedge Rhynchospora torreyana Endangered 2019
Cespitose Prickly-Pear Opuntia cespitosa Endangered 2017
Papillose Nut Sedge Scleria pauciflora Endangered 1986
Cranefly Orchid Tipularia discolor Endangered 1983
Maryland Meadow-beauty Rhexia mariana Endangered 1967
Heartleaf Twayblade Neottia cordata Endangered 1916
Velvet Panic-grass Dichanthelium scoparium Endangered 1903
Resupinate Bladderwort Utricularia resupinata Threatened 2021
Grass-leaved Ladies'-tresses Spiranthes vernalis Threatened 2019
Short-beaked Beaksedge Rhynchospora nitens Threatened 2017
Dwarf Bulrush Lipocarpha micrantha Threatened 2012
Swamp Oats Sphenopholis pensylvanica Threatened 1988
Mitchell's Sedge Carex mitchelliana Threatened 1988
Stiff Yellow Flax Linum medium var. texanum Threatened 1983
Adder's Tongue Fern Ophioglossum pusillum Threatened 1960s
Purple Needlegrass Aristida purpurascens Threatened 1916
Pondshore Smartweed Persicaria puritanorum Special Concern 2024
Plymouth Gentian Sabatia kennedyana Special Concern 2023
Wright's Rosette-grass Dichanthelium wrightianum Special Concern 2023
New England Blazing Star Liatris novae-angliae Special Concern 2022
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 34
Table 4-1: Plant Species of Conservation Concern (Continued)
Source: MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Agricultural Land
Though limited in scale compared to forest or wetland
resources, Barnstable’s agricultural lands, particularly active
and former cranberry bogs, contribute scenic value, maintain
local heritage, and provide important open space buffers.
Some bogs are being restored to natural wetlands, such as
the one in Marstons Mills, which enhances water quality and
wildlife habitat while offering new opportunities for
environmental education and passive recreation.2 Farmland
and open fields also link habitat areas.
2 Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan 2025.
Restoration of Habitats for Biodiversity
Barnstable contains an extraordinary range of ecosystems,
from coastal dunes and salt marshes to pine-oak woodlands,
vernal pools, and freshwater ponds, all of which provide vital
habitat for a diversity of species. Efforts to restore and
manage these habitats are central to maintaining the town’s
ecological integrity and resilience in the face of climate
change. Restoration initiatives have included controlled
burns for grassland regeneration, removal of invasive and
dead vegetation, and reestablishment of native plant
communities to improve wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire
risk. The Conservation Division maintains over 30 acres of
open fields at Seabury Farms, West Barnstable, and Bridge
Creek Conservation Areas for wildlife habitat and fire
management, while prescribed burns at sites such as
Species Common Name Species Scientific Name MESA Status Most Recent Observation
Bristly Foxtail Setaria parviflora Special Concern 2021
Redroot Lachnanthes caroliniana Special Concern 2021
Sea-beach Knotweed Polygonum glaucum Special Concern 2021
Terete Arrowhead Sagittaria teres Special Concern 2021
Long-beaked Beaksedge Rhynchospora scirpoides Special Concern 2021
Philadelphia Panic-grass Panicum philadelphicum ssp. philadelphicum Special Concern 1989
Commons' Rosette-grass Dichanthelium commonsianum Special Concern 1986
Wild Lupine Lupinus perennis Special Concern 1934
Slender Bladderwort Utricularia subulata Special Concern 1918
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 35
Crocker Neck and Old Jail Lane have improved ecological
diversity and reduced fuel loads. These measures not only
sustain native grasslands and pollinator habitats, but also
help protect rare and endangered species that rely on early
successional landscapes.
In addition to upland restoration, the Town has prioritized the
rehabilitation of aquatic and wetland environments,
recognizing their importance for both biodiversity and
climate adaptation. Projects such as cranberry bog
restoration and the Great Marsh salt marsh revitalization
improve water quality, enhance natural filtration, and restore
hydrological function while creating habitat for migratory
birds, amphibians, and fish. The Natural Resources Division
and partner organizations, including Mass Audubon and the
Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, have also undertaken
herring run restorations through culvert replacements and
fish ladder improvements, reconnecting critical aquatic
corridors. These habitat restoration projects reflect
Barnstable’s holistic approach to biodiversity conservation:
blending ecological management, land acquisition, and
stewardship practices to promote resilient, interconnected
natural systems that support both wildlife and community
well-being.
Wetland Vegetation
Wetland vegetation, including salt marsh grasses, Atlantic
white cedar swamps, and red maple wetlands, form some of
Barnstable’s most valuable ecological systems. These
3 Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan 2025.
habitats buffer storm surges, filter pollutants, and provide
breeding grounds for fish and waterfowl. They are also
highly valued for recreation, offering opportunities for
birdwatching, nature study, hunting, and scenic enjoyment.
The town’s 14,000+ acres of wetlands (marsh, pond/lake,
beach, and wooded wetlands) are critical for maintaining
ecosystem services and climate resilience.3
BioMap Information
According to BioMap (2023), Barnstable contains 11,880.8
acres of Core Habitat areas, including pond shores, salt
marshes, and barrier beaches critical for rare species
persistence. The town also lies within large Critical Natural
Landscapes that enhance ecological connectivity across
Cape Cod. These areas are essential for sustaining
biodiversity, adapting to sea-level rise, and maintaining
recreational and scenic landscapes. Local BioMap
components highlight freshwater ponds such as Wequaquet
Lake and Mystic Lake, as well as coastal resources such as
Barnstable Harbor and the Three Bays system, as key
conservation priorities. Table 4-2 defines data for BioMap
Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape, as well as Local
and Regional Components of the region’s unique
biodiversity extracted from the “at-a-glance” BioMap report
for Barnstable (44,329 acres) which can be found at:
www.mass.gov/infodetails/biomap-town-report-barnstable.
For a visual reference of BioMap Core Habitat and Natural
Landscape areas in Barnstable, please see Figure 4-3:
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 36
Natural Resources Map.
Table 4-2: BioMap Town Report
Local Components are additions to Core Habitat and Critical
Natural Landscape assessed from the perspective of each
city and town to inform municipalities and others when
making local decisions. Local Components include Local
Landscapes, Local Wetland and Local Wetland Buffer, Local
Rare Species, Local Aquatic Habitat and Local Aquatic
Habitat Buffer, and Local Vernal Pools.
Regional Components are additions to BioMap that are of
particular importance for conservation from the perspective
of the Northeastern United States. Regional Connectivity
shows areas that are particularly important for maintaining
sub-continental connections among habitats, which will
support the shifting ranges of native species. Regional Rare
Species areas identify habitats within the state that support
highly vulnerable and imperiled species which are at high
risk regionally, nationally, or globally due to factors such as
restricted ranges, few populations or occurrences, history of
decline, and high threat levels.
D. Fisheries and Wildlife
Barnstable’s extensive coastline, freshwater ponds,
estuaries, and conservation lands support an exceptionally
diverse array of fish and wildlife resources. These natural
communities are central to the town’s character, providing
residents and visitors with opportunities for recreation and
appreciation of the region’s unique biodiversity.
Inventory
The town supports a wide range of species due to its mix of
habitats, salt marshes, dunes, freshwater wetlands, ponds,
upland forests, and extensive coastal waters. Mammals
commonly include white-tailed deer, coyote, red fox,
raccoon, and rabbit. Aquatic and semi-aquatic species such
as river otter and muskrat are also present in the town’s
wetlands and ponds. Birds are especially abundant, with
coastal shorebirds such as piping plover and least tern
nesting along sandy beaches, and osprey which have
returned in greater numbers due to conservation efforts.
Waterfowl such as black duck, bufflehead, and Canada
goose use the town’s estuaries and ponds, and songbirds
thrive in upland and forested habitats.
BioMap Area % of Barnstable
Covered
% Protected
BioMap Core Habitat 26.8% 16.3%
BioMap Critical Natural
Landscape 32.4% 13.2%
BioMap Local Components 10.4% 8.1%
BioMap Regional
Components 9.2% 3.8%
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 37
Reptiles in Barnstable include painted turtle, snapping turtle,
and spotted turtle, along with amphibians such as spring
peeper, green frog, and spotted salamander. Vernal pools
across the town provide critical breeding habitat for
amphibian populations. Fisheries resources are also
abundant both inland and along Barnstable’s coasts.
Freshwater ponds support bass, pickerel, sunfish, and trout.
Marine waters host commercially and recreationally
important species such as bluefish, striped bass, shellfish,
and horseshoe crab.4
Wildlife Corridors
Wildlife corridors in Barnstable link core habitats and provide
pathways for species movement across the landscape.
These corridors are most prominent along rivers and streams
such as the Marstons Mills River and Santuit River, as well as
along the shores of Barnstable Harbor, the Three Bays
system, and Centerville River. Large blocks of protected
open space, including the West Barnstable Conservation
Area, Bridge Creek Conservation Area, and Crocker Neck
Conservation Area, anchor many of these corridors.
According to Figure 4-3: Natural Resources Map, BioMap
Core Habitats and Critical Natural Landscapes are
concentrated in north Barnstable (around Barnstable Harbor),
south Barnstable’s Three Bays estuaries, and Cotuit Bay.
NHESP-identified potential and certified vernal pools further
strengthen connectivity by supporting amphibians and
reptiles. Maintaining these corridors is essential not only for
wildlife survival, but also for guiding open space acquisitions
4 Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan 2018.
and siting new recreational facilities so as not to fragment
critical habitats.
Barnstable Harbor Marshes, Credit: Anna Braswell
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 38
Figure 4-3: Natural Resources Map
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 39
Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species
Barnstable is also home to several state- and federally-listed
species under MESA. Piping Plover (threatened) and Least
Tern (special concern) nest on the town’s barrier beaches.
Roseate Tern, federally endangered, is also known in the
region. Eastern Box Turtle are of special concern. 5 Vernal
pools provide habitat for marbled salamander and other
obligate species. Rare moths and freshwater mussels (e.g.
the Tidewater Mucket) have also been recorded in
Barnstable. Please see Table 4-3: Fish & Wildlife Species of
Conservation Concern for a complete species and status
listing.
Protecting these species requires careful management of
recreation access, particularly on barrier beaches, dunes,
and marshes, where seasonal restrictions (such as beach
closures for plover nesting) have already proven effective.
E. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments
The Town of Barnstable is defined by a remarkable
collection of scenic resources and unique environments that
shape its community character, enhance recreational
opportunities, and distinguish it from neighboring Cape Cod
towns. These landscapes, ranging from historic scenic
byways to ecologically significant coastal environments, are
central to the town’s identity as both a year-round
community and a seasonal destination. For reference to
these various scenic resources and unique environments
within Barnstable, please see Figure 4-4: Unique Features
5 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Rare Species Viewer.
Map.
Scenic Landscapes
Barnstable’s scenic landscapes are a defining element of its
open space network. The town features a diversity of visual
experiences: panoramic views across Cape Cod Bay from
Sandy Neck and Barnstable Harbor; sweeping coastal
meadows and salt marshes in West Barnstable and Cotuit;
and the rolling inland terrain of Marstons Mills and
Centerville. Scenic roads, including Route 6A (Old King’s
Highway), contribute significantly to Barnstable’s charm. This
nationally recognized byway is lined with historic homes,
mature trees, stone walls, and views of open fields and
harbors. Additional scenic roads include Craigville Beach
Road, Main Street in Cotuit, and Route 149 in West
Barnstable. Collectively, these resources provide valued
opportunities for passive recreation such as walking,
bicycling, and scenic driving, while reinforcing the
community’s rural and maritime character.
Geologic Features and Natural Landforms
While Barnstable’s topography is less dramatic than that of
inland Massachusetts communities, it contains notable
geologic features created by glacial activity. Low hills such
as Scorton Hill, Shootflying Hill, and Clay Hill rise above
surrounding wetlands and forests, offering subtle relief and
vantage points. Sandy Neck, a six-mile-long barrier beach
and dune system, is one of the most distinctive landforms on
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 40
Cape Cod. It provides dramatic vistas, critical wildlife habitat,
and extensive opportunities for recreation including hiking,
beachcombing, and off-road vehicle use. Cranberry bogs,
both active and retired, also contribute to the town’s scenic
and cultural landscape, providing open vistas, seasonal
color, and opportunities for environmental education.
Cultural, Archaeological, and Historic Resources
Barnstable’s scenic and cultural environments are deeply
intertwined. The town contains two local historic districts and
multiple National Register properties, particularly along
Route 6A, each with unique architecture and landscapes.
Historic cemeteries, colonial-era homes, and maritime
landmarks such as Hyannis Harbor and Osterville’s Grand
Island evoke Barnstable’s layered history as a governmental
center, maritime hub, and resort community. Archaeological
evidence also documents Indigenous habitation for over
10,000 years, reinforcing the importance of protecting
landscapes that hold cultural as well as natural value.6 These
historic and cultural resources enrich recreational
experiences, from heritage tourism to village walking tours,
while reinforcing Barnstable’s distinctive identity.
6 Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan 2018.
First Responder Drill at Sandy Neck, Credit: Town of Barnstable Marine &
Environmental Affairs
Hyannis Harbor, Credit: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 41
Species Common Name Species Scientific Name MESA Status Most Recent Observation
Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Threatened 2024
Scarlet Bluet Enallagma pictum Threatened 2021
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Threatened 2020
Northern Diamond-backed
Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapin Threatened 2020
Eastern Spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrookii Threatened 2020
Water-willow Stem Borer Papaipema sulphurata Threatened 2015
Pine Barrens Bluet Enallagma recurvatum Threatened 2009
Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum Threatened 1993
Northern Parula Setophaga americana Threatened 1989
Chain Fern Borer Papaipema stenocelis Threatened 1950
Mustard White Pieris oleracea Threatened 1949
Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis Endangered 2018
Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii Endangered 2012
North Atlantic Right Whale Eubalaena glacialis Endangered 2010
Agassiz's Clam Shrimp Eulimnadia agassizii Endangered 2009
Table 4-3: Fish & Wildlife Species of Conservation Concern
North Atlantic Right Whale by New England Aquarium-Canadian Whale Institute (left), Northern Long-eared Bat by Ryan Hodnett (left center), Bald Eagle
by Bill Byrne (right center), Agassiz’s Clam Shrimp by Steve Johnson (right center)
Source: MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 42
Species Common Name Species Scientific Name MESA Status Most Recent Observation
Least Tern Sternula antillarum Special Concern 2024
Common Tern Sterna hirundo Special Concern 2021
Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina Special Concern 2020
Purple Tiger Beetle Cicindela purpurea Special Concern 2018
Bridle Shiner Notropis bifrenatus Special Concern 2017
Frosted Elfin Callophrys irus Special Concern 2012
Eastern Pondmussel Ligumia nasuta Special Concern 2010
Tidewater Mucket Leptodea ochracea Special Concern 2011
Buck Moth Hemileuca maia Special Concern 1994
Coastal Heathland Cutworm Abagrotis benjamini Special Concern 1982
Long-eared Owl Asio otus Special Concern 1978
Pine Barrens Macaria Macaria exonerata Special Concern 1968
Chain Dot Geometer Cingilia catenaria Special Concern 1954
Pine Barrens Zale Zale lunifera Special Concern 1951
Tule Bluet Enallagma carunculatum Special Concern 1941
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Special Concern 1901
Table 4-3: Fish & Wildlife Species of Conservation Concern (Continued)
Common Tern by Bill Byrne (left), Eastern Box Turtle by L.L. Willey (left center), Buck Moth by M.W. Nelson (right center), Long-eared Owl by Ben Keen
(right)
Source: MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 43
Figure 4-4: Unique Features Map
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 44
Unique Environments and Critical Natural Areas
Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) are places in
Massachusetts that receive special recognition because of
the quality, uniqueness, and significance of their natural and
cultural resources. These areas are identified and nominated
at the community level, and are reviewed and designated by
the state’s EEA Secretary. ACEC designation creates a
framework for local and regional stewardship of these critical
resource areas and ecosystems. ACEC designation also
requires stricter environmental review of certain kinds of
proposed development under state jurisdiction within the
ACEC boundaries. To reference the locations of these
ACECs within Barnstable, please see Figure 4-4: Unique
Features Map.
Barnstable is home to some of the Cape’s most significant
ecological environments. The Sandy Neck/Barnstable Harbor
ACEC protects a mosaic of barrier dunes, tidal flats, salt
marshes, and shellfish beds that are essential for rare
species habitat, storm buffering, and recreation. The Three
Bays estuarine system (Cotuit, North Bay, and West Bay),
Centerville River, and Lewis Bay support diverse ecosystems
while providing popular venues for boating, shellfishing, and
birdwatching. State Natural Heritage mapping identifies
multiple Priority Habitats for rare species, underscoring the
ecological value of these lands.7 Barnstable’s freshwater
ponds and kettlehole wetlands also offer unique ecological
and recreational opportunities, from paddling and fishing to
wildlife viewing.
7 Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan 2018.
F. Climate Change Impacts
The Town of Barnstable is highly vulnerable to the impacts of
climate change due to its location on Cape Cod, extensive
coastline, and reliance on sensitive natural systems. Open
space and recreation resources in Barnstable provide critical
ecosystem services, recreational opportunities, and social
benefits, but these are increasingly threatened by sea level
rise, intensifying storms, extreme heat, and shifting
ecological conditions. Protecting, enhancing, and
strategically managing these resources will be essential for
the Town’s resilience.
Coastal and Flooding Risks
Barnstable’s 170 miles of coastline make it particularly
vulnerable to sea level rise, storm surge, and coastal erosion.
The Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan highlights significant risks
to harbor facilities, beaches, and low-lying neighborhoods
that support recreation and access to the coast.8 Areas
mapped as “least resilient” in Figure 4-6: Climate Change
Map overlap with coastal open spaces and tidal habitats,
underscoring the need to prioritize land protection and
restoration that enhance natural buffers. Salt marshes,
barrier beaches, and dunes protect infrastructure while
supporting recreational and wildlife habitat.
Inland and Heat Impacts
Climate projections show rising average temperatures and
more frequent extreme heat events. Barnstable’s Municipal
8 Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan 2025.
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 45
Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) planning process identified
heat stress, particularly in densely developed Hyannis and
other Barnstable Environmental Justice neighborhoods, as a
major concern. Impervious surfaces and limited tree canopy
create “heat islands” that reduce livability and recreational
comfort. The Massachusetts EOEEA Land Surface
Temperature (LST) Index highlights hot spots in downtown
Hyannis and other developed areas are strong candidates
for new or improved parks with shade trees, splash pads,
and other cooling features.
9 Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan 2025.
MVP Planning Process
In 2019, Barnstable completed its first MVP Planning process,
which resulted in an Action Plan organized under three
categories: infrastructure, societal, and environmental.
Several recommendations are directly related to open space
and recreation:
Environmental: Expand land conservation and wetland
protection to improve flood storage and habitat
resilience. Prioritize acquisitions in migration corridors
for tidal wetlands and resilient lands identified by The
Nature Conservancy’s Resilient Lands Mapping Tool.
Societal: Increase shaded recreational spaces and
enhance tree planting programs, particularly in EJ
neighborhoods, to address extreme heat and health
disparities.
Infrastructure: Integrate green infrastructure such as
rain gardens and bioswales into existing and future
parks to reduce localized flooding while enhancing
recreational landscapes.9
Land Protection and Climate-Resilient Open Space
Land protection and strategic park development are among
Barnstable’s most powerful tools for climate resilience. The
Nature Conservancy’s Resilient Lands Mapping Tool shows
Barnstable contains large areas of “most resilient” and “more
resilient” lands, particularly in Sandy Neck, West Barnstable,
and around Barnstable Harbor (see Figure 4-5: Climate
Figure 4-5: Hot Spots (Land Surface Temperature)
Source: MassEOEEA Statewide Land Surface Temperature (LST) Index
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 46
Change Map). Protecting these areas ensures biodiversity,
habitat migration, and continued ecosystem services.
Conversely, “least resilient” lands, often low-lying developed
areas, require different strategies, such as managed retreat
or redevelopment into green infrastructure.
West Barnstable Great Marsh, Credit: Daniel Piraino
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 47
Figure 4-6: Climate Change Map
Town of Barnstable, MA
04 Environmental Inventory & Analysis 48
Ridgewood Park, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 49
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory
Importance of Protecting Open Space
Open space protection is an important and multi-faceted
community planning goal in Barnstable. Protecting open
space enhances community character by preserving scenic
views, landscapes, and vistas. It also provides opportunities
for both passive and active recreation, such as trails, parks,
and fields.
Beyond community character and recreation, open space
serves critical ecological functions. These include
groundwater recharge, stormwater management, pollution
attenuation, erosion control, and habitat for diverse species.
If lost or degraded, these functions would be difficult and
costly to replicate.
By providing these natural services, protected open space
can reduce the need for expensive infrastructure
improvements. Open space protection also limits
development in sensitive resource areas, helping avoid
environmental impacts. It also plays an important role in
offsetting climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere, particularly in forests and salt marshes.
The Trust for Public Land’s analysis in Parks Investment and
Economic Vitality reveals that operations and capital
spending by public park agencies across the United States
generated over $201 billion in economic activity, supported
approximately 1.1 million jobs, and boosted $63 billion in
labor income in a single year (2021). According to a 2023
report by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism,
the Cape Cod outdoor recreation economy generated over
$2.7billion in revenue and created over 14,000 jobs. These
findings highlight parks and open space not only as sources
of direct public amenity value, but also as strategic assets
that cities invest in to attract and retain residents, talent, and
businesses, helping cultivate better quality of life and fiscal
growth.
Another often-overlooked aspect of parks and open space is
the role they place in public safety and community trust-
building. Well-designed and well-used parks can reduce
crime by increasing “eyes on the street,” a concept
popularized by urbanist Jane Jacobs. When parks are
activated with regular foot traffic, programming, and
maintenance, they become safer by design, discouraging
illicit activities through natural surveillance and community
presence.
Veterans Park Beach, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 50
Research supported by the Trust for Public Land and various
academic institutions has shown investments in parks,
particularly in underserved neighborhoods, are linked to
reductions in violent crime. A study in Philadelphia found
greening vacant lots and improving park infrastructure led to
significant decreases in gun violence and vandalism in
surrounding areas (Branas et al., 2018). Furthermore,
accessible parks promote positive youth engagement,
offering alternatives to risky behaviors and fostering a sense
of belonging and shared stewardship. In this way, parks
quietly but effectively serve as tools for crime prevention,
trauma reduction, and community stabilization.
From Setha Low’s book, Why Public Space Matters, “even
fleeting moments of visibility and encounter in these spaces
tend to foster a broader worldview and our willingness to
accept difference.” These experiences enhance flexible
thinking, creativity and inclusiveness, and determine both
social life and community identity.
Definition of Protection
According to the 2025 Open Space & Recreation Planner’s
Workbook, open space is conservation land, forested land,
recreation land, agricultural land, and amenities such as
green buffers along roadways or any other predominantly
undeveloped area that is owned by an agency or
organization dedicated to conservation or recreation. The
term can also refer to undeveloped land with conservation or
recreation potential. This includes vacant lots and
brownfields that can be redeveloped into recreational areas
or community green spaces.
Open space can be used for passive recreation, outdoor
activities that require little physical exertion and cause
minimal disturbance to the natural environment, providing
opportunities for the quiet enjoyment of nature. Passive
recreation can include walking, hiking, mountain biking,
horseback riding, cross country skiing, hunting, and nature
study. Land can also be used for active recreation. Active
recreation is defined as outdoor recreation that occurs in
parks and requires significant alteration of the natural
landscape to provide playground or active sports facilities or
equipment, including soccer, tennis, and baseball.
The protection of open space ensures that land remains
available for conservation and recreation rather than being
developed for other uses. The degree of protection afforded
to a parcel depends on many factors, including applicable
laws and regulations, use, ownership, management, funding
sources, and the circumstances for its acquisition and
improvement. As a result, open space lands can have
varying levels of long-term protection.
Dowses Beach, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 51
The levels of protection described in this 2025 OSRP
generally adhere to the MassGIS Protected and Recreational
Open Space criteria:
Protected: Land that is legally protected in perpetuity,
as recorded in a deed or other official document. This
includes land owned by the Town’s Conservation
Commission and/or Water Department; land with a
conservation restriction held in perpetuity; land
owned by state conservation agencies (under Article
97 protection, more information can be found at this
link for the state’s Article 97 Natural Resource Site
Evaluation Tool: https://mass-
eoeea.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.ht
ml?id=fd578f40c0974a11883420ac848f0442); land
owned by non-profit land trusts; or where the Town
has received federal or state assistance for purchase
or improvement. Private land is also considered
protected if it has a deed restriction in perpetuity, an
Agriculture Preservation Restriction (APR), or a
Conservation Restriction (CR) in place.
Temporary: Land that is legally protected for a limited
time (e.g. short-term conservation restriction) or
temporarily protected due to its functional use. For
example, some water district lands are only
temporarily protected if they serve a water resource
protection function.
Limited: Land that is protected by legal mechanisms
other than those above or protected through
functional or traditional use. This category also
includes land that is likely to remain open space for
other reasons, such as cemeteries.
None: Land that is not protected. This land is usually
privately owned and could be sold without restriction
at any time for another use (e.g., scout camps, private
golf courses, and private woodlands).
Land dedicated to park and recreation purposes in its
deed is also protected open space.
Chapter 61 Lands
An additional opportunity for protection of open space is
through the state’s Chapter 61 tax program. The program
provides tax breaks to landowners who commit to keeping
their land undeveloped for a set period of time. There are
three categories, Chapter 61 (forest), Chapter 61A
(agriculture), and Chapter 61B (open space and recreation),
each with specific criteria for minimum acreage and period of
time for protection. If any land under Chapter 61, 61A, or 61B
is intended to be converted to a non-chapter use (either sold
or retained in the same ownership) while enrolled or within
one fiscal year of being removed from the program, the
Town has the option to match a bona fide offer to purchase
the property pursuant to a defined process and associated
timeline.
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 52
Table 5-1: Summary of Open Space and Recreation Land by Village (Acres)
Village Barnstable Centerville Cotuit Hyannis Marstons
Mills Osterville West
Barnstable
Total
Acreage
Protected Open Space
Public Conservation Land
Land Bank/CPA
Privately Owned Open Space
Private Land with Conservation
Restriction
Non-Municipal Water Districts
Barnstable County Land & Facilities
State Land
Chapter 61, 61A and 61B
Total Protected Acres
Unprotected Open Space
Town Cemeteries
Public Trusts
Town Recreation Land & Facilities
Beaches & Public Landings
Municipal Use
Schools
Airport
Housing Authority
Barnstable County Land & Facilities
State Land
Federal Land
Total Unprotected Open Space
Source: Town of Barnstable Planning & Development Department and GIS Department
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 53
A. Municipally Owned Conservation & Recreation Properties
Summary of Town Owned Parks & Recreation Facilities and Conservation Areas
Barnstable’s Recreation Division is responsible for the
management of the following parks, playgrounds, and
recreational fields:
Barnstable Hollow Playground & Field
Bay Lane Softball Fields
Bay Lane Tennis Courts
Burgess Park
Cape Cod Collaborative Athletic Fields
Centerville Community Building
Centerville Recreation Building & Playground
Cotuit Kettleers Ballfield/Lowell Park
Cotuit Tennis Courts
John F. Kennedy and Korean Memorial
Lombard Field
Lopes Field
Luke’s Love Playground
Marstons Mills Pickleball and Tennis Courts
McBarron Field
McKeon Park
Osterville Tennis Courts and Softball Field
Ridgewood Park Playground
Veterans Park Playground
West Barnstable Community Building & Lombard Field
Beaches managed by the Recreation Division include:
Craigville Beach
Dowses Beach
Eugenia Fortes Beach
Hamblin's Pond Beach
Hathaway’s Pond Recreation Area
Joshua's Pond Beach
Kalmus Beach Park
Keyes Beach
Loop Beach
Veterans Park Beach
Since the 2018 OSRP was written, the Town has utilized
Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for the
acquisition and improvement of several Town managed
recreation and conservation areas.
In 2018, the Town used $700,000 in CPA funds to make
improvements at Judy Walden Scarafile Field at McKeon
Park.
In 2019, CPA funds ($162,180) were used to rehabilitate the
underutilized baseball field at Barnstable Hollows
Playground & Field, transforming it into a multi-use green
space. In 2021, the project continued with a $125,000
funding allocation used to replace ADA-compliant
playground equipment, walkways, and surfaces, as well as
the installation of new seating with shade and water bottle
filling stations.
In 2021, the Town approved $816,793 in CPA funds to
renovate the Centerville Recreation Playground. At the time
of writing (2025), the project is under construction and will
include ADA-compliant playground equipment and surfaces,
as well as ADA accessibility from the parking lot. The Town
also used $522,569 in CPA funds to rehabilitate existing
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 54
tennis courts in Marstons Mills, creating 10 new pickleball
courts and 2 dual-purpose courts with both tennis and
pickleball lines.
Marstons Mills Pickleball Courts, Credit: BSC Group Centerville Recreation Playground Under Construction Credit: BSC Group
Centerville Recreation Playground Rendering Source: Town of Barnstable
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 55
In 2023, the Town approved $999,755 in CPA funds to
create the Osterville Recreation Playground, which will
replace an outdated playground with ADA-compliant
playground equipment. The new playground will feature a
shade structure, benches, patio, accessible surfaces and
pathways, a retaining wall, landscaping, and water bottle
filling station.
Barnstable’s Conservation Commission is responsible for
several conservation areas, the largest and most notable of
which is the Sandy Neck Beach Conservation Area, part of
the Sandy Neck Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
Since the 2018 OSRP was written, the Town has utilized
Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to place
conservation restrictions on several parcels. Presently, there
are no agricultural preservation restrictions in town.
Osterville Recreation Playground Rendering
Source: Town of Barnstable
Future Home of Osterville Recreation Playground, Credit: BSC Group
Sandy Neck Preserve
Source: The Nature Conservancy
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 56
Table 5-2 provides a complete list of recreation and conservation areas managed by the Town’s Recreation Division and the
Conservation Commission; properties with a conservation restriction are denoted with an asterisk (*). Please note that the
information in Table 5-2, Potential Improvements, was developed based on priorities outlined in the ADA Self-Evaluation and on
feedback and information gathered from the community during the planning process, including open house comments,
stakeholder interviews, and site visits.
Table 5-2: Municipally Owned Recreation & Conservation Properties
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Recreation Properties
Barnstable Pickleball & Tennis Courts
(Marstons Mills)
Ten pickleball courts and
two tennis courts
N/A Open to all
Barnstable Hollows Playground & Field
(Barnstable Village)
Playground and picnic
table
Designate accessible parking
spaces, complete surface
repairs, and reduce the slope of
the exterior access route.
Provide accessible routes
connecting the playground,
picnic table, and seating areas.
Open to all
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 57
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Burgess Park (Marstons Mills)
Disc golf Enhance accessibility and install
ADA-compliant swings.
Add amenities such as drinking
fountains, benches, and picnic
tables.
Open to all
Centerville Playground (Centerville)
New playground, parking
lot, and field adjacent to
the Centerville Recreation
Building
A new playground is currently
being constructed.
Open to all
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 58
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Cotuit Kettleers Ballfield/Lowell Park (Cotuit)
Ballfield, parking lot,
concession stands, kitchen,
and press box
The Cotuit Kettleers play at
the ballfield.
Provide accessible routes to
dugouts, picnic tables, and
sports activity.
Open to all
Cotuit Memorial Park (Cotuit)
Memorial Park Connect the library, waterfront,
adjacent playground, and post
office.
Improve drainage and lighting.
Open to all
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 59
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Craigville Beach (Centerville)
Changing rooms, outdoor
showers, volleyball court,
outdoor library/exchange
box, parking lot
Install benches on accessible
route with arms and backrest.
Extend the beach access routes
to lifeguard stations.
Open to all
Dowses Beach (Osterville)
Bathhouse, wooden
walkways, and nine beach
routes
Extend the beach access routes
to lifeguard stations.
Open to all
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 60
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Eugenia Fortes Beach (Hyannis)
Beach N/A Open to all
Hamblin's Pond Beach (Marstons Mills)
Bathhouse, beach area,
picnic table, bathrooms
Provide accessible routes to
beach area and picnic table.
Install shade trees.
Open to all
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 61
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Hathaway’s Pond Recreation Area & Dog Park
(Hyannis)
Dog park, drinking
fountain, benches, and
beach at the pond
Provide accessible route to dog
waste bags and reduce cross
slope at dog park entrance.
Provide accessible routes to
beach area and picnic table.
Install shade trees.
Evaluate Hathaway Pond for
ropes course or adventure
course area.
Open to all
John F. Kennedy, Korean War Memorials, and
Veterans Park Beach (Hyannis)
Souvenir shop, memorial
fountain, playground with
accessible swings,
benches, picnic area and
grills, volleyball area, and
bathhouse
Install an accessible route
around the playground and to
the volleyball area.
Evaluate as a potential site for a
splash pad or for water play
features.
Open to all
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 62
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Joshua's Pond Beach (Osterville)
Bathhouse, pond, outdoor
shower, and picnic tables
Provide an accessible route to
the pond and picnic tables.
Open to all
Kalmus Beach Park (Hyannis)
Pavilion, snack bar,
bathhouse, outdoor
showers, and parking lot
Provide beach mat for an
accessible route to the beach at
the southeast side.
Open to all
Keyes Beach (Hyannis)
Picnic area, bathhouse,
volleyball area, outdoor
shower
Provide an accessible route to
the beach and volleyball area.
Install benches with back and
arm rests.
Open to all
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 63
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Lombard Field (West Barnstable)
Source: Town of Barnstable
Baseball field, team
seating, bleachers, and
announcement box
Install ADA accessible spaces for
team seating.
Open to all
Long Beach (Centerville)
Beach area with limited
amount of parking (for
residents only)
Provide accessible route to the
beach area.
Open to all
Loop’s Beach (Cotuit)
Drinking fountain, lifeguard
shack, bike rack, benches,
and path to the beach
Provide an accessible route to
the beach area and bike racks.
Open to all
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 64
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
McKeon Park (Hyannis)
Source: Cape Cod Times
Ballpark, dugout and
spectator seating
The Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) play their
home games at Judy Walden
Scarafile Baseball Field.
Provide accessible routes to
seating platforms.
Open to all
Osterville Playground (Osterville)
Proposed playground A new playground has been
designed and anticipated to be
constructed in 2026.
Open to all
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 65
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Ridgewood Park (Hyannis)
Playground with swings
and open space
Install ADA-compliant swings and
shade trees.
Evaluate Ridgewood Park as a
potential site for a splash pad or
water play.
Open to all
Conservation Properties
Aunt Hatch Lane Conservation Area
(Barnstable)
Multi-use trail Trail improvements Yes
Bay Lane Conservation Area (Centerville) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Beech Leaf Island Road Conservation Area
(Centerville)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Boat Cove Creek Conservation Area (West
Barnstable)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Crocker Neck Conservation Area (Cotuit) Trails, hiking, observation
deck, picnic tables
Trail improvements Yes
Crosby Creek Conservation Area No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Fern Property No recreational amenities N/A Yes
George Property (West Barnstable) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Great Marshes Conservation Area (West
Barnstable)
Trails, horseback riding Trail improvements Yes
Hathaway’s Pond Conservation Area
(Barnstable)
Trails, hiking, swimming,
boating, and fishing
Trail improvements Yes
Hunter Hill Conservation Area (Marstons Mills) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 66
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Johnson Property No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Jules Island (Barnstable) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
King's Grant Conservation Area (Cotuit) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Kuhn Property (West Barnstable) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Lake View Heights Conservation Area
(Barnstable)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Little River Conservation Area (Cotuit) Trails, fishing, kayaking,
dog walking, ice skating
Trail improvements Yes
Long Pond Conservation Area (Marstons Mills) Trails, community gardens,
fishing, observation deck
Trail improvements Yes
Lovell's Lane Conservation Area (Marstons
Mills)
Multi-use trail Trail improvements Yes
Lowrance Property (West Barnstable) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Marsh Lane Conservation Area (West
Barnstable)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Mcloughlin/Ruhan Property (Centerville) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Mill Pond Conservation Area (Marstons Mills)* No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Morze Property (Hyannis) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Nyes Neck Road Conservation Area
(Centerville)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Old Jail Lane Conservation Area (Barnstable) Trails, horseback riding Trail improvements Yes
Old Neck Lane Conservation Area
(Barnstable)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Old Oyster Road Conservation Area (Cotuit) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Old Stage Road Conservation Area (Marstons
Mills)
Powerline path Trail improvements Yes
Old Strawberry Hill (Hyannis) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 67
Property Name Current Use Potential Improvements Public Access
Otis Atwood Conservation Area (West
Barnstable)
Otis Atwood Loop Trail Trail improvements Yes
Ritzman Property (West Barnstable) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
River Road Conservation Area (West
Barnstable)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Sandy Neck Beach Conservation Area (West
Barnstable)
Trails through dunes,
marsh, beach walking
Trail improvements Yes
Santuit Road Conservation Area (Marstons
Mills)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
School Street Conservation Area (Marstons
Mills)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Shootflying Hill Lot (Centerville) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Spruce Pond Conservation Area (West
Barnstable)
Multi-use trail Trail improvements Yes
Trojano Property (Barnstable) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Waterman Farm Road Conservation Area
(Centerville)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Weathervane Way Conservation Area
(Marstons Mills)
No recreational amenities N/A Yes
West Barnstable Conservation Area (West
Barnstable)
20 miles of multi-use trails,
wildlife, hiking, biking,
hunting
Trail improvements Yes
West Terrace Conservation Area (Centerville) No recreational amenities N/A Yes
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 68
B. Public Properties Providing Conservation & Recreation Amenities
The public properties listed in Table 5-3 provide conservation or recreational amenities but are not held by the municipal
conservation or recreation division; properties with a conservation restriction are denoted with an asterisk (*).
Table 5-3: Public Properties Providing Recreation and/or Conservation Amenities
Property Name Owner Current Use
Aaron S. Crosby Park (Centerville) Town of Barnstable Green space with a bench, picnic area
Andrews Property and Coombs Bogs (Centerville) Barnstable Land Trust &
Town of Barnstable
Parking, trails, conservation area
Armstrong-Kelley Park (Osterville) The Trustees of Reservations Trails, picnic tables, benches
Bansfield Meadow (Osterville) Barnstable Land Trust Trail, conservation area
Barnstable Community Innovation School
(Hyannis)
Town of Barnstable Playground
Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
(Barnstable)
Massachusetts Audubon Society Wildlife sanctuary, wildlife viewing
Barnstable Harbor Access/Millway Beach
(Barnstable)
MA Department of Fish and Game Beach area, shoreline access
Barnstable Intermediate School (Hyannis) Town of Barnstable Tennis courts, playground, soccer field,
baseball/softball fields, football stadium,
running track, multi-purpose fields
Barnstable State Forest (Barnstable) MA Division of State Parks and
Recreation
Forest land
Bearse Pond WMA (Centerville) MA Department of Fish and Game Wildlife management area
Beechwood Cemetery (Cotuit) Town of Barnstable Conservation area
Bismore Memorial Park (Hyannis) Town of Barnstable Artist shanties, harbor master’s office,
bathhouse, welcome center, benches,
picnic tables
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 69
Property Name Owner Current Use
Cape Cod Community College (West Barnstable) Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Barnstable Land Trust, &
Town of Barnstable
Trails, parking, conservation area
Cotuit Highground (Cotuit) Barnstable Land Trust Community golf, parking
Crocker Park Cemetery (West Barnstable) Town of Barnstable Cemetery
David H Simser Island Sanctuary (Centerville) Orenda Wildlife Land Trust Sanctuary
Eagle Pond & Little River Sanctuary Barnstable Land Trust Trails, fishing, canoe/kayaking, parking,
conservation area
Fire District Land Town of Barnstable Water supply land
Fuller Farm Barnstable Land Trust Parking, trails, conservation area
Goodspeed's Hill Conservation Area (Barnstable) Town of Barnstable Conservation area
Great Marshes Conservation Area (West
Barnstable)
Compact of Cape Cod Conservation
Trusts
Conservation area
Hillside Cemetery (Osterville) Town of Barnstable Cemetery
Hyannis Ponds WMA (Hyannis) MA Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Management Area
Hyannis Green (Hyannis) Town of Barnstable Benches, memorials, artists shanties,
visitor information center, and community
events including movie nights, exercise
classes and live music performances
Hyannis West Elementary School (Hyannis) Town of Barnstable Playground
Hyannis Youth & Community Center (Hyannis) Town of Barnstable Skate park, skating rink, ice rink
John Jenkins Forestry and Wildlife Reservation
(West Barnstable)
Town of Barnstable Wildlife reservation
Lindsey Counsell Wildlife Sanctuary (Centerville) Orenda Wildlife Land Trust Wildlife sanctuary
Long Lot Conservation Area (Centerville) Native Land Conservancy Sanctuary
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary (Barnstable) Massachusetts Audubon Society Wildlife sanctuary
Lothrop Hill Cemetery (Barnstable) Town of Barnstable Cemetery
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 70
Property Name Owner Current Use
Lowell Park Woodlands (Cotuit)* Barnstable Land Trust Trail, conservation area
Luke's Love Boundless Playground (West
Barnstable)
Town of Barnstable Toddler play, children’s play area,
accessible play equipment, ADA swings,
climbing wall, little library, and picnic
tables
Lumbert Mill Road Conservation Area (Centerville) Town of Barnstable Conservation area
Maraspin Creek Wildlife Sanctuary (Barnstable) Massachusetts Audubon Society Wildlife sanctuary
Marstons Mills Cemetery (Cotuit) Town of Barnstable Cemetery
McBarron Recreation Facility (Marstons Mills) Town of Barnstable Sports fields and courts
Meadow Lane Conservation Area (West
Barnstable)
Orenda Wildlife Land Trust Conservation area
Michael K Aselton Memorial Park (Hyannis) Town of Barnstable Picnics and local events such as festivals,
markets, and yoga classes
Mosswood Cemetery (Cotuit) Town of Barnstable Cemetery
Mother's Park (Centerville) Town of Barnstable Open space with seating and benches
Municipal Landing Town of Barnstable Water access
Mystic Lake and Middle Pond Boat Launch
(Marstons Mills)
Town of Barnstable Boat launch, water access
Nyes Neck Road Recreational Area (Centerville) Town of Barnstable Open fields
Oak Grove Cemetery (Hyannis) Town of Barnstable Cemetery
Oak Neck Cemetery (Hyannis) Town of Barnstable Cemetery
Orenda Wildlife Land Trust Conservation
Restriction (West Barnstable)
Orenda Wildlife Land Trust Conservation area
Old Stage Road Conservation Area (Centerville) Town of Barnstable Conservation area
Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course
(Marstons Mills)
Town of Barnstable Golf
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 71
The Town also has several properties with conservation restrictions that are not open to the public and do not provide
recreational or conservation amenities. These include Barnstable Land Trust conservation restrictions such as Bayview I and II,
Property Name Owner Current Use
Pogorelc Sanctuary (West Barnstable) Barnstable Land Trust Trail, parking, pond overlook,
conservation area
Prince Cove Marina (Marstons Mills) Town of Barnstable Docking area used for boats and
occasional fishing
Rendezvous Salt Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (West
Barnstable)
Massachusetts Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary, marsh
Retired Cranberry Bog Barnstable Clean Water Coalition Bog
Ropes Field (Cotuit) Barnstable Land Trust Open field, conservation area
Sampsons Island Conservation Area (Cotuit) Massachusetts Audubon Society Conservation area
Sandy Street Cemetery (West Barnstable) Town of Barnstable Cemetery
Santuit Pond WCE (Marstons Mills) Town of Barnstable Pond
Scudder Bay Sanctuary (Centerville) Orenda Wildlife Land Trust Sanctuary
Shaws Lane Trail (West Barnstable) Barnstable Land Trust Trail, conservation area
Shubael Pond Access (Marstons Mills) MA Department of Fish and Game Pond access
Silvia Family-Rita Sparks Bearse Park (Centerville) Town of Barnstable Park
Skunknett River Wildlife Sanctuary (Centerville) Massachusetts Audubon Society Sanctuary
Smith's Dock Sanctuary (West Barnstable) Orenda Wildlife Land Trust Sanctuary, dock
South Street Cemetery (Hyannis) Town of Barnstable Cemetery
Water Supply Land Town of Barnstable Water supply protection
West Barnstable Cemetery (West Barnstable) Town of Barnstable Cemetery
Wianno Head Conservation Area (Osterville) Massachusetts Audubon Society Conservation area
William and Hilma Danforth Recreation Area (West
Barnstable)
Town of Barnstable Marstons Mills airfield
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 72
which are used for wetland protection, and Santuit Woodlands, which is used for water supply protection. The Town of
Barnstable also holds conservation restrictions including the Falcon Road Conservation Restriction and the Furman Conservation
Restriction, both used for wetland protection, as well as the COMMWC/BLT Conservation Restriction, which is used for water
supply protection. Barnstable County additionally holds a conservation restriction on the Barnstable County Farm for agricultural
use.
C. Permanently Protected Private Parcels
Private protected lands include private forested lands (Chapter 61 classified), agricultural lands (Chapter 61A classified),
recreation lands (Chapter 61B classified), and private lands under a conservation restriction. Presently, there are no agricultural
preservation restrictions in town.
Table 5-4: Permanently Protected Private Parcels
Property Address Parcel ID Duration of Easement Current Use
Chapter 61 Lands
0 Navigation Road (West Barnstable) 156-025 Term-limited Chapter 61
1411 Main Street (Cotuit) 017-010 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Main Street (Cotuit) 018-097 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Main Street (Cotuit) 0181-21 Term-limited Chapter 61A
29 Pine Road (Cotuit) 0181-250 Term-limited Chapter 61A
611 Santuit-Newtown Road (Marstons Mills) 029-007 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Falmouth Road/Rte 28 (Cotuit) 040-001 Term-limited Chapter 61A
330 Olde Homestead Drive (Marstons Mills) 044-009 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Santuit-Newtown Road (Marstons Mills) 044-012 Term-limited Chapter 61A
951 River Road (Marstons Mills) 044-014 Term-limited Chapter 61A
710 River Road (710 River Road) 044-027 Term-limited Chapter 61A
N/A (Marstons Mills) 044-027-001 Term-limited Chapter 61A
N/A (Marstons Mills) 044-027-002 Term-limited Chapter 61A
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 73
Property Address Parcel ID Duration of Easement Current Use
N/A (Marstons Mills) 044-027-003 Term-limited Chapter 61A
N/A (Marstons Mills) 044-027-004 Term-limited Chapter 61A
N/A (Marstons Mills) 044-027-005 Term-limited Chapter 61A
141 Bog Road (Marstons Mills) 045-016-003 Term-limited Chapter 61A
110 Bog Road (Marstons Mills) 045-017 Term-limited Chapter 61A
99 Hi River Road (Marstons Mills) 060-033 Term-limited Chapter 61A
87 Hi River Road (Marstons Mills) 060-034 Term-limited Chapter 61A
71 Hi River Road (Marstons Mills) 060-035 Term-limited Chapter 61A
53 Hi River Road (Marstons Mills) 060-036 Term-limited Chapter 61A
505 Whistleberry Drive (Marstons Mills) 061-059 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Whistleberry Drive (Marstons Mills) 062-054 Term-limited Chapter 61A
110 Hollidge Hill Lane (Marstons Mills) 081-005 Term-limited Chapter 61A
1968 Main Street (Marstons Mills) 099-028-002 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Route 149 (Marstons Mills) 102-186 Term-limited Chapter 61A
290 Flint Street (Marstons Mills) 124-002-001 Term-limited Chapter 61A
260 Flint Street (Marstons Mills) 124-002-002 Term-limited Chapter 61A
240 Flint Street (Marstons Mills) 124-003 Term-limited Chapter 61A
1525 Ost.-W.Barn. Rd (Marstons Mills) 127-037 Term-limited Chapter 61A
625 Willow Street (West Barnstable) 130-032 Term-limited Chapter 61A
60 Widgeon Lane (West Barnstable) 132-007 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Bumps River Road (Osterville) 144-010-002 Term-limited Chapter 61A
820 Main St./Rte 6A (West Barnstable) 156-017 Term-limited Chapter 61A
1095 Old Stage Road (Centerville) 173-086-002 Term-limited Chapter 61A
471 Parker Road (West Barnstable) 175-010 Term-limited Chapter 61A
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 74
Property Address Parcel ID Duration of Easement Current Use
110 Shaws Lane (West Barnstable) 176-002-002 Term-limited Chapter 61A
301 Parker Road (West Barnstable) 176-019 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Bumps River Road (Centerville) 188-076 Term-limited Chapter 61A
27 Falcon Road (West Barnstable) 196-032 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Pleasant Pines Ave (Barnstable) 234-018b-00 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Pleasant Pines Ave (Barnstable) 234-018t-00 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Pleasant Pines Ave (Barnstable) 234-018-W00 Term-limited Chapter 61A
2199 Main St./Rte 6A (Barnstable) 236-008 Term-limited Chapter 61A
0 Indian Trail (Barnstable) 318-025-004 Term-limited Chapter 61A
4093 Main St./Rte 6A (Barnstable) 335-026 Term-limited Chapter 61A
178 Stoney Point Road (Barnstable) 336-098 Term-limited Chapter 61A
140 Stoney Point Road (Barnstable) 336-099 Term-limited Chapter 61A
156 Stoney Point Road (Barnstable) 336-100 Term-limited Chapter 61A
36 Bailey Road (Cotuit) 003-003 Term-limited Chapter 61B
42 Bailey Road (Cotuit) 003-004 Term-limited Chapter 61B
129 Brittany Drive (Cotuit) 026-006 Term-limited Chapter 61B
145 Grand Island Drive (Osterville) 071-004 Term-limited Chapter 61B
225 Old Falmouth Road (Marstons Mills) 099-058 Term-limited Chapter 61B
379 Parker Road (Osterville) 115-022 Term-limited Chapter 61B
1800 Old Stage Road (West Barnstable) 152-003 Term-limited Chapter 61B
2320 Meetinghouse Way/Rte 149 (West Barnstable) 155-032 Term-limited Chapter 61B
742 Main St./Rte 6A (West Barnstable) 156-015 Term-limited Chapter 61B
2 Irving Avenue (Hyannis) 266-031 Term-limited Chapter 61B
35 Marstons Lane (Barnstable) 350-001 Term-limited Chapter 61B
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 75
Property Name Parcel ID Duration of
Easement
Current Use
Conservation Restrictions
Beale Way Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 279-015, 279-061-002,
279-061-003, 279-061-
004
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Brazelton Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 318-025-002, 318-025-
006, 318-025-007, 318-
025-001, 318-025-005
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Burnes Conservation Restriction (Marstons Mills) 097-022-001, 098-024-
002
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Calves Pasture Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 259-002, 259-003,
259-004, 259-004-001,
259-007-001
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Conover Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 070-017-002, 070-018,
070-022, 071-024
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Cotuit Landing Conservation Restriction (Cotuit) 040-003-C00, 040-
003-T00, 041-025,
058-006, 058-039-001,
058-040
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Dillingham Properties LLC Conservation Restriction
(Barnstable)
318-025-004, 318-055,
319-132, 319-145-002,
319-146, 318-025-008,
318-025-002, 318-025-
010, 318-025-009, 318-
025-007, 318-025-001,
318-025-011, 318-025-
012
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Eben H Carruthers Woodlot Conservation Restriction
(Barnstable)
236-013 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Egg Island Builders Conservation Restriction (Hyannis) 259-001-002, 259-004 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 76
Property Name Parcel ID Duration of
Easement
Current Use
Enos-Frazier Patch Conservation Restriction (Cotuit) 010-043 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Hinckley Pond Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 258-012, 258-011 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Jones Conservation Restriction (West Barnstable) 153-007-001, 177-001 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Jones Property/Sandy Neck Conservation Restriction (West
Barnstable)
263-001, 303-006, 303-
007
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Knott Tree Farm Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 236-008 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
LeBlanc Conservation Restriction (Marstons Mills) 115-025-001, 115-025-
002, 138-001
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Lloyd Cotuit Trust Conservation Restriction (Cotuit) 015-002 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Long Pasture Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 352-026, 352-067 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Lowell Conservation Restriction (Cotuit) 318-024, 319-146, 318-
025-001
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Marstons Mills River Conservation Restriction (Marstons
Mills)
059-004, 076-004,
076-005, 076-008,
076-011, 076-012, 076-
013, 076-016, 076-017,
076-018, 076-019, 076-
020, 076-064, 077-
008, 077-037-001, 077-
037-002, 077-039, 077-
041, 077-042, 077-044,
077-048, 077-049, 078-
001, 078-007-002
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
McHenry Conservation Restriction (Cotuit) 080-008, 080-009 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Meadow Point Conservation Restriction (Cotuit) 015-006-001, 015-006-
002, 015-006-003, 015-
006-004
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Miceli Conservation Restriction (Cotuit) 024-003, 024-076 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 77
Property Name Parcel ID Duration of
Easement
Current Use
Mill Pond Conservation Restriction (Marstons Mills) 058-011, 058-011-001,
058-011-002, 058-011-
003, 058-011-004, 058-
011-005, 058-011-006,
058-011-007, 168-005,
168-009
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Old Gorham Farm Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 350-006, 350-049 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Onion Acre Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 258-024 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Oyster Harbors Club Conservation Restriction (Osterville) 071-004-001 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Seabury Farm Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 258-002-001 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Seaside Park Conservation Restriction (Hyannis) 245-098-003 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Shubael Pond Conservation Restriction (Marstons Mills) 125-002, 125-034, 125-
035, 125-036
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Simpkins Conservation Restriction (Marstons Mills) 258-024 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Small Conservation Restriction (Marstons Mills) 169-093-003 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Smiths Creek Conservation Restriction (West Barnstable) 157-002, 157-004-001,
157-004-004, 158-006,
158-007
In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Tonela Lane Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 336-023 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Village at Barnstable Conservation Restriction (Barnstable) 314-036 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Wakeby Estates Conservation Restriction (Marstons Mills) 028-054 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Warrens Cove Conservation Restriction (Marstons Mills) 098-023-004 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Wheeler Realty Trust Conservation Restriction (Marstons
Mills)
103-109-002 In perpetuity Conservation restriction
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 78
D. Park & Open Space Equity
One important goal for the 2025 OSRP is to ensure that the
Town’s open space and recreational facilities and programs
are accessible to all populations in all areas in town.
Barnstable is a large, socially and geographically varied
community. Its seven villages each have a unique character,
development, and vary in the type and amount of open
space and recreation they provide. The town has a diverse
population, including families with small children, young
adults, older adults, people with limited mobility, and people
with varying socio-economic needs.
As previously described in Section 3, approximately 32% of
the total population in Barnstable resides within census
block groups designated as Environmental Justice (EJ) areas.
These EJ populations are primarily concentrated in Hyannis.
Barnstable provides just 4.7 acres of parkland per 1,000
residents (calculated using parks and playgrounds managed
by Barnstable’s Recreation Division), compared to the
national average of 10.2 acres reported by the National
Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). Results from the
2025 community survey emphasized the importance of
adding playgrounds in underserved areas such as Hyannis,
as well as improving the maintenance of existing recreation
spaces. (See Figure 5-1: Inventory of Open Space Map and
Appendix A.) Hyannis is also identified as a “very high
priority” area for new parks by the Trust for Public Land’s
(TPL) ParkServe data.
The EJ areas in Hyannis have also been identified by the
10 www.tpl.org/the-heat-is-on.
EEA as hot spots that would benefit from new parks and
other heat mitigation strategies. These local needs reflect
broader national disparities in park access documented by
the Trust for Public Lands’s report, The Heat is On, which
found that parks serving most communities of color, on
average, are only half the size of those serving
predominantly white communities.10 Similarly, parks in low-
income household neighborhoods are just one-quarter the
size of parks in higher income neighborhoods.
Predominantly low-income and minority communities often
lack open space and recreational resources. Targeted
investment in green spaces can help address inequities by
expanding accessibility, supporting biodiversity, protecting
water and air quality, improving flood resilience, and
mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Nationwide, parks that serve majority nonwhite
populations are, on average, half as large, 45 acres
compared to 87 acres, and nearly five times as crowded as
parks that serve majority-white populations.
The Heat is On - a special report by Trust for Public Land
Hyannis also has a high level of social vulnerability. Socially
vulnerable populations are adversely affected by factors
such as socioeconomic status, household characteristics,
racial and ethnic minority status, age, disability, housing type,
and lack of access to transportation. Older adults and
individuals with disabilities also face limited mobility and
health conditions that increase their vulnerability during
extreme weather events.11 Over 25% of residents in
11 www.epa.gov.
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 79
Barnstable are aged 65 and older. Approximately 12% of all
residents have a disability. The needs of socially vulnerable
populations are frequently overlooked, yet they are critical to
advancing the equitable distribution of environmental assets.
Therefore, open space upgrades should prioritize universal
design, accessible pathways, and adaptive play equipment
to ensure they meet the needs of Barnstable’s diverse
population.
To ensure open space equity among town villages, the 2025
OSRP evaluates open space and recreation needs and
opportunities, and priority projects, in all seven villages. The
Town is actively taking steps to make sure environmental
justice and socially vulnerable populations experience the
full benefits of open space and community recreation.
Hyannis is the most densely developed of Barnstable’s
villages and sufficient park and recreation space is needed
to support additional growth and accommodate residents,
employees, and visitors. In 2024, the Town was awarded a
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant
from EEA to develop a Master Plan for Hyannis Harbor. The
plan aimed to better understand the current and future
challenges and opportunities of the recreational waterfront,
and to create a cohesive strategy for the mix of land uses the
Town desired to attract to better activate the harbor area. In
addition, the plan sought to address growing pressures
around Hyannis Harbor, align current zoning with today’s
needs, and improve the area’s resilience against the impacts
of climate change.
Veterans Memorial Park Playground with View of Hyannis Harbor, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 81
Figure 5-1: Inventory of Open Space Map
Note: Definitions for the various levels of protection are provided on pages 50-51. Areas shown in white are not protected.
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 81
Accessibility of Open Space and Recreation Lands
The 2025 community survey indicated that while residents
are generally satisfied with the availability of recreational
facilities and programs, many raised concerns about physical
access and proximity, including the need for more sidewalks,
bike lanes, and improved trailhead signage. Over 57% of
respondents reported it takes them more than 10 minutes to
walk to the nearest park or recreation facility.
Areas within a 10-minute walk of a park are as much as
6 degrees cooler than areas outside that range.
The Heat is On - a special report by the Trust for Public Land
Sidewalk conditions and other infrastructure limitations can
restrict accessibility to parks and recreation areas. In 2021,
Barnstable was awarded a grant by the Massachusetts Office
on Disability (MOD) to develop a self-evaluation and
transition plan for the town. The Institute for Human
Centered Design completed a comprehensive review of
facilities located in Barnstable including several beaches,
parks, and playgrounds with key accessibility issues, order of
magnitude costs, and best practices for inclusive design. The
Town’s ADA Self-Evaluation includes a list of issues and
physical barriers at beaches, parks, and playgrounds with
priority for barrier removal.
The Self-Evaluation also includes an ADA assessment of the
town’s sidewalks and walkways. This survey covered
approximately seven miles of sidewalks. Key accessibility
issues include excessive cross slopes, deteriorated and
uneven surfaces, inaccessible benches, improper signage at
accessible parking spaces, and a lack of curb ramps. Best
practices and inclusive design recommendations include
installing detectable warnings at all intersections, providing
marked pedestrian crossings, and ensuring clear floor space
adjacent to benches to enhance accessibility and improve
the user experience for all.
Sidewalk at Cotuit Memorial Park, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
05 Conservation & Recreation Land Inventory 82
Martsons Mills Pickleball Courts, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
06 Analysis of Needs 83
06 Analysis of Needs
A. Summary of Natural Resource Protection Needs
During the public participation process, which included a
community survey, an open house, and stakeholder
interviews, Barnstable’s community emphasized that the
protection of natural resources is central to its identity and
quality of life. The Town has successfully conserved
thousands of acres through the Community Preservation Act
and land trust partnerships, yet significant needs remain.
Continued strategic conservation efforts will be essential to
maintain the ecological integrity of Barnstable’s landscapes
and sustain the town’s recreational and economic vitality in
the face of a changing climate.
Stakeholders identified Barnstable’s most pressing
environmental challenges including nutrient loading,
contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS), invasive species, and wildfire risk which are directly
linked to land management and water quality. Protecting
upland forests, wetlands, coastal buffers, and freshwater
pond watersheds is necessary both to preserve habitat and
drinking water supplies. Coordinated management actions,
informed by science and community priorities, will
strengthen the town’s resilience and ensure its natural
systems continue to provide essential ecosystem services
for future generations. The full community survey results and
a summary of the open house results from the public
participation process are available in Appendix B: Survey &
Public Engagement Results.
Protecting Land, Water, and Ecological Integrity
Survey results showed strong resident support for protecting
water quality, endangered habitats, and rare plant
communities. Specific ponds and estuaries such as the
Indian Ponds, Shubael Pond, and Three Bays watershed
remain vulnerable to phosphorus inputs, stormwater runoff,
and septic system leaching. The community also
underscored the need to preserve open space as a tool for
climate resilience, including marsh systems such as Sandy
Neck and Great Marsh, which buffer the coastline and
provide essential habitat.
Open House on August 28, 2025, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
06 Analysis of Needs 84
Connectivity, Wildlife Corridors, and Habitat Management
Barnstable’s open spaces are numerous but fragmented.
Survey respondents highlighted the need to build a more
connected network of protected lands, trails, and greenways
that link upland and riparian habitats. The BioMap report
identifies large core habitats and critical natural landscapes
across Barnstable that, if linked, would help sustain
biodiversity and climate adaptation. Future efforts should
prioritize filling gaps in wildlife corridors, extending
greenway systems, restoring degraded habitats and
converting abandoned cranberry bogs into natural areas
such as functional wetlands and trails.
Forest health also requires active management. Invasive
plants, beech leaf disease, and the Southern Pine Beetle
threaten local ecosystems. Residents and stakeholders
supported the expanded use of prescribed burns and
vegetation management to maintain healthy grasslands and
reduce fire risk.
Equitable Access to Open Space and Recreation
While Barnstable contains extensive open space, access is
uneven across its villages. Hyannis, in particular, lacks
adequate nearby conservation land and trails, leaving EJ
communities with limited exposure to nature. Residents and
stakeholders called for new acquisitions and pocket parks in
underserved areas, including opportunities such as the Twin
Brooks property and Dunns Pond conservation area.
Trails and facilities also lack accessibility features for older
adults, families, and people with disabilities. Community
input emphasized the need for accessible paths, seating
areas, and inclusive recreation amenities across multiple
sites.
Public feedback also highlighted safety and usability
concerns that limit recreation, including poorly marked
trailheads, unsafe conditions at certain facilities, and
insufficient parking or signage. These barriers discourage
broader use of Barnstable’s open spaces and should be
addressed through investments in wayfinding, security, and
maintenance. Please refer to Figure 3-2: Environmental
Justice Map, which provides context for the locations of EJ
communities and open space.
Coombs Bog (Former Cranberry Bog), Source: Barnstable Land Trust
Town of Barnstable, MA
06 Analysis of Needs 85
Balancing Growth, Housing, and Conservation
Barnstable faces mounting development pressure as
remaining large parcels become scarce. Stakeholders noted
balancing housing needs with the community’s commitment
to conservation will be a central challenge moving forward.
Land acquisition strategies must be nimble, protecting both
large core parcels and small infill lots that can serve as
pocket parks or groundwater recharge areas. Creative tools,
such as conservation restrictions, transfer of development
rights, and redevelopment of underutilized sites into open
space, will be critical to achieving these goals.
Key Protection Needs Moving Forward
The following priorities summarize the most pressing natural
resource protection needs identified through community
input and stakeholder engagement:
Water Quality & Watershed Protection – Prioritize land
acquisition and management in pond watersheds,
coastal estuaries, and wellhead recharge areas to
reduce nutrient loading, mitigate PFAS contamination,
and stormwater impacts.
Habitat Connectivity – Protect large core habitats and
link smaller parcels to strengthen wildlife corridors
and trail networks.
Forest & Habitat Management – Expand invasive
species control, reduce fire risk, and advance
ecological restoration (e.g., bog-to-wetland
conversions).
Equity & Access – Increase conservation and
recreation opportunities in Hyannis and other
underserved areas, and ensure all trails, seating, and
facilities are ADA-compliant and inclusive.
Maintenance & Safety – Invest in signage, parking,
lighting, and routine upkeep to ensure safe and
welcoming use of existing open spaces.
Balancing Growth Pressures – Apply regulatory tools
and innovative land management strategies to secure
remaining parcels for long-term conservation and
recreation. The Town’s vision for balancing these
needs through land-use practices is articulated in the
Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan that
was approved in 2025.
B. Summary of Community’s Outdoor Recreation
Needs
The Town of Barnstable has a robust system of beaches,
ponds, trails, athletic fields, and conservation areas that
provide diverse recreational opportunities. The community
consistently recognizes these amenities as critical to
community identity and quality of life. However, public
participation during the planning process revealed several
unmet needs and gaps in access. Many community members
emphasized the importance of balancing recreational
improvements with protection of natural resources,
particularly water quality, habitats, and scenic landscapes.
The following section summarizes the community’s outdoor
recreation needs as expressed through the survey, open
houses, and stakeholder interviews, supplemented by
Town of Barnstable, MA
06 Analysis of Needs 86
priorities outlined in the Massachusetts Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
Figure 6-1: Most Popular Activities in Barnstable’s Parks &
Recreation
General Recreation and Facility Needs
Barnstable’s community expressed a strong desire for
enhanced recreational opportunities balanced with the
protection of natural resources. Public engagement
identified unmet needs for indoor pools, splash pads, dog-
friendly spaces, kayak launches, and additional sports fields.
While beaches and golf courses remain economic drivers
and central components to the Town’s recreation system,
gaps persist in accessible playgrounds, trail connectivity, and
year-round facilities for youth and families.
Maintenance of existing parks and facilities was among the
most frequently mentioned priorities. The community
consistently cited the need for trail maintenance and
upkeep, improved lighting, drainage, restroom facilities, and
clear signage. Without addressing these foundational
infrastructure needs, the Town risks underutilization of
otherwise valuable recreational assets.
Special Open Space and Recreation Needs
Barnstable’s size and village structure create unique
challenges in meeting community-wide needs equitably.
Hyannis, in particular, was identified as underserved in terms
of conservation trails and accessible open space. Residents
and conservation stakeholders highlighted opportunities
such as the Twin Brooks Golf Course property, which could
provide a neighborhood-scale open space and trails within
an EJ area.
Older adults expressed a need for flat, accessible walking
paths with rest areas and shade. Families requested
playgrounds and recreational facilities within walking
distance of dense neighborhoods, while teenagers identified
a lack of safe, structured recreation opportunities, especially
during winter months. People with disabilities continue to
face barriers in accessing beaches, bathhouses, and play
equipment, underscoring the need for ADA-compliant
restrooms, boardwalks, and adaptive recreation amenities.
Dog owners highlighted the lack of year-round dog-friendly
beaches and parks, and trail users called for expanded
mountain biking and e-bike opportunities. Stakeholders also
emphasized the importance of sidewalk and multi-use path
networks as heavily used recreation resources that require
continued expansion and better connections, particularly
along Route 28 and 128.
Town of Barnstable, MA
06 Analysis of Needs 87
Balancing Resource Protection with Recreation
Community input underscored the need to carefully balance
recreational improvements with environmental protection.
Water quality concerns are pressing, particularly at ponds
facing cyanobacteria and nutrient loading. In many cases,
community members requested expanded swimming or
boating opportunities in locations where water quality
constraints currently prevent safe access. Stakeholders
stressed future recreation planning should be integrated
with pond restoration, stormwater management, and
wastewater improvements.
Invasive species, habitat fragmentation, and wildfire risks
were identified as ongoing management challenges. The
community expressed support for strategies such as
controlled burns, invasive removal, and volunteer
stewardship programs to maintain conservation lands.
Stakeholders also emphasized land acquisition should
prioritize smaller parcels in village centers for pocket parks
and trail connections, as large undeveloped parcels are
increasingly scarce.
Figure 6-3: Top Three Priorities for Acquiring New Land
Figure 6-2: Top Three Recreational Needs
Alignment with Statewide Priorities
The Massachusetts SCORP emphasizes improving equitable
access to neighborhood parks, expanding trail connections,
increasing water-based recreation opportunities, and
supporting climate resilience through open space design.
These priorities align directly with Barnstable’s identified
needs:
Equity: Acquire or enhance small parks and
conservation areas within Environmental Justice
neighborhoods, particularly in Hyannis.
Connectivity: Develop a continuous and safe network
of trails, sidewalks, and bikeways linking villages and
major recreation areas.
Water-Based Recreation: Expand access to beaches,
boat ramps, and freshwater ponds while integrating
water quality protection.
Climate Resilience: Utilize open space acquisitions
and park design to mitigate flooding, erosion, and
heat, while protecting habitat.
Town of Barnstable, MA
06 Analysis of Needs 88
Key Takeaways
The following key takeaways highlight the most pressing
recreation needs across Barnstable, reflecting both public
input and alignment with state priorities:
High priority for indoor pools, splash pads, dog parks,
accessible playgrounds, and youth/family recreation
spaces.
Ongoing need for maintenance upgrades, including
lighting, signage, drainage, restrooms, and parking,
across existing facilities.
Addressing equity gaps in Hyannis and other
Environmental Justice neighborhoods, with
accessibility improvements needed for older adults
and residents with disabilities.
Coordinating recreational improvements with water
quality protection and habitat management.
Alignment with SCORP priorities reinforces
Barnstable’s needs for connectivity, equity, and
resilience, strengthening the Town’s position for grant
funding.
C. Management Needs
The Town of Barnstable has demonstrated a longstanding
commitment to land conservation and recreation planning,
yet the growing diversity, increased development pressures,
and climate-driven environmental change underscore the
need for an evolved, coordinated management approach.
Public input and stakeholder discussions emphasized the
need for improved interdepartmental coordination,
enhanced maintenance of existing resources, greater
accessibility and equity in recreational opportunities, and a
proactive strategy to address environmental threats and
community expectations.
Coordination and Communication
A recurring theme among stakeholders was the need for
stronger coordination across municipal departments and
boards, including Community Services, the Department of
Public Works, the Conservation Commission, Community
Preservation Committee, and the School Department.
Fragmented management of open space parcels by multiple
departments limits efficiency and consistency in
maintenance, signage, and public communication.
Stakeholders noted the value of unified data and mapping
systems, shared maintenance schedules, and clearer
communication between departments when public facilities,
school grounds, or conservation areas overlap. For example,
improved notification protocols during construction projects
could prevent unintended damage to adjacent parks or trails.
The Town’s existing network of boards, committees, and
commissions, such as the Open Space Committee and
Community Preservation Committee, remain critical to
achieving OSRP goals. Participants emphasized the need for
streamlined decision-making and greater public
transparency. Enhanced public awareness and
communication tools, such as integrated online mapping,
printed trail guides, and multi-language signage, were cited
as essential improvements for outreach and engagement.
Town of Barnstable, MA
06 Analysis of Needs 89
Maintenance and Stewardship
Maintenance is a defining factor in the success and
perception of public spaces. Effective governance models
establish clear accountability, whether through municipal
parks departments, conservancy partnerships, or hybrid
oversight committees. Barnstable’s open space system is
extensive, but maintenance capacity has not kept pace with
its expansion. Survey respondents frequently cited poor
trailhead signage, inconsistent parking, and safety concerns
such as unleashed dogs, litter, and encampments as
deterrents to park use.
Volunteer groups, including mountain biking associations
and land trusts, represent opportunities to supplement
municipal capacity. Establishing a coordinated volunteer
stewardship program could address routine maintenance,
invasive species removal, and trail monitoring. Conservation
Division staff also identified a need for additional staff and
trained burn bosses to manage fire risk and ecological
restoration through prescribed burns at sites such as
Crocker Neck and West Barnstable Conservation Area.
Sustaining open space requires diversified funding
mechanisms. Traditional sources, municipal budgets, state
grants, and bond measures, are often supplemented by
innovative tools such as Transfer of Development Rights
(TDR), Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, and public-
private partnerships. Endowments and revolving
maintenance funds ensure longevity, while revenue-
generating programs, such as event permits, concessions, or Build Your Own Park Upgrade Plan Activities, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
06 Analysis of Needs 90
green infrastructure credits, create recurring income
streams.
“Friends of” groups can also play a vital role in maintenance
of open space by mobilizing volunteer labor, philanthropic
contributions, and advocacy. These civic partners often
serve as intermediaries between residents and government,
fundraising for amenities, organizing stewardship days, and
advocating for budget allocations. The partnership model
exemplified by organizations like the New York Central Park
Conservancy has become a national template, blending
private initiative with public oversight to achieve superior
maintenance outcomes.
Accessibility, Equity, and Facility Gaps
Feedback from the public and the Recreation Division
identified significant disparities in recreational access,
particularly in and around Hyannis, where few conservation
trails or public green spaces exist. Stakeholders and
residents supported the creation of new conservation lands
and all-person trails to serve underserved neighborhoods
and older adults.
Accessible paths, shade structures, restrooms, and inclusive
playgrounds were among the top requested amenities in the
Build Your Own Park Upgrade Plan Open House activity.
Expanding access through universal design and ADA-
compliant upgrades, especially at beaches and pond
recreation areas, will be critical to meeting the needs of all
residents.
Open House Vision Boards, August 28, 2025, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
06 Analysis of Needs 91
Environmental Management and Land Protection
Environmental management concerns include invasive
species, erosion, and water quality degradation, particularly
from nutrient loading and phosphorus in freshwater ponds
such as the Indian Ponds in Marstons Mills. Cross-
department collaboration among the Department of Public
Works, Conservation Division, and local fire districts is
necessary to integrate land management and water resource
protection.
The Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan
and efforts by the Barnstable Land Trust and Clean Water
Coalition highlights the opportunity for open space
preservation to function as a tool for nutrient reduction and
stormwater control.
Land acquisition remains a priority, especially for protecting
drinking water supplies and preserving small urban parcels
in dense areas such as downtown Hyannis for pocket parks
or community gardens. Continued coordination among the
Town boards, committees, and commissions, and
conservation partners, will ensure strategic prioritization of
limited funding.
To meet its community vision, Barnstable must pursue a
modernized and unified management framework for open
space and recreation. This includes improved
interdepartmental coordination, expanded maintenance and
volunteer stewardship, equitable access and facility
enhancement, and continued land protection for both
environmental and recreational benefit. Establishing clear
communication channels among boards, committees,
commissions, staff, and the public, supported by consistent
mapping, data-sharing, and cross-training, will be
foundational to sustaining the town’s open space and
recreation network for future generations.
Hathaway’s Pond Recreation Area, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
06 Analysis of Needs 92
Cotuit Memorial Park, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 93
07 Ten-Year Action Plan
The Ten-Year Action Plan provides a comprehensive
framework to guide Barnstable’s efforts to protect and
enhance its natural, cultural, and recreational resources over
the coming decade. Rooted in the community’s vision and
informed by current land use patterns, environmental
challenges, and recreation needs, the Action Plan outlines a
prioritized set of strategies to balance growth with
conservation, expand access to open space, and improve
recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. By
defining clear goals, timelines, and implementation partners,
the Action Plan serves as both a roadmap for decision-
makers and a living document that can adapt to evolving
community needs, ensuring Barnstable continues to
preserve its unique character while fostering a healthy,
vibrant, and resilient future.
Responsible Parties
Specific parties are identified for each action, but effective
implementation requires all Town departments, boards,
committees, and commissions to collaborate and
communicate closely to advance Open Space and
Recreation Plan goals and other Town priorities.
Potential Funding Sources
The Town has maintained a balanced budget while
continuing to provide essential services for its residents. To
remain fiscally responsible, it must continue to evaluate
expenditures, even for amenities that contribute to residents’
quality of life. As a result, the Town will need to pursue
additional funding for many of the following actions.
In addition to the Town’s general fund, potential funding
sources for park and open space improvements include:
MA Community Compact Cabinet (CCC) Best
Practices Compact
MA Community One Stop for Growth (One Stop)
(includes MassWorks)
Community Preservation Act (CPA)
MA Cooling Corridors Grant Program (CCGP)
MA Department of Conservation and Recreation
(DCR) MassTrails Grant Program, Urban and
Community Forestry Challenge
MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
604(b) Water Quality Management Planning, Water
Utility Resilience Program, Clean Water State
Revolving Fund
MA Department of Fish and Game (DF&G)
Community Biodiversity Grant
MA Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
Chapter 90 Program, Transportation Improvement
Program, Complete Streets Program
District Improvement Financing (DIF) is a
Massachusetts program that allows municipalities to
designate a specific district and capture the new tax
revenue generated by growth and redevelopment
within that area. This dedicated revenue stream can
then be used to finance public infrastructure
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 94
improvements, such as streetscapes, utilities, and
parks, that further encourage private investment and
economic development in the same district. In 2024
the Town of Barnstable adopted a Hyannis District
Improvement Financing District, which will provide a
potential new funding stream for open space
improvements in downtown Hyannis.
MA Division of Conservation Services (DCS)
Conservation Partnership Grant, Community Forest
Program, Local Acquisitions of Natural Diversity Grant,
Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, DCS
Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for
Communities Grant, Outdoor Recreation Legacy
Partnership Grant Program, Drinking Water Supply
Protection Grant Program
MA Division of Ecological Restoration (DER)
Streamflow Restoration Programs, Dam Removal
Program, Urban River Revitalization Program,
Wetlands Restoration Program, Culvert Replacement
Municipal Assistance Grant Program
MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental
Affairs (EEA) Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
Program (MVP), Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal
Program, Environmental Trust General Grant, EEA
Planning Assistance Grant
MA Gateway Cities (GC) Parks Program, Greening
the Gateway Cities Program
MA Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) Inclusive
and Accessible Events Grants Program
MA Office on Disability (MOD) Municipal ADA
Improvement Grant
MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program
(MHMGP)
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) New
England Forests and Rivers Fund, National Coastal
Resilience Fund (NCRF), America’s Ecosystem
Restoration Initiative (AERI)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) Community Development Block
Grant Funding (CDBG)
U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and
Roads for All (SS4A)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act / Inflation
Reduction Act (IIJA / IRA) / Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 95
Ten-Year Schedule
The Town of Barnstable understands that most projects are not completed within short time frames. Most of the actions identified
under each goal have multi-year projections, and in some cases, a pre-planning phase is followed by a one- or two-year break
while funding is secured.
Table 7-1: Ten-Year Action Plan
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Open Space & Wildlife Habitat
Goal 1: Protect and maintain the maximum amount of open space to enhance environmental quality, expand recreational opportunities,
and preserve community character.
1.1. Develop and implement a policy
across Town entities with
defined criteria to evaluate and
prioritize acquisition of private
land for conservation restriction.
The criteria shall include but not
be limited to the following:
Opportunities to enhance
public access and remove
barriers to accessibility.
Within proximity to
groundwater protection
areas.
Meets regulatory buffer
standards for wells within
MassDEP Zone I areas.
Protects drinking-water
recharge areas, water
quality, and future well
fields.
High Planning &
Development,
Community
Preservation
Committee, and
Open Space
Committee
Not applicable X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 96
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Preserves future marsh
habitat and allows dunes
and beaches to migrate
naturally.
Connects upland wildlife
corridors, with priority given
to parcels in Hyannis and
near marshes and ponds.
Adjacent to anadromous
fish runs.
Enhances floodplain
management and/or
potential for managed
retreat.
Adjacent to coastal resource
areas for public access and
resource protection.
Potential to provide
connections to existing
public pathways.
1.2. Update an inventory of all the
Town’s recreation and open space
areas and amenities defining
existing status and priority
improvements.
Medium Recreation
Commission
Not applicable X X X
1.3. Create a public database of
properties in Barnstable with
conservation restrictions and
promote the state’s Article 97
Natural Resource Site Evaluation
map application.
Medium Planning &
Development
and GIS
Not applicable X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 97
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1.4. Develop a policy for the Town
to exercise right of first refusal for
acquisition of land under Chapter
61, 61A, or 61B that is intended to be
converted to a non-chapter use.
High Planning &
Development
and Town
Attorney
Not applicable X X
1.5. Require all town-owned land
purchased for or used for
conservation or recreation be
protected with a conservation
restriction.
Medium Community
Preservation
Committee and
Town Attorney
Not applicable X X X X X X X X X X
Goal 2: Promote policy and regulatory measures to protect open space.
2.1. Evaluate the effectiveness of
the Town’s Open Space Residential
Development (“cluster”) ordinance
in preserving open space and
develop recommendations for its
improvement or revision.
Low Planning &
Development
and Open Space
Committee
Not applicable X X
2.2. Develop Nature Guidelines to
provide a consistent framework
with best practices related to
integrating native plant
communities, stormwater
management, habitat connectivity,
and climate adaptation for public
and private properties.
Medium Planning &
Development
Not applicable X X X
2.3. Amend the regulatory
agreement process to require
donation of public open space
either through on-site
accommodation or a transfer of
development rights agreement.
Medium Planning &
Development
Not applicable X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 98
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Goal 3: Promote stewardship of protected open spaces through volunteer engagement and partnerships with community organizations.
3.1. Host inclusive volunteer
cleanup and stewardship events at
trailheads and beaches, paired with
educational signage and recycling
initiatives to promote cleanliness.
Medium Open Space
Committee
Not applicable X X X X X X X X X X
3.2. Pursue coordinated efforts to
eliminate litter in open space areas
through partnerships with business
and non-profit organizations, such
as a “adopt a trail” or “adopt a
conservation area” programs.
Medium Open Space
Committee and
Communications
Not applicable X X X
Goal 4: Continue and expand ongoing maintenance of conservation areas.
4.1. Update the Town’s Wildland
Fire Preparedness Plan to include
the entire Town and implement
recommendations with specific
emphasis on habitat restoration.
Medium Conservation
Division
MassWildlife
Habitat
Management
Grant Program
X X X X
4.2. Provide maintenance on any
historic ancient ways that provide
public access to trails and
conservation areas, and seek to re-
establish any ancient ways with
public access rights.
Medium Department of
Public Works
Community
Preservation
Act
X X X X X X X X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 99
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Goal 5: Coordinate open space protection measures with efforts to protect wildlife habitat and augment the Town’s green corridors and
spaces.
5.1. Continue to develop and
prioritize sites for green
infrastructure strategies to enhance
climate resiliency.
Medium Planning &
Development
and Department
of Public Works
MA Municipal
Vulnerability
Preparedness
Grant Program
and Town
Budget
X X X X
5.2. Enhance environmental
practices at town golf courses to
support habitat and wildlife through
sustainable water use, habitat
restoration efforts, planting of
drought-resistant native vegetation,
and elimination of chemical
applications.
Medium Community
Services
National Fish &
Wildlife
Foundation,
Community
Preservation
Act, and Town
Budget
X X X
5.3. Prioritize tree planting and park
greening by continuing the Town’s
Greening the Gateway Cities Grant
program within greater Hyannis and
collaborate with the Town’s Tree
Warden to plant trees throughout
Town with a focus on high-use
open space and recreation sites,
and sites along roadways and multi-
use paths.
High Planning &
Development
MA Greening
the Gateway
Cities and
Town Budget
X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 100
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Recreation Facilities & Amenities
Goal 6: Provide diverse recreational opportunities and equitable access throughout Barnstable to meet current and future needs of all user
groups.
6.1. Plan, design, and construct new
or upgraded recreation amenities
such as splash pads, indoor and
outdoor pools, playgrounds,
basketball courts, and soccer cages
at strategic sites to meet year-round
demand, including the Hyannis
Youth & Community Center
grounds, Hamblin Pond, Veterans
Memorial Park, Hathaway’s Pond,
Former Marstons Mills Elementary
School Site, Ridgewood Park, and
potential new acquisitions.
High Community
Services and
Department of
Public Works
Community
Preservation
Act, MA
Division of
Conservation
Services and
Town Budget
X X X X
6.2. Develop a playground plan for
the town that includes all seven
villages. This plan should document
existing conditions and needs for
each village and include a list of
potential projects to increase
and/or upgrade playgrounds.
High Recreation
Commission and
Planning
Department
Community
Preservation
Act
X X X X X
6.3. Assess the availability of
recreational facilities and programs
in areas with significant
Environmental Justice populations
and determine whether additional
or modified programs and facilities
are needed.
Medium Community
Services and
Planning &
Development
Not applicable X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 101
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
6.4. Create more outdoor recreation
activities for seniors at the
Barnstable Adult Community Center
site such as bocce courts, shuffle
boards, or lawn bowling.
Medium Community
Services
Community
Preservation
Act, MA
Department of
Conservation
and
Recreation,
and MA Office
of Disability
X X X X
6.5. Develop parks and open space
for Hyannis to support the Growth
Incentive Zone land use objectives.
High Community
Services and
Planning &
Development
Community
Preservation
Act, MA
Department of
Conservation
and
Recreation,
and Town
Budget
X X X X X
6.6. Implement open space and
recreation goals identified through
public engagement and design of
the former Marstons Mills
Elementary School site.
Medium Community
Services and
Planning &
Development
Community
Preservation
Act and MA
Department of
Conservation
and Services
X X X X X
6.7. Enhance amenities at the
Town’s existing dog park and
explore opportunities for an
additional dog park.
Medium Planning &
Development
and Department
of Public Works
Community
Preservation
Act, MA
Department of
Conservation
and Services,
and Town
Budget
X X X X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 102
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
6.8. Develop youth-oriented
mountain biking loops and ropes or
adventure course areas at
Hathaway’s Pond and/or the
Marstons Mills Pickleball Courts
area to diversify recreation
opportunities and engage teens.
Medium Community
Services and
Planning &
Development
Community
Preservation
Act, MA
Department of
Conservation
and Services,
MA
Department of
Conservation
and
Recreation,
and Town
Budget
X X X X X
6.9. Attract and support the
development of an indoor
recreational facility through
completion of a feasibility study for
an indoor recreation facility to
obtain project costs and identify
possible locations.
Low Planning &
Development
and Community
Services
MA
Department of
Conservation
and Services
X X X
6.10. Identify locations for new
multi-use recreation field in
downtown Hyannis that is open to
the public and/or seek upgrades at
the field located at 116 High School
Road.
Medium Planning &
Development,
Community
Services, and
Department of
Public Works
Community
Preservation
Act
X X X
6.11. Enhance and expand existing
park area at Kalmus Beach
including a new walking trail.
Medium Planning &
Development
and Department
of Public Works
Community
Preservation
Act and MA
Department of
Conservation
and Recreation
X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 103
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
6.12. Upgrade and maintain the trail
system, bathhouse, and picnic area
at Hathaway’s Pond.
Medium Department of
Public Works
Community
Preservation
Act, MA
Department of
Conservation
and
Recreation,
and Town
Budget
X X X
6.13. Restore Lovells Beach in
Cotuit through environmentally
sensitive vegetative management
as a recreational asset to residents.
Medium Department of
Public Works and
Community
Services
Community
Preservation
Act
X X X
6.14. Install new outdoor basketball
courts in locations that are easily
accessible by the public (not on
school grounds).
Medium Department of
Public Works and
Community
Services
Community
Preservation
Act
X X X
Goal 7: Prioritize opportunities to protect land for farming and community gardens while balancing groundwater protection and supporting
locally grown produce.
7.1. Explore the impact of adopting a
Right to Farm bylaw.
Low Planning &
Development
Not applicable X X X
7.2. Work with Barnstable County
Cooperative Extension to support
farmers markets.
Low Planning &
Development
Not applicable X X
7.3. Expand opportunities for
horticulture, including by increasing
the number of community garden
plots available to the public,
particularly in Environmental Justice
communities.
Medium Planning &
Development
Community
Preservation
Act
X X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 104
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
7.4. Promote and support measures
to protect agricultural land in
perpetuity, including the use of
Agricultural Preservation Restriction
(APR) programs that offer financial
incentives to farmers for preserving
farmland.
Low Open Space
Committee and
Communications
Not applicable X X X
Water Resources
Goal 8: Coordinate open space protection efforts with initiatives to protect freshwater, marine wetlands, groundwater, and surface waters.
8.1. Support the strict enforcement
of regulations that protect coastal
and freshwater wetlands, including
no build and no disturb buffer zone
requirements.
High Conservation
Division
Not applicable X X X X X X X X X X
8.2. Protect Town-owned land
surrounding Joshua’s Pond and
Micah’s Pond in Osterville with a
permanent conservation restriction
and enhance existing trails.
High Planning &
Development
and Town
Attorney
Community
Preservation
Act
X X X
8.3. Maximize the ecological health
of the Town’s five herring runs.
Identify and map obstructions along
the herring runs.
Medium Department of
Public Works and
Marine &
Environmental
Affairs
MassWildlife
Habitat
Management
Grant Program,
MA Division of
Ecological
Restoration,
and Town
Budget
X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 105
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
8.4. Continue to update water
treatment technology to address
regulatory mandates and emerging
and known contaminants.
High Department of
Public Works
MA
Department of
Environmental
Protection and
Town Budget
X X X X X X X X X X
8.5. Continue to research the
feasibility and strategic options for
the Hyannis Water District to
increase ownership and control of
Zone I areas.
High Department of
Public Works
Not applicable X X X X X X X X X X
8.6. Evaluate and, if necessary,
amend the Town’s Groundwater
Protection Overlay District to
strengthen the protection of the
zones contributing to public water
supplies.
High Planning &
Development
and Department
of Public Works
Not applicable X X X
8.7. Create new pathways on
wellhead protection areas to
increase natural surveillance by
responsible public users.
Medium Water Districts
and Department
of Public Works
MA
Department of
Conservation
and
Recreation,
Community
Preservation
Act, and Town
Budget
X X X
8.8. Encourage water districts to
explore graduated billing rates that
charge higher rates to high-water
users, such as was established by
the Cotuit Water District.
Medium Water Districts Not applicable X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 106
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
8.9. Explore opportunities to
acquire open space along the
Hyannis waterfront in order to
provide more public access and
support the working waterfront.
Medium Planning &
Development
and Community
Preservation
Committee
Community
Preservation
Act
X X X
8.10. Explore opportunities to
acquire cranberry bogs in key
locations in order to implement
nitrogen reduction efforts for
neighboring water resources.
Medium Natural
Resources and
Community
Preservation
Committee
Community
Preservation
Act
X X X
Goal 9: Plan and develop strategies to mitigate effects of climate change as it relates to open space.
9.1. Continue to study sea level rise
and prioritize implementation of
coastal resilience actions defined
within recent planning efforts
including the Hyannis Harbor
Master Plan and the Town’s Hazard
Mitigation.
High Planning &
Development
and Department
of Public Works
MA Executive
Office of
Energy and
Environmental
Affairs, and
Town Budget
X X X X X X X X X X
9.2. Evaluate the status of
completed tidal restoration projects
and use findings to develop best
practices for future tidal restoration.
High Marine &
Environmental
Affairs,
Department of
Public Works,
and
Conservation
Division
MA Division of
Ecological
Restoration
X X X X X X X X X X
9.3. Explore opportunities to
enhance existing water bodies with
self-sustaining improvements, such
as a Coastal Mitigation Nursery.
Medium Marine &
Environmental
Affairs and
Conservation
Division
MA
Department of
Environmental
Protection and
Town Budget
X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 107
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Goal 10: Pursue opportunities to enhance coastal and freshwater access.
10.1. Maintain Town Ways to Water,
including clarifying deeds and titles,
improvements and maintenance,
identifying grant opportunities,
enhancing parking facilities, and
pursuing new public access
opportunities.
Medium Asset
Management,
Planning &
Development,
and Department
of Public Works
MA Division of
Conservation
Services and
Town Budget
X X X X
10.2. Increase water access for
paddlers by identifying, designing,
and implementing new or improved
kayak and canoe launches with
adequate parking, signage, storage
racks, and shoreline protection.
Medium Department of
Public Works and
Community
Services
Community
Preservation
Act, MA
Division of
Conservation
Services, and
Town Budget
X X X
10.3. Inventory and analyze boat
ramps and parking areas for
retrofits that include nature-based
solutions and stormwater best
management practices to protect
ponds and estuaries, and
incorporate Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) -compliant
dock and ramp upgrades.
Medium Department of
Public Works and
Marine &
Environmental
Affairs
MA Office on
Disability and
Town Budget
X X X
10.4. Support public shellfish
propagation programs and maintain
public access to designated
Shellfish Recreation Areas.
High Marine &
Environmental
Affairs
Not applicable X X X X X X X X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 108
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Connectivity & Accessibility
Goal 11: Coordinate planning for the Town’s greenway network to maximize opportunities for trailways, bikeways, Cape Cod Pathways, and
connections between open spaces.
11.1. Examine the Town’s existing
bikeway network plan and identify
priority projects in coordination with
the Town’s Complete Streets
Prioritization Plan.
Medium Department of
Public Works
MA
Department of
Transportation,
MA
Department of
Conservation
and
Recreation,
and Town
Budget
X X X X X X
11.2. Conduct research regarding
public access rights at key
connecting locations and lost
ancient ways in order to complete
trail connections, including for the
Cape Cod Pathways program.
Medium Planning &
Development
and Town
Attorney
Not applicable X X X X
11.3. Continue planning and design
for a connection to the regional
bikeway network through the Cape
Cod Rail Trail Phase 4 project into
Sandwich, and a connection
between the Hyannis
Transportation Center and the
Cape Cod Rail Trail.
High Department of
Public Works
Community
Preservation
Act and
MassTrails
X X X X X X X X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 109
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11.4. Connect villages, parks, and
trailheads through a continuous
network of sidewalks and shared
use paths linking open spaces
through coordination with
Barnstable’s Complete Streets
initiative, including routes to
Hathaway’s Pond, Ridgewood Park,
Burgess Park, Veterans Memorial
Park, and Hamblin Pond.
High Planning &
Development
and Department
of Public Works
MA
Department of
Transportation,
MassWorks,
MA
Department of
Conservation
and
Recreation,
U.S.
Department of
Transportation
Safe Streets
and Roads for
All, and Town
Budget
X X X X X
11.5. Add bike infrastructure at open
space destinations by installing
secure bike racks, shade structures,
signage, and wayfinding at major
trailheads and beaches to
encourage non-motorized access.
Medium Planning &
Development
and Department
of Public Works
Community
Preservation
Act, MA
Division of
Conservation
Services, and
Town Budget
X X X X
11.6. Improve pedestrian safety and
comfort near parks and beaches by
adding sidewalks, crosswalks,
benches, shade structures, and refill
stations at major access points.
Medium Department of
Public Works
MA
Department of
Transportation,
U.S.
Department of
Transportation
Safe Streets
and Roads for
All, and Town
Budget
X X X X X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 110
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11.7. Implement a coordinated
Trailhead Safety and Management
Program, including routine
inspections for encampments,
clearer enforcement of regulations,
and enhanced lighting where
feasible.
Medium Police and
Department of
Public Works
Not applicable X X X
11.8 Prioritize sidewalks amenities
during road construction projects
and implement new sidewalks
where feasible.
High Department of
Public Works
MA
Department of
Transportation,
MassWorks,
U.S.
Department of
Transportation
Safe Streets
and Roads for
All, and Town
Budget
X X X
Goal 12: Identify and implement priority Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements.
12.1. Evaluate the Town’s ADA Self
Evaluation and Transition Plan and
identify priority accessibility
improvements among the Town’s
beaches, parks, playgrounds,
municipal golf courses, and
recreational facilities.
High Community
Services and
Disability
Commission
MA Office on
Disability and
Town Budget
X X X
12.2. Develop and prioritize a list of
accessibility improvements at Ways
to Water sites and major
conservation and recreation areas.
High Disability
Commission
Not applicable X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 111
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
12.3. Pursue Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG)
and other funding sources to
support accessibility improvements.
High Planning &
Development
and Department
of Public Works
Community
Development
Block Grant &
MA Office on
Disability
X X
12.4. Identify new locations for
adaptive mountain bike trails.
Medium Community
Services and
Open Space
Committee
Not applicable X X X
12.5. Upgrade parking and access
at priority open spaces and water
access points by designing and
constructing expanded or
reconfigured parking areas that
include ADA spaces, bicycle racks,
and stormwater best management
practices.
High Planning &
Development
and Department
of Public Works
MA Office on
Disability, MA
Division of
Conservation
Services, and
Town Budget
X X X
Communication & Marketing
Goal 13: Promote coordination and communication on community open space and recreation needs within Town government and among
stakeholder groups.
13.1. Coordinate implementation
through the Planning &
Development Department,
engaging municipal departments,
boards, and private stakeholder
groups in developing annual action
plans and reporting progress.
High Planning &
Development
Not applicable X X X X X X X X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 112
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
13.2. Convene regular meetings
with the water and fire districts,
conservation commission, and
private land trusts to review land
management, acquisition, and
protection priorities.
Medium Planning &
Development
Not applicable X X X X X X X X X X
13.3. Continue to work on mapping
trails in conservation areas to
inform public safety efforts, and add
waypoints and/or trail signage
where appropriate.
Medium GIS Not applicable X X X X X X X X X X
13.4. Coordinate an annual review
of the Open Space Plan by the
Open Space Committee to review
and report on progress of action
plan.
High Planning &
Development
and Open Space
Committee
Not applicable X X X X X X X X X X
Goal 14: Promote public awareness of and support for open space protection and enhancement of recreation resources.
14.1. Educate and engage the
community through local media,
outreach, and public forums to
communicate the environmental,
aesthetic, and economic value of
open space protection.
High Planning &
Development
and Open Space
Committee, and
Communications
Not applicable X X X X X X X X X X
14.2. Develop a comprehensive,
user-friendly web portal and printed
maps showing all open spaces,
amenities, rules, and accessibility
features, and update them annually.
High Planning &
Development
Not applicable X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 113
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
14.3. Provide public information to
landowners regarding opportunities
to preserve open spaces with
natural and scenic value through
conservation restrictions or Chapter
61 designations.
High Planning &
Development
Not applicable X X X
14.4. Develop an outreach and
communications plan to ensure
Environmental Justice populations
are aware of open space and
recreational facilities located
throughout town.
High Community
Services and
Communications
Not applicable X X X
14.5. Install new signage along
roadways at walking trails to
increase visibility and awareness of
town’s open spaces.
High Planning &
Development
and Department
of Public Works
Community
Preservation
Act and Town
Budget
X X X
14.6. Develop an online reporting
form, accessible via QR code
signage at parks and playgrounds
townwide, to allow residents to
report maintenance, safety, or
accessibility concerns directly to
the Town staff.
Medium Community
Services and IT
Not applicable X X X
14.7. Implement a townwide pond
protection toolkit including
vegetated buffer standards, access
management, cyanobacteria
response, and public education
with information for near-term
projects.
Medium Department of
Public Works and
Conservation
Division
Not applicable X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
07 Ten-Year Action Plan 114
Objectives Priority Responsible
Party
Potential
Funding
Source
Timeframe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
14.8. Develop strategies to
distribute the Cape Cod
Commission’s Cape Cod
Freshwater Pond Buffer Guide to
property owners abutting water
bodies to encourage best practices
for environmentally-friendly
property maintenance.
Medium Department of
Public Works,
Conservation
Division, and
Communications
Not applicable X X X X X
14.9. Install signage for parking
areas associated with recreation
resources to promote public
awareness.
Medium Department of
Public Works
Community
Preservation
Act and Town
Budget
X X X
14.10. Develop educational
materials for safe operation of e-
bikes.
Low Community
Services and
Communications
Not applicable X X X
14.11. Create mailings to be sent
directly to residents with
information on town open space
and recreation resources.
Low Community
Services
Not applicable X X X
14.12. Create a ‘walk library’ on the
Town website to serve as a
database of self-guided walks.
Medium Planning &
Development
Not applicable X X X
Town of Barnstable, MA
115
Veterans Park Beach, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
08 Public Comments 116
08 Public Comments
Town of Barnstable, MA
08 Public Comments 117
Town of Barnstable, MA
08 Public Comments 118
Town of Barnstable, MA
08 Public Comments 119
Town of Barnstable, MA
08 Public Comments 120
Town of Barnstable, MA
08 Public Comments 121
Town of Barnstable, MA
09 References 122
09 References
APCC Association to Preserve Cape Cod. (2025). Cyanobacteria
Monitoring Map. Retrieved from apcc.org:
https://apcc.org/our-work/science/community-
science/cyanobacteria/
APCC Association to Preserve Cape Cod. (n.d.). Cyanobacteria
Monitoring Map. Retrieved 2025, from https://apcc.org/our-
work/science/community-science/cyanobacteria/
Branas, C., South, E., Kondo, M., Hohl, B., Bourgois, P., Wiebe, D., &
MacDonald, J. (2018). Citywide cluster randomized trial to
restore blighted vacant land and its effects on violence,
crime, and fear. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences of the United States of America. Retrieved from
www.pnas.org:
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1718503115
Cape Cod Commission. (2025). Coastal Floodplain Data Viewer.
Retrieved from
https://cccommission.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/portfol
io/index.html?appid=7010cb5c13c44f3ab3a239a614ae9e
84
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry. (n.d.). Social Vulnerability
Index. Retrieved from www.atsdr.cdc.gov:
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/place-health/php/svi/index.html
Community Preservation Coalition. (n.d.). CPA Projects Database.
Retrieved from www.communitypreservation.org:
https://www.communitypreservation.org/databank/projects
database
EPA. (n.d.). Climate Change and the Health of Older Adults. Retrieved
from www.epa.gov:
https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-and-
health-older-adults
EPA. (n.d.). Climate Change and the Health of People with
Disabilities. Retrieved from www.epa.gov:
https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-and-
health-people-disabilities
Institute for Human Centered Design. (2021). ADA Transition Plan:
Sidewalk and Walkway Accessibility Survey . Retrieved from
townofbarnstable.us:
https://townofbarnstable.us/Departments/HumanResource
s/ADA/Reports/Executive%20summaries/Town%20of%20Ba
rnstable%20GIS%20Summary%20Report%20102221.pdf
Institute for Human Centered Design. (2021). Town of Barnstable:
Priority for ADA Transition Plan - Beaches, Parks and
Playgrounds. Retrieved from townofbarnstable.us:
https://townofbarnstable.us/Departments/HumanResource
s/ADA/Reports/Transition%20Plans/Town%20of%20Barnsta
ble%20Priority%20for%20ADA%20Transition%20Plan%20-
%20Beaches%20Parks%20and%20Playgrounds%20101921
.pdf
Low, S. (2022). Why Public Space Matters. Oxford University Press.
MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. (2025). List of Endangered,
Threatened, and Special Concern species. Retrieved from
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/list-of-endangered-
threatened-and-special-concern-species
MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. (2025).
Article 97 Natural Resource Site Evaluation. Retrieved from
https://mass-
eoeea.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=
fd578f40c0974a11883420ac848f0442
Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services. (2025). Open
Space and Recreation Planner’s Workbook . Retrieved from
www.mass.gov: https://www.mass.gov/doc/open-space-and-
recreation-planners-workbook-with-appendices-updated-in-
2025/download
MassGIS. (n.d.). Environmental Justice Populations . Retrieved from
2022: https://s3.us-east-
1.amazonaws.com/download.massgis.digital.mass.gov/shap
efiles/census2020/EJ%202020%20updated%20municipal%
20statistics%20Nov%202022.pdf
Niedzwiecki, P. (2025, April 4). Cape Cod: Thriving on Its Own Terms.
Retrieved from https://www.capecodchamber.org/articles-
business/post/cape-cod-thriving-on-its-own-terms/
Town of Barnstable, MA
123
The Trust for Public Land. (n.d.). The Heat is On. Retrieved from
www.tpl.org: www.tpl.org/the-heat-is-on
Town of Barnstable. (2024, April). Centerville Playground and
Parking Lot Project. Retrieved from
www.townofbarnstable.us/Departments/Recreation/Centervi
llePlaygroundPark/Centerville%20Playground%20Project%20
Briefing%20%2005-14-2024.pdf
Town of Barnstable. (2024). Hyannis Harbor Master Plan. Retrieved
from town.barnstable.ma.us:
https://town.barnstable.ma.us/Departments/planningandde
velopment/Projects/Hyannis-Harbor-Master-Plan.asp
Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan. (2025). Retrieved
from https://barnstablelcp.com/document-library/#
Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan. (2018).
Retrieved from
https://www.townofbarnstable.us/Departments/Comprehen
sivePlanning/Plans_and_Documents/Open-Space-and-
Recreation-Plan-2018.pdf
Trust for Public Land. (2024, September 19). Park Investment and
Economic Vitality. Retrieved from /www.tpl.org:
https://www.tpl.org/resource/park-investment-and-
economic-vitality
Trust for Public Land. (n.d.). ParkServe. Retrieved from
parkserve.tpl.org:
https://parkserve.tpl.org/mapping/#/?CityID=2500103690
U.S. Census. (2023). US Census - American Community Survey 5-
Year Estimates. Retrieved from
https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP5Y2023.DP05?g=160
XX00US2503600
UMass Donahue Institute. (2024). Massachusetts Population
Estimates Program. Retrieved from
https://donahue.umass.edu/business-groups/economic-
public-policy-research/massachusetts-population-estimates-
program/population-projections
Wildlife, D. o. (n.d.). Rare Species Viewer. Retrieved from
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rare-species-viewer
Town of Barnstable, MA
Appendix A: Maps 124
Appendix A: Maps
Town of Barnstable, MA
Appendix B: Survey & Public Engagement Results 136
Appendix B: Survey & Public Engagement Results
Open House on August 28, 2025, Credit: BSC Group
2025 Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey
Open Space & Recreation
Open Space & Recreation > 1. How often do you visit the following town owned parks and recreational facilities
(managed by the recreation division) in Barnstable?
Burgess Park
Answered: 260 Skipped: 33
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Don't go
Rarel
0 20 40 60 80 100
Rarely 83 28.33%
Don't go 71 24.23%
Not aware of area 69 23.55%
Once a month 24 8.19%
Once a week 7 2.39%
Everyday 6 2.05%
Answers Count Percentage
Centerville Recreation Building
Answered: 261 Skipped: 32
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 109 37.2%
Rarely 83 28.33%
Not aware of area 36 12.29%
Once a month 23 7.85%
Once a week 8 2.73%
Everyday 2 0.68%
Cotuit Memorial Park
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 267 Skipped: 26
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 87 29.69%
Rarely 61 20.82%
Not aware of area 56 19.11%
Once a month 34 11.6%
Once a week 18 6.14%
Everyday 11 3.75%
Hamblin Pond Recreation Area
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 262 Skipped: 31
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 99 33.79%
Rarely 77 26.28%
Not aware of area 37 12.63%
Once a month 32 10.92%
Once a week 11 3.75%
Everyday 6 2.05%
Hathaway's Pond Recreation Area
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 263 Skipped: 30
Everyday
Once a week
Not aware of area
Once a month
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 92 31.4%
Rarely 74 25.26%
Once a month 35 11.95%
Not aware of area 30 10.24%
Once a week 25 8.53%
Everyday 6 2.05%
Marstons Mills Pickleball Courts
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 266 Skipped: 27
Once a month
Once a week
Rarel
Not aware of area
Everyday
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 113 38.57%
Everyday 45 15.36%
Not aware of area 43 14.68%
Rarely 29 9.9%
Once a week 20 6.83%
Once a month 16 5.46%
Mill Pond
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 262 Skipped: 31
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Not aware of area
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 105 35.84%
Not aware of area 56 19.11%
Rarely 55 18.77%
Once a month 26 8.87%
Once a week 16 5.46%
Everyday 3 1.02%
Monument Park
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 257 Skipped: 36
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Not aware of area
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 100 34.13%
Not aware of area 83 28.33%
Rarely 50 17.06%
Once a month 14 4.78%
Once a week 5 1.71%
Everyday 4 1.37%
Mother's Park
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 260 Skipped: 33
Once a week
Everyday
Once a month
Rarel
Not aware of area
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 94 32.08%
Not aware of area 87 29.69%
Rarely 40 13.65%
Once a month 16 5.46%
Everyday 12 4.1%
Once a week 11 3.75%
Osterville Bay Court
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 255 Skipped: 38
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Not aware of area
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 115 39.25%
Not aware of area 85 29.01%
Rarely 29 9.9%
Once a month 16 5.46%
Once a week 8 2.73%
Everyday 2 0.68%
Pleasant Street Park
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 255 Skipped: 38
Once a week
Everyday
Once a month
Rarel
Don't go
Not aware of area
0 15010050
Not aware of area 113 38.57%
Don't go 101 34.47%
Rarely 25 8.53%
Once a month 10 3.41%
Everyday 4 1.37%
Once a week 2 0.68%
Ridgewood Park
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 253 Skipped: 40
Once a week
Everyday
Once a month
Rarel
Don't go
Not aware of area
0 15010050
Not aware of area 112 38.23%
Don't go 102 34.81%
Rarely 27 9.22%
Once a month 6 2.05%
Everyday 5 1.71%
Once a week 1 0.34%
West Barnstable Community Building
Answers Count Percentage
Open Space & Recreation > 2. How often do you visit the following town owned beach facilities (managed by
the recreation division) in Barnstable?
Answered: 258 Skipped: 35
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 98 33.45%
Rarely 66 22.53%
Not aware of area 54 18.43%
Once a month 29 9.9%
Once a week 9 3.07%
Everyday 2 0.68%
Covell’s Beach
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 271 Skipped: 22
Not aware of area
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80
Don't go 72 24.57%
Rarely 69 23.55%
Once a month 51 17.41%
Once a week 50 17.06%
Everyday 17 5.8%
Not aware of area 11 3.75%
Craigville Beach
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 273 Skipped: 20
Not aware of area
Everyday
Don't go
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
0 20 40 60 80
Rarely 73 24.91%
Once a month 67 22.87%
Once a week 66 22.53%
Don't go 41 13.99%
Everyday 23 7.85%
Not aware of area 2 0.68%
Dowses Beach
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 276 Skipped: 17
Not aware of area
Everyday
Don't go
Rarel
Once a week
Once a month
0 20 40 60 80
Once a month 79 26.96%
Once a week 78 26.62%
Rarely 66 22.53%
Don't go 31 10.58%
Everyday 19 6.48%
Not aware of area 2 0.68%
Eugenia Fortes Beach
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 264 Skipped: 29
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 107 36.52%
Rarely 74 25.26%
Not aware of area 34 11.6%
Once a month 24 8.19%
Once a week 14 4.78%
Everyday 10 3.41%
Hamblin Pond
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 263 Skipped: 30
Everyday
Once a week
Not aware of area
Once a month
Rarel
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 122 41.64%
Rarely 69 23.55%
Once a month 31 10.58%
Not aware of area 22 7.51%
Once a week 14 4.78%
Everyday 5 1.71%
Hathaway’s Pond
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 265 Skipped: 28
Everyday
Not aware of area
Once a month
Once a week
Rarel
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 126 43%
Rarely 60 20.48%
Once a week 27 9.22%
Once a month 27 9.22%
Not aware of area 21 7.17%
Everyday 4 1.37%
Joshua’s Pond
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 264 Skipped: 29
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 116 39.59%
Rarely 63 21.5%
Not aware of area 31 10.58%
Once a month 28 9.56%
Once a week 21 7.17%
Everyday 4 1.37%
Kalmus Beach
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 269 Skipped: 24
Everyday
Not aware of area
Once a week
Once a month
Don't go
Rarel
0 20 40 60 80 100
Rarely 83 28.33%
Don't go 81 27.65%
Once a month 44 15.02%
Once a week 40 13.65%
Not aware of area 14 4.78%
Everyday 7 2.39%
Keyes Memorial Beach/Ocean Avenue Beach
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 266 Skipped: 27
Everyday
Not aware of area
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 120 40.96%
Rarely 77 26.28%
Once a month 28 9.56%
Once a week 16 5.46%
Not aware of area 15 5.12%
Everyday 9 3.07%
Loop Beach
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 266 Skipped: 27
Everyday
Once a month
Once a week
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80
Don't go 80 27.3%
Rarely 68 23.21%
Not aware of area 38 12.97%
Once a week 35 11.95%
Once a month 35 11.95%
Everyday 10 3.41%
Lovell’s
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 259 Skipped: 34
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 140 47.78%
Rarely 53 18.09%
Not aware of area 39 13.31%
Once a month 12 4.1%
Once a week 11 3.75%
Everyday 4 1.37%
Millway Beach
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 262 Skipped: 31
Everyday
Not aware of area
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80
Don't go 78 26.62%
Rarely 62 21.16%
Once a month 41 13.99%
Once a week 40 13.65%
Not aware of area 33 11.26%
Everyday 8 2.73%
Sandy Neck Beach
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 274 Skipped: 19
Not aware of area
Everyday
Don't go
Once a week
Rarel
Once a month
0 20 40 60 80 100
Once a month 92 31.4%
Rarely 85 29.01%
Once a week 43 14.68%
Don't go 43 14.68%
Everyday 7 2.39%
Not aware of area 4 1.37%
Veteran’s Beach
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 265 Skipped: 28
Everyday
Not aware of area
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 110 37.54%
Rarely 66 22.53%
Once a month 43 14.68%
Once a week 27 9.22%
Not aware of area 16 5.46%
Everyday 3 1.02%
Wequaquet Lake
Answers Count Percentage
Open Space & Recreation > 3. How often do you visit the following town owned conservation areas (managed
by the conservation department) in Barnstable?
Answered: 263 Skipped: 30
Everyday
Not aware of area
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 114 38.91%
Rarely 71 24.23%
Once a month 26 8.87%
Once a week 21 7.17%
Not aware of area 20 6.83%
Everyday 10 3.41%
Bridge Creek Conservation Area (West Barnstable)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 262 Skipped: 31
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80
Don't go 78 26.62%
Rarely 69 23.55%
Not aware of area 66 22.53%
Once a month 33 11.26%
Once a week 13 4.44%
Everyday 3 1.02%
Crocker Neck Conservation Area (Cotuit)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 268 Skipped: 25
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Don't go
Rarel
0 20 40 60 80
Rarely 79 26.96%
Don't go 76 25.94%
Not aware of area 50 17.06%
Once a month 35 11.95%
Once a week 17 5.8%
Everyday 11 3.75%
Danforth Recreation Area (Marstons Mills)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 261 Skipped: 32
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Not aware of area
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 93 31.74%
Not aware of area 80 27.3%
Rarely 49 16.72%
Once a month 17 5.8%
Once a week 15 5.12%
Everyday 6 2.05%
Hathaway's Pond Conservation Area (Hyannis)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 264 Skipped: 29
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 96 32.76%
Rarely 70 23.89%
Not aware of area 35 11.95%
Once a month 31 10.58%
Once a week 27 9.22%
Everyday 5 1.71%
Long Beach Conservation Area (Centerville)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 274 Skipped: 19
Everyday
Not aware of area
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80
Don't go 65 22.18%
Rarely 61 20.82%
Once a month 52 17.75%
Once a week 44 15.02%
Not aware of area 38 12.97%
Everyday 13 4.44%
Long Pond Conservation Area (Marstons Mills)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 263 Skipped: 30
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 104 35.49%
Rarely 64 21.84%
Not aware of area 52 17.75%
Once a month 25 8.53%
Once a week 12 4.1%
Everyday 6 2.05%
Lumbert Pond Conservation Area
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 261 Skipped: 32
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Not aware of area
Don't go
0 15010050
Don't go 105 35.84%
Not aware of area 64 21.84%
Rarely 59 20.14%
Once a month 19 6.48%
Once a week 9 3.07%
Everyday 5 1.71%
Meetinghouse Farm Conservation Area (West Barnstable)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 263 Skipped: 30
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 96 32.76%
Rarely 72 24.57%
Not aware of area 47 16.04%
Once a month 34 11.6%
Once a week 10 3.41%
Everyday 4 1.37%
Old Jail Lane Conservation Area (Barnstable)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 264 Skipped: 29
Everyday
Once a month
Once a week
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 96 32.76%
Rarely 73 24.91%
Not aware of area 53 18.09%
Once a week 20 6.83%
Once a month 18 6.14%
Everyday 3 1.02%
Otis Atwood Conservation Area (West Barnstable)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 261 Skipped: 32
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Not aware of area
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 95 32.42%
Not aware of area 69 23.55%
Rarely 53 18.09%
Once a month 23 7.85%
Once a week 16 5.46%
Everyday 4 1.37%
Santuit River Conservation Area (Cotuit)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 266 Skipped: 27
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 90 30.72%
Rarely 65 22.18%
Not aware of area 62 21.16%
Once a month 26 8.87%
Once a week 19 6.48%
Everyday 4 1.37%
Seabury Farm Conservation Area (Barnstable)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 260 Skipped: 33
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Not aware of area
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 100 34.13%
Not aware of area 95 32.42%
Rarely 44 15.02%
Once a month 11 3.75%
Once a week 7 2.39%
Everyday 3 1.02%
West Barnstable Conservation Area
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 265 Skipped: 28
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Not aware of area
Rarel
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 85 29.01%
Rarely 62 21.16%
Not aware of area 54 18.43%
Once a month 39 13.31%
Once a week 18 6.14%
Everyday 7 2.39%
Whelan Conservation Area (West Barnstable)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 263 Skipped: 30
Everyday
Once a week
Once a month
Rarel
Not aware of area
Don't go
0 20 40 60 80 100
Don't go 98 33.45%
Not aware of area 86 29.35%
Rarely 46 15.7%
Once a month 20 6.83%
Once a week 9 3.07%
Everyday 3 1.02%
4. How do you typically travel to parks and recreation facilities in Barnstable?
Answers Count Percentage
Other
I do not visit parks and recreation areas in Barnstable
Public on-demand micro transit (CCRTA SmartDART)
Paratransit services (CCRTA
Micromobility (e.g. scooter, e-bike, skateboard)
Taxi or rideshare service (e.g. Uber, Lyft)
Public transportation (CCRTA bus routes)
Biking
Walking/running
Personal vehicle
0 100 200 300
Personal vehicle 276 94.2%
Walking/running 114 38.91%
Biking 65 22.18%
Public transportation (CCRTA bus routes)2 0.68%
Taxi or rideshare service (e.g. Uber, Lyft)0 0%
Micromobility (e.g. scooter, e-bike, skateboard)2 0.68%
Paratransit services (CCRTA DART)0 0%
Public on-demand micro transit (CCRTA SmartDART)0 0%
I do not visit parks and recreation areas in Barnstable 3 1.02%
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 285 Skipped: 8
Other 2 0.68%
5. On average, how long does it take you to walk to a park or recreation…
Answered: 282 Skipped: 11
I do not visit parks and recreation areas in Barnstable
0-5 minutes
10-15 minutes
5-10 minutes
Over 15 minutes
0 10050
Over 15 minutes 95 32.42%
5-10 minutes 74 25.26%
10-15 minutes 66 22.53%
0-5 minutes 44 15.02%
I do not visit parks and recreation areas in Barnstable 3 1.02%
6. Is there anything that keeps you from using recreation or conservation areas, or…
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 210 Skipped: 83
It’s too expensive
I lack transportation
I have a disability and the area or program is not accessible
I don’t feel safe in certain areas
The facilities or programs do not meet my needs of interest
I don’t know where to go or how to sign up
Other
I am not aware of programs or opportunities
I don’t have enough time to visit/attend
0 10050
I don’t have enough time to visit/attend 91 31.06%
I am not aware of programs or opportunities 80 27.3%
Other 41 13.99%
I don’t know where to go or how to sign up 36 12.29%
The facilities or programs do not meet my needs of interest 28 9.56%
I don’t feel safe in certain areas 21 7.17%
I have a disability and the area or program is not accessible 3 1.02%
I lack transportation 2 0.68%
It’s too expensive 2 0.68%
Answers Count Percentage
7. Please select what you consider to be the biggest unmet open space needs in…
Additional track and field facilities
Additional basketball courts
Ice skating rink
Skateboard parks
Additional tennis courts
Additional multi-use fields (football, lacrosse, field hockey,
soccer)
Other
Additional dog parks
Additional outdoor fitness equipment
Additional fishing access or opportunities
Additional picnic areas
Additional community gardens
Splash pad
Additional access to beach areas
Additional boating facilities for kayaks/canoes
Additional pickleball courts
Additional playgrounds
Indoor swimming
Additional biking trails
Additional nature trails
Additional softball field/baseball field
0 15010050
Additional nature trails 106 36.18%
Additional biking trails 98 33.45%
Indoor swimming 85 29.01%
Additional playgrounds 81 27.65%
Additional pickleball courts 66 22.53%
Additional boating facilities for kayaks/canoes 58 19.8%
Additional access to beach areas 58 19.8%
Splash pad 57 19.45%
Additional community gardens 54 18.43%
Additional picnic areas 46 15.7%
Additional fishing access or opportunities 29 9.9%
Additional outdoor fitness equipment 29 9.9%
Additional dog parks 28 9.56%
Other 25 8.53%
Additional multi-use fields (football, lacrosse, field hockey,
soccer)
16 5.46%
Additional tennis courts 16 5.46%
Skateboard parks 14 4.78%
Ice skating rink 12 4.1%
Additional basketball courts 9 3.07%
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 280 Skipped: 13
Additional track and field facilities 6 2.05%
Additional softball field/baseball field 5 1.71%
8. What activities do you participate in when visiting parks and recreation facilities in…
Hunting (in designated areas such as West Barnstable
Conservation Area)
Disc golf
Other
Swimming at a pool
Snowshoeing
Cross-country skiing
Organized sports (team or individual)
Mountain biking
Casual pick-up sports or games
Boating motorized
Recreational Shellfishing (e.g. clamming, oystering)
Biking, scootering, or skateboarding
Participate in recreational programs (e.g. soccer, tennis,
pickleball, basketball, aquatic programs)
Visit playgrounds
Participate in leisure programs (e.g. beach trips, field trips)
Attend community or recreational events (e.g. game night,
summer dance)
Boating non-motorized (e.g sailing, kayaking)
Walk dogs
Swimming at the beach
Hiking or trail walking
I do not visit parks in Barnstable
Horseback riding
0 100 200 300
Hiking or trail walking 203 69.28%
Swimming at the beach 193 65.87%
Walk dogs 107 36.52%
Boating non-motorized (e.g sailing, kayaking)92 31.4%
Attend community or recreational events (e.g. game night,
summer dance)
87 29.69%
Participate in leisure programs (e.g. beach trips, field trips)84 28.67%
Visit playgrounds 79 26.96%
Participate in recreational programs (e.g. soccer, tennis,
pickleball, basketball, aquatic programs)
75 25.6%
Biking, scootering, or skateboarding 74 25.26%
Recreational Shellfishing (e.g. clamming, oystering)67 22.87%
Boating motorized 50 17.06%
Casual pick-up sports or games 40 13.65%
Mountain biking 33 11.26%
Organized sports (team or individual)33 11.26%
Cross-country skiing 21 7.17%
Snowshoeing 17 5.8%
Swimming at a pool 16 5.46%
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 282 Skipped: 11
Other 15 5.12%
Disc golf 14 4.78%
Hunting (in designated areas such as West Barnstable
Conservation Area)
6 2.05%
Horseback riding 4 1.37%
I do not visit parks in Barnstable 1 0.34%
Do you regularly travel to any nearby communities for open space and recreational…
Cape beach
trails
Sandwich Yarmouth
-MashpeeParkPickleball
Cod
Barnstable
walking
National
trail dogWalkDennisArea
SPLASH
courtsbeaches
Pond
rail
SeashoreFalmouth
Canal
PlaygroundsEasthamConservation
PAD
Biking Harwich
Shining
It ’s
&
visitWellfleet
Sea
Bike
Trail.
tennisLongMillsBrewster
time
towns
nature
Creek
openareas Marstons Dowses Osterville
busy
leftBell's Neck
West
Farm
bog
Love
activities
beaches.Kelly Wing
Island
White
travel
areas.
field
Hole
back
live
dog.
great
area.
run
Rd.
3
4
28
149
HYCC
(pickleball)
months.
removed
Lot
park/
“
town-
Rex
Truro
hike
trust
(in
Pines
(it
leash
lands
sad
fee
pads
No 7
Mashpee Splash Pad 2
Mashpee Pickleball courts 2
Yes, Marstons Mills pickleball courts and HYCC indoor activities (pickleball) in the winter months.
Summertime Covell or Dowses beaches.
1
Response Count
Yes, Brewster dog park is well maintained. Playgrounds & splashpads in Yarmouth & Mashpee. We
only have 3 non-school playgrounds with all others removed because they were not maintained. The
time it takes to replace a playground is disgraceful. Osterville community building is gone. Town needs
to Maintain what we own a Lot better.
1
Yes!!!!!! Yarmouth, has a wonderful splash park/ playground. It was so busy the day I visited with my
grandkids. I left thinking “ why doesn’t Barnstable - a bigger town- have this. We need one!!! Please
visit the Yarmouth one and see for yourself!!!!
1
Yes Wellfleet, Eastham, P-Town for additional hiking trails and beaches 1
Yes to other towns like Yarmouth, and mashpee because they actually have playgrounds 1
Yes for Mountain biking and hiking and nature appreciation.1
Yes - Scorton Creek, Yarmouth, Eastham - nature trails for dog walking 1
Yarmouth splash pad/playground. Cape Cod Acadamy outdoor pool.1
Yarmouth Splash Pad 1
Yarmouth playgrounds - Sandy Pond Rex, Johnny Kelly Park 1
Yarmouth pickleball 1
Yarmouth - Callery-Darling Nature Trails, Botanic Trails Harwich - Bell's Neck Brewster - Wing Island
Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown for beaches and nature trails
1
white cedar swamp ,cape cod rail trail, shellfishing 1
Wellfleet Eastham and cbatham 1
We visit various trails in Sandwich and Mashpee.1
We travel to open and more undisturbed areas frequently, like the national seashore areas, and
several cape beach areas.
1
We kayak and hike throughout the Cape 1
we go to National Seashore beaches occasionally 1
We frequently have to travel to use alternate fields for sport events due to the expense/conditions of
the Barnstable fields.
1
Water park in Mashpee Playgrounds at various schools in Falmouth 1
Walking trails in other Cape towns 1
Walking at the Canal. it's flat and wide 1
Walk at the canal Sandwich 1
Visit Barnstable land trust properties 1
Trail systems in Sandwich and Falmouth 1
To pickleball courts all over the cape 1
Thomsem Field Harwich to walk dog 1
There are good trails in Provincetown (National Seashore), but also in in Yarmouth, in Dennis - we
visit as many walking/hiking trails as we can throughout the year.
1
The knob in woods hole, walking trails at South Cape beach in Mashpee 1
The dog parks in Yarmouth and Brewster are so nice! Even Mashpee's is nothing fancy but still good.
Then you come back to Barnstable and it's just.. demoralizing. But those others are far enough away
that it's not part of my routine.
1
The canal walk way from Sandwich to Bourne 1
Talbot's Point & Scorton Creek in Sandwich, Lowell Holly & South Cape Beach in Mashpee.1
spalsh pad, playgrounds 1
Shining Sea Bike Trail. National Seashore.1
Scorton Creek in Sandwich is my go-to place. I live in West Barnstable so this is the closest and
nicest area for walking, biking and taking my dog.
1
Sandwich, Baseball Fields, Playgrounds, Outdoor roller blade (street hockey) court.1
Sandwich HS-swimming Peter hormer park for bike/scooter Johnny Kelly park Adventureland
playground
1
Sandwich has great playgrounds. Mashpee has a splash pad.1
Sandwich for pickleball because a group member is a resident and can reserve a court. Mashpee for
pickleball when Barnstable courts are full or have league play. Also Yarmouth flax pond and Dennis
Wixon pickleball. Barnstable open play gets overcrowded with visitors and residents from other towns,
especially the South Shore towns for some reason.
1
Sandwhich 1
Pools in friends' private communities Canal walking/bike path Falmouth Shining Sea walking/bike path
Mashpee Fitness pool until membership became too costly
1
Pickleball in Sandwich because the Mills is way too busy 1
Pickleball in marstons mills but in prime season too busy 1
Osterville Armstrong Kelley Park for the kid play area (in the shade!), Dennis birth side beaches for
swimming, heritage gardens for garden walks and kid outdoor play area.
1
Orleans, Eastham, wellfleet.1
Occasionally to other beaches or bike trails 1
Occasionally go to White Pines area in National Seashore 1
Noted in the selection options in the previous questions.1
New Splash pad in yarmouth is great for kids 1
National Seashore, Eastham, Waquoit seashore 1
N/A 1
My tennis friends went to Centerville high school to play tennis. At one time these courts were very
playable. The tennis courts at Centerville high school needs lots of repair.why not improve places that
are run down. Very dedicated adults were teaching young people. how to place tennis. Could be from
recreation department.
1
Mother's Park, nearby beaches: Long Beach, Craigville Beach, Covell's Beach, Dowse's.1
Meetinghouse Farm, Bridge Creek Conservation Area, West Barnstable Community Building 1
Mashpee. Yarmouth 1
MASHPEE- SPLASH PAD 1
Mashpee pickleball, falmouth hunting, sandwich pickleball 1
Marstons Mills pickleball courts 1
Maple Swamp Recreation area, Sandwich Francis Crane WMA, Falmouth Bell's Neck Conservation
Area, Harwich
1
MA Audubon Wellfleet 1
Long Pond 1
Long Beach Conservation Area Jenkins Cranberry Bog Dowses Beach Craigville Beach Covill Beach 1
Local beaches provide me recreational opportunities 1
Joshuas pond. Covell’s beach.1
Joshua’s pond for dog walking 1
Johnny Kelley Recreation Area in Dennis; Cape Cod Rail Trail.1
John Kelley Park in Dennis is awesome; it has picnic areas, dog friendly (it seems people respect the
leash law), a huge pavillion, fitness stations, fields, braille walk, restrooms-people seem to gather and
meet up in the community, music sometimes.
1
I will walk the trails in Eastham and Wellfleet 1
I ride the Cape Cod Rail trail and the Shining Sea bikeway.1
I love to walk around the former Jenkins Bog on Bumps River road in Centerville.1
I love the West Barnstable Conservation area.1
I like to walk but have to drive to get to walking spots. I live on race lane & there is no walking path or
biking path. There is also nothing on 149 Osterville Barnstable rd. Or route 28 nothing really on 6A.
Kind of weird how cape could be connected by paths to villages but it isn't plus everyone drives too
fast so it is scary for walking / biking on roads. It shouldn't be, every place I visit has better walking
paths/sidewalks.
1
I drive daily to park and recreation areas. Sometimes I drive to another villages post office and walk
around the neighborhood. You don't need activities to enjoy open space.
1
Hiking and biking on the trails in Yarmouth, Mashpee, Harwich and in Nickerson State Park and Cape
Cod National Seashore.
1
Heritage Gardens, Sandwich 1
Hathaway's pond for dog trail walking, swimming, and dog park. Old jail Lane trails for dog trail
walking.
1
Grays Beach, CC Canal, Dennis beaches 1
From time to time, I explore other Cape Cod conservation areas 1
Falmouth for music events. Cotuit Center for the Arts all the time!!!1
Falmouth 1
Eastham - clean and safe trails. Bass River - trail.1
East beach in Hyannis Port to walk my dog.1
Eagle pond, drummer boy park 1
Drive a car at loop beach. The seaweed should be raked. Seaweed is so thick it covers you if you
swim. It embarrassing to bring relatives to the beach.
1
Dowses Beach, Keys Memorial Beach, Eugenia Fortes Beach, Covell's Beach, Joshua's Pond and
trails, Long Pastures Audubon National Refuge.
1
Dowes in Osrterville 1
Dickerson state park, rail trail, shining seas bike trail.1
Conservation lands in Yarmouth, Dennis and Sandwich. Nickerson Park and Nat’l Seashore.1
Centerville playground - it’s a crime it’s not open for the children of and visiting our community. You’re
destroying memories for our children. Bay lane tennis court - turn it back to tennis - put up the nets
and it will be used. Bay lane ball field - paint the dugouts. These are used by our children and they
serve it to be spruced up. And it’s pathetic - it’s sad it’s so run down. What’s the deal with beach
parking - not prioritizing tax paying and fee paying residents. We’re left in Line so you can grab the
$25 from out of towners. If you don’t have funding or resources to fix our facilities. up, people in the
community will pitch in and do it. It’s a disgrace. Sewer project has taken ultimate priority over
anything that’s logical. And pickleball has taken precedence over tennis lovers. I think that’s enough
for now.
1
Centerville cranberry bog owned by James Jenkins estate on Bumps River Rd. and the subject of
litigation for the last 4 years.
1
Cape Cod Rail Trail, Shining Sea Bikeway to Woods Hole, Wing Island, Brewster 1
Cape cod rail trail accessed from Dennis and Harwich. Dennis beaches. Barnstable is too honky-tonk,
over populated. There’s nothing g “old Cape Cod” about Barnstable/Hyannis anymore.
1
Open Space & Recreation > 9. How satisfied are you with the current state of parks and recreational
opportunities in Barnstable?
Answered: 115 Skipped: 178
Cape Cod National Seashore South Cape Beach, Mashpee Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Maple
Swamp Conservation Area, Sandwich Boyden Farm, Sandwich Bell's Neck, Harwich Cold Brook
Preserve, Harwich
1
Cape Cod National Seashore Grays Beach Bray Farm Mashpee Woodlands 1
Cape Cod National Seashore- trails 1
Cape Cod National Seashore walking trails (Cedar Seamp)1
Cape Cod Canal Trail, Shining Sea Trail, Rail Trail. Luke’s Love playground 1
Canal bike paths CC rail trail 1
Canal 1
Brewster: Punkhorn Park, Drummer Boy Park 1
Boardwalk in Sandwich and Dennis The Nob in Falmouth Shell fishing at Scudder Lane The Canal
Walk in Sandwich Long Pasture Audubon
1
Bike trails Also dog beaches Playgrounds-splash pads 1
Barnstable Pickleball Clamming in Cotuit Biking in Cotuit Hiking at Eagle Pond Samson’s by boat but
not much beach left
1
Almost never as we are seasonal.1
Availability of existing recreational programs/opportunities for children
Answered: 268 Skipped: 25
Very Dissatisfied
Very Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
0 50 100 150
Neutral 146 49.83%
Satisfied 73 24.91%
Dissatisfied 29 9.9%
Very Satisfied 13 4.44%
Very Dissatisfied 7 2.39%
Availability of existing recreational programs/opportunities for teens
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 260 Skipped: 33
Very Satisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
0 50 100 150 200
Neutral 179 61.09%
Dissatisfied 35 11.95%
Satisfied 34 11.6%
Very Dissatisfied 8 2.73%
Very Satisfied 4 1.37%
Availability of existing recreational programs/opportunities for adults
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 270 Skipped: 23
Very Dissatisfied
Very Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
0 15010050
Neutral 137 46.76%
Satisfied 81 27.65%
Dissatisfied 40 13.65%
Very Satisfied 9 3.07%
Very Dissatisfied 3 1.02%
Availability of existing recreational programs/opportunities for aging…
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 265 Skipped: 28
Very Dissatisfied
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
0 50 100 150 200
Neutral 151 51.54%
Dissatisfied 50 17.06%
Satisfied 48 16.38%
Very Satisfied 13 4.44%
Very Dissatisfied 3 1.02%
Availability of existing hiking and biking opportunities
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 272 Skipped: 21
Very Dissatisfied
Very Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
0 15010050
Neutral 111 37.88%
Satisfied 89 30.38%
Dissatisfied 47 16.04%
Very Satisfied 16 5.46%
Very Dissatisfied 9 3.07%
Accessibility of recreational facilities (physical access and proximity)
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 263 Skipped: 30
Very Dissatisfied
Very Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
0 15010050
Neutral 140 47.78%
Satisfied 70 23.89%
Dissatisfied 31 10.58%
Very Satisfied 20 6.83%
Very Dissatisfied 2 0.68%
Condition and maintenance of existing outdoor recreational facilities
Answers Count Percentage
Open Space & Recreation > 10. How important is it to you to preserve and protect the following in Barnstable?
Answered: 271 Skipped: 22
Very Dissatisfied
Very Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
0 15010050
Neutral 114 38.91%
Satisfied 78 26.62%
Dissatisfied 50 17.06%
Very Satisfied 19 6.48%
Very Dissatisfied 10 3.41%
Drinking water supplies
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 282 Skipped: 11
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Very Important 259 88.4%
Important 23 7.85%
Not Important 0 0%
Wildlife habitat and biodiversity
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 281 Skipped: 12
Very Important 227 77.47%
Important 48 16.38%
Not Important 6 2.05%
Agricultural land
Answered: 279 Skipped: 14
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Very Important 159 54.27%
Important 99 33.79%
Not Important 21 7.17%
Shellfishing
Answers Count Percentage
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 280 Skipped: 13
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Very Important 185 63.14%
Important 77 26.28%
Not Important 18 6.14%
Water bodies and wetlands
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 281 Skipped: 12
Very Important 231 78.84%
Important 47 16.04%
Not Important 3 1.02%
Waterfront and beach areas
Answered: 280 Skipped: 13
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Very Important 238 81.23%
Important 39 13.31%
Not Important 3 1.02%
Historic and cultural resources
Answers Count Percentage
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 278 Skipped: 15
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Very Important 152 51.88%
Important 107 36.52%
Not Important 19 6.48%
Shade trees/street trees
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 280 Skipped: 13
Very Important 178 60.75%
Important 87 29.69%
Not Important 15 5.12%
Town-owned parks, playgrounds, and/or recreational facilities
Answered: 283 Skipped: 10
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Very Important 200 68.26%
Important 77 26.28%
Not Important 6 2.05%
Hiking, biking, and walking trails
Answers Count Percentage
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 279 Skipped: 14
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Very Important 201 68.6%
Important 70 23.89%
Not Important 8 2.73%
Preserving land from development
Very Important
Important
Not Important
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 280 Skipped: 13
Very Important 204 69.62%
Important 57 19.45%
Not Important 19 6.48%
11. What should Barnstable's priorities be for open space and recreational…
Other
Acquiring land for new public athletic facilities
Expanding recreation programming/opportunities for older
adults (65+)
Expanding recreation programming/opportunities for persons
aged 18-65
Expanding recreation programming/opportunities for
residents under the age of 18
Acquiring scenic views and vistas
Improving existing athletic facilities
Improving passive recreation opportunities on existing
conservation land
Acquiring land for beach access and coastal recreation
Acquiring land to link open space parcels
Acquiring land for climate change resiliency
Acquiring land for new passive recreation use (e.g. trails)
0 15010050
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 283 Skipped: 10
Acquiring land for new passive recreation use (e.g. trails)115 39.25%
Acquiring land for climate change resiliency 106 36.18%
Acquiring land to link open space parcels 94 32.08%
Acquiring land for beach access and coastal recreation 73 24.91%
Improving passive recreation opportunities on existing
conservation land
62 21.16%
Improving existing athletic facilities 60 20.48%
Acquiring scenic views and vistas 52 17.75%
Expanding recreation programming/opportunities for residents
under the age of 18
48 16.38%
Expanding recreation programming/opportunities for persons
aged 18-65
46 15.7%
Expanding recreation programming/opportunities for older
adults (65+)
42 14.33%
Acquiring land for new public athletic facilities 35 11.95%
Other 19 6.48%
12. Please select your top desired improvements for existing parks and recreation…
Answers Count Percentage
Improve configuration of parking lots
Implement signage in multiple languages
Provide designated accessible parking spaces
Implement adaptive play equipment (e.g. wheelchair-
accessible swings)
Improve lighting
Other
Implement clear and informative signage
Enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities
New picnic and gathering areas
Create dog-friendly parks
Upgrade sports courts or fields
Enhance accessibility to conservation lands for passive
recreation
Water refill stations
New restroom facilities
New playground equipment
Link open space parcels and trails
Safer/wider sidewalks
Expand and improve bicycle and pedestrian network
0 15010050
Answered: 279 Skipped: 14
Expand and improve bicycle and pedestrian network 137 46.76%
Safer/wider sidewalks 137 46.76%
Link open space parcels and trails 116 39.59%
New playground equipment 98 33.45%
New restroom facilities 75 25.6%
Water refill stations 75 25.6%
Enhance accessibility to conservation lands for passive
recreation
74 25.26%
Upgrade sports courts or fields 64 21.84%
Create dog-friendly parks 51 17.41%
New picnic and gathering areas 41 13.99%
Enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities 34 11.6%
Implement clear and informative signage 30 10.24%
Other 24 8.19%
Improve lighting 21 7.17%
Implement adaptive play equipment (e.g. wheelchair-
accessible swings)
14 4.78%
Provide designated accessible parking spaces 14 4.78%
Implement signage in multiple languages 11 3.75%
Improve configuration of parking lots 9 3.07%
Why did you place a pin here?
Answers Count Percentage
park safeplaygroundcentervilleplaceHyannis
N/Aadaptive
Cape accessible
intersection
parking
area.townspecific
area
children
Rail
Trail
walking
kids
Kalmus
work
Cod
part
pedestrians
school
recreation
disabilities
Main
Street neighborhood
quiet small
difficult
Barnstablegood
Seas
crosswalk
accessibility
Cape.
bring
young
families
enter
Aselton
mobilityaids
publicrestrooms
chronic
illness
restroom
locations
unclear.
streets
live
closest
beach
great
swimming.
Viewing
platform
stairs
limit
accessibility.
mountain
bikers
unable
enjoy
view.
NEMBA(original
deck
builders)
update access.
integral
community
fully
restored
dangerous.crosswalks
lights
disabilities.
Car
speed
time
local
shops
family
patrons
coming
beach.
fix
ASAP.
MM
perfect
people-it
cornerstone
flat
end
close
horrendous
noise
intrusion
homes
pickleball
courts
Sandy
Neck
large
frequent
equipment
Ridgewood
largelyforgotten
(based
neglect
existing
facilities)
updatingmakes
fantastic
opportunity
give
unique
make
renovation
terrain
shadyNA
Mobi
mat
JFK
I’d
ADA
lit
spaces.
ice
long
lots
entire
thr
loss
sand.
N/A 3
You cannot enter Aselton Park if you are using many mobility aids and it is too far from any public
restrooms if you have chronic illness, or the restroom locations are unclear.
1
We need rail trail and safe streets for walking 1
We live here and its the closest beach but its not that great for kids or swimming. We instead go to
Kalmus
1
Viewing platform has stairs which limit accessibility. Adaptive mountain bikers are unable to enjoy the
view. Work with Cape Cod NEMBA (original deck builders) to update the access.
1
This playground was an integral part of the community and should be fully accessible when restored 1
This intersection is very dangerous. There are no crosswalks or any lights for pedestrians or any with
disabilities. Car speed all the time and there are local shops with family patrons coming to and from
the beach. Please fix this ASAP.
1
The old MM school is perfect for a park for ALL people-it could be a cornerstone for adaptive
recreation, accessible for disabilities as it is flat for the most part, parking on main street end close to
area.
1
The horrendous noise and intrusion on neighborhood homes by the pickleball courts 1
Sandy Neck is large enough to have frequent use of adaptive equipment 1
Response Count
Ridgewood Park is a quiet park in a quiet neighborhood largely forgotten by the town (based on the
neglect of the existing facilities) and the small playground is in need of updating and improvement. I
think this makes it a fantastic opportunity to give the park a specific unique purpose (accessibility) that
can make it a destination park for many families. It is already in need of renovation so why not
renovate with a purpose.
1
Parking is difficult here and the terrain can be difficult to manuever 1
One that is convenient for all of Barnstable and has a shady area.1
NA 1
Mobi mat to bench under shade umbrella.1
Living and working here 1
JFK memorial park Or near an elementary school 1
It would be good to have this enhanced.1
In season that parking area is minute.1
I’d like to see the Centerville playground revamped for ADA requirements as I understand is underway
currently. Adults on the cape with disabilities also need safe well lit and accessible outdoor and
recreational spaces. The intersection near four seas ice cream and Main Street Centerville needs a
crosswalk, safe and widened walking path or sidewalk and walking/don’t walk signals. All pedestrians
and bicyclists need that specific intersection to be closely looked at for increased accessibility and
safety.
1
I selected Centerville playground near the centerville recreation building. Why has it taken so long to
rebuild!
1
I don't know of a specific place or area. I think improvement in any area is a good thing for the Cape.1
I couldn’t get it to work on my phone. Tried for Kalmus 1
I 1
Hyannis there is not a single place where people can bring young children to play. Hyannis being over
populated with lots of families the town should have a place where families can bring small children to
a safe place. Not all children go to a daycare
1
Hyannis is the area in town with the least open space and shellfishing opportunities.1
Answered: 33 Skipped: 260
Hyannis 1
expand Cape Cod Rail Trail across Barnstable and entire Cape.1
Essential for a crosswalk to be here with the motel and Four Seas and busy intersection.1
Craigvolle Beach- with thr loss of Covell's to the winfmdfarm cables, we should improve accessibility
to Craigville and provide wheelchair access to the sand.
1
Anywhere in Marstons Mills. No playgrounds, no safe place for young kids or teens other than
ponds/beaches
1
Why did you place a pin here?
bike
area town
walking
access trailBarnstable
walk
open
space
link
property
restore
bogyearsLand
safeJenkins
wildlife
public
natural
Cranberry
chain Trust
Road
people
signs
including
turtles
ducks
acquire wildlife.street
Centerville
Rail
currentallowed
Trespassing
ugly
frogs
swans
pedestrian trails
connect
place
wetland
drains
ocean
decadesago.
owner
barricadefence.herons
gone.
lost
Park
Lane West
-
Main
roads
side
Busy
road.
149
it’s
28
Close
day
Pin
unsafe
6A
hill
n/a
water
schools
active reach
area.
Race
back
summer
ends
Ave
encouragepark.
on.
can’t
farm
0
4
25
75
132
Company
Jail
love
son
feels
set
Mills
adding
share
trees
cut
areas
St
Rt
Mary
Dunn
tall
view
—as
it.line
shoot
sea
This natural wetland area that drains to the ocean formerly known as the Jenkins Cranberry bog has
been an open walking space for many decades up until a few years ago. Its current owner was
allowed by the Town of Barnstable to barricade the area with No Trespassing signs and an ugly chain
link fence. Much of the wildlife including frogs, turtles, ducks, herons, swans and fireflies are now
gone. The town should allow the Land Trust to acquire this property and restore public access and
allow conservationists to help restore the lost wildlife.
3
n/a 2
Response Count
Close to home 2
Work with Barnstable Water Company to allow creation of an off-road unpaved trail that would attract
walking/running/biking off of Old Jail Lane
1
West Msin Street - All of West Main Street and the connecting roads to the schools, grocery stores,
playgrounds and beaches should be improved for walking and biking.
1
We live in Centerville with children and need to walk strollers on the side of the road for family walks
(which can be nervewracking during the day and not something we're willing to do at night). Improving
access to sidewalks and bike lanes would help our family live a more active lifestyle and allow us to
reach more recreational opportunities by waking/biking and reduce having to drive to reach these
places.
1
Traffic volume is high, pedestrians and bicyclists need access to Craigville beach area 1
This pin represents Old Stage and the general area. I would love to bike with my son to places like the
new playground, Craigville Beach, or the library, but there is not a single bike lane in the area and
sidewalks are inconsistent, narrow, and overgrown. (And I think it’s illegal for me to bike on a
sidewalk?) Old Stage feels tremendously unsafe and our alternative is a winding set of backroads that
makes the trip much longer and still has 0 bike safety infrastructure, just less traffic
1
This natural wetland area that drains to the ocean, formerly known as the Jenkins Cranberry bog has
been an open walking space for many decades up until a few years ago. Its current owner was
allowed by the town of Centerville to barricade the area with no trespassing signs and an ugly chain
link fence. Much of the wildlife including frogs, turtles, ducks, herons, swans and fireflies are now
gone. The town should allow the Land Trust to acquire this property and restore public access and
allow conservationists to help restore the lost wildlife.
1
This is intersection is extremely unsafe, as are the roadways in this area. This makes it nearly
impossible to walk or bike between Marstons Mills and Cotuit
1
This bridge was recently replaced and rebuilt without adding any pedestrian or bicycle facilities which
is absurd. This could easily link west Barnstable conservation area to bridge creek.
1
This area has bad access from race Lane bottom out our vehicles entering and leaving also bathroom
no bathroom facilities the pavement is crumbling
1
These trails around the ponds don’t connect to one another, and it’s difficult to make a circular route
from parking and back to parking.
1
There is no sidewalk connecting Lowell Ave/Park or along Putnam leading to the cemetery and Bell
Farm. It is a busy road. In the summer in particular kids are frequent along Putnam from the Coop to
Lowell in particular but also to Old Post. Walkers and runners are frequent and have to share the busy
road.
1
The trails are not user-friendly for people with mobility problems.1
the town has allowed too many trees to be cut down and land paved to the point of creating no
drainage in lots of areas having more natural open spaces connected would help
1
The sidewalks along Route 6A are dangerous and not in compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). It is unsafe for a pedestrian to cross the intersection of Route 6A and Route
132, and a roundabout should be constructed.
1
The sidewalk on Kidd’s Hill Road NEEDS to be extended to connect to Phinney’s Lane. With all the
people now living at Hanover it is very dangerous to have people walking to Hathaways or into the
villlage along Kidd’s Hill
1
The sidewalk does not continue along the entire street. With cars speeding along the street the
sidewalk ends at a curve in the road. The sidewalk near Mother's Park does not continue to the end of
the street and it is at a curve in the road.
1
The most used and practical area within the Town of Barnstable.1
The map disappeared, so I can't place the pin, but I wish there were a better connection between
Eagle Pond and Little River Sanctuary and the Conservation Area on the other side of Putnam Ave
1
The Baxters Boat House property is important - it could provide a link to a larger, more contiguous
waterfront park in Hyannis - ideally, one day, a walking trail from Veterans Beach all the way to the
town Pier at the end of School Street, including the Shanty Shacks, Aselton Park, etc. I think
expanding the waterfront park in Hyannis should be an important long-term goal for the Town. We are
getting there - but the Baxters Property at the end of Pleasant St would be a glorious addition!
1
Sidewalk/pathway along Putnam Avenue to safely walk or bike to Main Street Cotuit would encourage
non-vehicle travel to town services, beaches, Lowell Park.
1
See above 1
Safe passage throughout this area for commuting bikers and foot traffic.1
Rte 149 needs bicycle access. There are no roads around that are safe to ride a bike on.1
Rt 6A is disconnected from the Rail trail and all points south by the highway. Even when the rail trail
makes it over to Mary Dunn, it will be dangerous to get to it from N of US6.
1
Really need a sidewalk through here 1
Rail trail and safe sidewalks on service road 1
publicize connecting hiking trails that we already have and get a Cape-wide network 1
Please acquire the Jenkins cranberry bog! For years, it has been a beautiful trail to walk your dog and
see lots of wildlife. Now that ugly tall fence mars the view and prevents you from walking all the way
around —as we’ve done for years and years.
1
Pin is at 1246 Bumps River Road, Centerville, MA. For many years this property was the Jenkins
Cranberry Bog with an open space allowing people to walk around the bog. This is natural wetlands,
and sadly is no longer the habitat for the many different types of wildlife such as ducks, ospreys, great
blue heron, red tail hawk, swans, turtles and frogs. Families and individuals loved walking around the
bog, often with their dogs, safe from the road. It was also a place for photographers and artists to
come and enjoy the different seasons with their cameras/paint brushes. The “regulars” could often be
seen gathering and chatting and really enjoying the recreational aspects of the property. Presently this
property has a chain link fence and no trespassing signs prohibiting the public from using it. It seems
like the perfect piece of property for the Land Trust to take over and make it accessible to the public
and to conservationists to help bring back the wildlife and the people.
1
Our Hyannis community needs safe access to transportation routs to open space and recreational
opportunities.
1
Need sidewalks on Putnam Ave in Cotuit 1
Need open space & tennis courts. The existing tennis courts at tge middle school complex should be
converted to all pickleball.
1
Need a boardwalk to access veterans park beach 1
N/a.1
Many people ride bikes between Osterville and Centerville on Main Street. A bike lane would improve
the safety along this route.
1
It's where we live.1
Its too hard to ride or walk to the community center and BCIS school with kids.1
Ideal to acquire Lowell and connect to Bowles on Commerce for habitat preservation and walking
trails. No dogs
1
I'd line to see TofB link to cape bike trail and use historic Hyannis, Centerville Osterville along shore to
do this not the north side of Barnstable where it's less populated
1
I'd like to see the rail trail through Barnstable connected to the existing trail that ends in West
Yarmouth. I'd like to see bike lanes added to main roads in Barnstable.
1
I’m not aware of any biking trails in Barnstable.1
I’m new to cape, but other than rail trail, idk a safe place to take my kids biking.1
I would like to see a multi-use path along Phinney's Lane - the whole length. When the sewer lines
were put in place the town missed a great opportunity to put in a sidewalk/multi-use path. Countless
people walk and bike this busy road every day, including children.
1
I would like to be able to get into the trails from cummaquid heights so that I don't need to drive. I
would like a safe place to walk where I am not at risk of being hit by a car.
1
I want barnstable to connect to the cape cod railtrail system. The biking in barnstable is poor and
dangerous.
1
I live south of 28. It’s important to be able to safely cross 28 on foot and by bike. My kids are trapped
bc it’s not safe to cross 28 in centerville. Cars should not have to stop. We need a pedestrian and bike
bridge over 28 in centerville. Link north to south. Also I can’t believe all the work on Phinney’s and
shoot flying hill and no bike path or side walk was built.
1
I did 1
I can’t move the pin. I would place it in Cotuit 1
I bike a lot in Hyannis and I would appreciate safer bike options to get to other villages 1
Home 1
heavy traffic use but no walkways 1
Hard to ride a bike o Main Street in Centerville and between Centerville and Osterville. The road is so
narrow.
1
Good locations 1
Formerly a stunning sea of cranberries during the Fall harvest, it is now an eyesore because the
current absentee owners have done nothing but decrease the visual appearance of the location. A
black chain link fence surrounds the majority of the space even though there is nothing to protect
because they are allowing the bog to wilt away. The property is unkept and a blight on the area plus
neighbors are prohibited from a safe easy walking space around the bog which was a staple of the
neighborhood while it was Jenkins Bog. The town should allow the Land Trust to buy the property and
restore public access.
1
For over 75 years, this land, previously Jenkins Cranberry Bog, was open to the public for leisurely
walking and enjoying many species of wildlife. It was a place where neighbors would meet, converse,
and walk their dogs throughout the daylight hours. Our grandchildren marveled in the wildlife of
newborn frogs, ducks, turtles, and deer appeared each year. A few years ago, the land was sold to a
developer without proper vetting by the town. A 6-7 ft. iron chain link fence has been installed around
2/3 of the perimeter of the bog with multiple private property/No Tresspassing signs posted. This
eyesore serves no purpose considering 1/3 of access to the area is wide open. The Town should
permit the Land Trust to aquire this serene open space as it could have prior to the sale. Restoring
this natural habitat will induce wildlife that have left to return, and preserve the beauty of this open
space to the benefit the Town's citizens.
1
finish Cape Cod Rail Trail in Barnstable Work on the western end now.1
Extend the rail trail 1
Cotuit 1
Continue construction of the Cape Cod Rail Trail Phase 4 construction to Sandwich.1
Connecting the trails from West Barnstable conservation and the trails near the RC airplane park.1
Connect bike path from Hyannis to Dennis 1
Close to home and possibly underutilized area as long as drinking water sources are protected.1
Centerville/Hyannis Line. Expand bike path 1
Centerville -proximity to location & availability of dog walking 1
Busy street with lots of truck traffic 1
Busy road, lots of curves, no safe passage for bikes and pedestrians from Burgess Park to ponds and
Trail of Tears farther down 149
1
Burke Family farm could connect bridge creek, meetinghouse farm 1
Answered: 83 Skipped: 210
Bike lanes and better side walks could accommodate people cycling or walking to Craigville/Covells
Beaches with improved safety. So many of our "Bike friendly" roads end suddenly and don't connect
people to popular destinations. Making Barnstable more Bike and Pedestrian safe would encourage
active transportation AND recreation- improving both health and the economy- good for seasonal
visitors AND residents! I will attach a powerpoint report by a recent summer intern graduate.
1
Better bike access would be nice.1
Because we have lived here for 25 years, raised kids and people drive too fast and we can walk or
ride bikes we have to drive everywhere to walk or drive bike.
1
Avangrid promised the town to build a new bathhouse at Covell's Beach. Still waiting for that.1
All of the neighborhoods and roads that lead towards schools should be bike and pedestrian friendly
so that our children can walk and bike to school safely.
1
Access to beaches for views, finish building bike trail from where it currently exists all the way through
to Sandwich.
1
149 is dangerous to walk or bike on. a paved path alongside 149 and Race Lanes in this area will
greatly improve pedestrian safety and pedestrian access to town recreational properties
1
1246 Bumps River Road This natural wetland area that drains to the ocean formerly known as the
Jenkins Cranberry bog has been an open walking space for many decades up until a few years ago.
Its current owner was allowed by the Town of Barnstable to barricade the area with No Trespassing
signs and an ugly chain link fence. Much of the wildlife including frogs, turtles, ducks, herons, swans
and fireflies are now gone. The town should allow the Land Trust to acquire this property and restore
public access and allow conservationists to help restore the lost wildlife.
1
1246 Bumps River Road This natural wetland area that drains to the ocean formerly known as the
Jenkins Cranberry bog has been an open walking space for many decades up until a few years ago.
Its current owner was allowed by the Town of Barnstable to barricade the area with No Trespassing
signs and an ugly chain link fence. Much of the wildlife including frogs, turtles, ducks, herons, swans
and fireflies are now gone. The town should allow the Land Trust to acquire this property and restore
public access and allow conservationists to help restore the lost wildlife.
1
Why did you place a pin here?
playgroundcourts
pickleball
tennis
CentervilleCotuit
area
schoolMillsspace
Park
public
field
equipment
children
elementary
courts.
Marstons
water
-
kids
play
Hyannis
Barnstable
playgrounds
place
maintained accessible
years.
updatingput
town
open
playground.
West
ball
Fix
drive wonderfulexercise
adult local
age
track
community
parkinglot
Let’s
amount
cars
Add
recreation
perfect
skatepark
improvements
rec
noise
neighborhood
upgraded
additional
people
quiet
improvement.
center.
Main
Property
friendly
fields
bath
Loop
beach
live
Improve
Marston
station
space.
pin
location
large
Cotuit.
village
playgrounds.
Burgess
access
great
Memorial
building
facility.
2
(not
schools)
mills?
waiting
years
project
start
Lombard
Ave
rebuilt
promised
Regulation
design
form
tournaments
wasn't...
majority
townshome
closer locations!
excited
rebuilt!
outdoor
installed
beaches.
youngsters
learn
relate
fun
playground!
poorly
serve
improved.
closestOsterville-
W.
attention.
atrocious.
limit
spaceszoominghitting
pedestrians
beachgoers.
fields.
Easily
plenty
Hathaways Pond.
bad
shape
High safe
skaters
loose
nails
center
long.
open.
Bay
Resurface
BHS
work
repair
police
(based
social
spots are.
facilities
N/A
PB
wry
now.St
land
in!
4c
2)
4)
5)
4th
Why not have a public playground (not at the schools) in the mills?1
we've been waiting years for the centerville playground project to start 1
West Barnstable ball field on Lombard Ave was rebuilt and promised to be a Regulation design form
tournaments and it wasn't... Please fix
1
We need to drive to the majority of th towns playgrounds from our home in Centerville - it would be
wonderful to have closer locations! We are very excited for the Centerville playground to be rebuilt! It
would also be wonderful to have outdoor exercise equipment to be installed for both kids and adult at
some local beaches.
1
We need a place for youngsters to learn how to relate to children their same age 1
Track behind West Barnstable elementary 1
This would be a fun place for a playground!1
This school has poorly maintained track and field space, that could serve the community better if
improved. The field closest to Osterville- W. Barnstable could also use some attention.
1
This parking lot is atrocious. Let’s limit the amount of space for cars and add in spaces for recreation
use, playground, exercise, equipment, or anything else better than cars, zooming around and hitting
pedestrians and beachgoers.
1
This area is perfect for new fields. Easily accessible and plenty of space 1
Response Count
There is a need for a playground at Hathaways Pond.1
The tennis courts are in really bad shape at the High School 1
The skatepark needs improvements and is not safe for skaters because of loose boards, nails, and
screws.
1
The playground at Centerville rec center has been under construction for years. It has taken far too
long.
1
The playground area in Cotuit needs updating and more play equipment for children.1
The horrendous noise and intrusion on neighborhood homes by the pickleball courts 1
The Centerville playground has been closed for years. The playground needs to be upgraded and
open.
1
Tennis Courts Public, Bay Lane Centerville MA Resurface courts for public use of additional pickleball
and tennis courts.
1
Tennis courts at BHS need serious work and repair 1
Sound barriers need to be put up to lessen the noise from the Marstons Mills pickle ball courts. Also,
police should drive by to discourage people from playing at night. This has happened often this
summer.
1
skatepark is completely unmaintained- no budget for repairs- lack of use because of this yet there is a
desire to use
1
Room for expansion on old courts already there, or new courts 1
Ridgewood Park is a quiet park in a quiet neighborhood largely forgotten by the town (based on the
neglect of the existing facilities) and the small playground is in need of updating and improvement.
1
Redesign tennis courts from pickleball facility into 6-8 additional pickleball courts and build tennis
courts at adult center. Pickleball Courts should all stay together so social aspects of game doesn't get
disrupted by two locations
1
Rebuild Handicapped accessible playground in Centerville.1
Put a playground here. There is just grass. Main street has no play spots 1
Pickleball courts where the tennis courts are. Keep some tennis courts. They are near the senior
center.
1
Open space 1
Old Mills Elem property perfect place for playground, field to play and dog friendly area 1
No public playground in Cotuit, sports courts and fields are not maintained particularly well 1
New lifeguard and bath facilities at loop beach are needed 1
needs shade at this location. we've seen multiple times families leaving due to heat 1
N/A 1
My children and I live here 1
Marstons Mills picklball courts. https://www.clearspan.com/ad-words-pickleball/?
utm_term=indoor%20pickleball%20court%20construction&utm_campaign=CS+-
+Pickleball+Search&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=4415742330&hsa_cam=228
31167962&hsa_grp=184489276682&hsa_ad=765766797739&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-
850304243518&hsa_kw=indoor%20pickleball%20court%20construction&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adword
s&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22831167962&gbraid=0AAAAADnZWHbco5zm6MZ
BHuOXdnr-M6rAa&gclid=CjwKCAjwwNbEBhBpEiwAFYLtGJpUvS-
_quwLC5CGlqGyThCZcZVixLVEVLlVts6nzL6J1RcIQSwAfBoCDpsQAvD_BwE
1
Many of our playgrounds are in poor shape. There definitely should be a few splash pads 1
Let’s get Centerville playground done! Thanks!1
Keep PB courts in good shar 1
Improve pickleball courts in Marston Mills by providing rest rooms and drinking water station 1
Improve and expand the playground equipment in the Hollow. Area is infested with bees and not
maintained so kids can’t even use the space. The play equipment that is there should be expanded so
children of all ages have choices.
1
I tried to pin Cotuit 1
I couldn’t pin the location but The recreation Property at the old Elementary School needs a large
playground. No playground in cotuit. Every village should have a large playgrounds. Burgess park or
old elementary school needs a playground for Marstons Mills. Hyannis should have 2 playgrounds.
These are wry expensive now.
1
I am astonished at how long the Centerville playground has taken to renovate.1
Hyannis is a very neglected village. There are a lot of kids who live here with two elementary schools
but the playgrounds are lacking. This is also an area that services the most tourists. Having an
updated playground for our town residents as well for tourists were served our community and
encourage for traffic to local businesses.
1
Hyannis area with more designated pickleball courts and more access to indoor pickleball courts, e.g.
at the HYCC
1
Hyannis - we need more pocket parks with basketball and skateboard parks.1
Great location and needs work. I think there is something already being done, but it is a great spot.1
General proximity to my house.1
For over a year this playground has been closed. Need to know why, are there dangers to our children
in the soil? Can this be remediated?
1
Fix the playground on Main St Centerville!1
Each area of town should be evaluated for distance to a playground. I am not sure which area has the
least access as I have not had young kids in a number of years.
1
Cotuit, behind old school. Needs a playground and improvements to field. There is no public
accessible playground in Cotuit. The nursery school playground has a very limited age range. Many
people with children visitor this area!
1
Cotuit Memorial Park playground needs to be replaced - underlying land ownership needs to be
resolved.
1
Cotuit 1
Centrally located and a significant amount of open space with some fields well managed but many in
need of improvement.
1
Centerville rec building playground. The old Marstons mills elementary school field could he
repurposed as multi use athletic facility. The old Waldorf school in Cotuit needs a purpose.
1
Centerville playground 1
Burgess Park 1
Awful undeveloped open space.1
Answered: 64 Skipped: 229
At Marston Mills pickleball courts, there NEEDS to be trash can available, need a water fountain put
in! No need for plastic water bottles!!
1
Add water refill station at Marstons Mills Pickleball courts - consider improved bathroom facility.1
4c tennis courts should be fixed 1
1) cotuit tennis courts need to be upgraded to pickleball courts. 2) Cotuit Memorial Park needs
updating to be a more friendly common space and village green atmosphere 3) Loop beach needs a
renovated bath house 4) MM pickleball courts need a water supply and toilets building like Sandwich
courts have. 5) Kettleers, Craftfest and July 4th parade parking area near Cotuit tennis courts
1
compliance to ada, increased accessibility for all 1
16. Are there any conservation areas in Barnstable that you avoid? If so, which area…
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Response Count
When I went to Hathaway Pond, I found there was more garbage than I wanted to see. The main
problem with trash is that the town has given up on its responsibility as a municipality to provide bins
year-round by trails and beaches.
1
We tend to avoid the narrower trails in the summer due to the risk of ticks, but love these trails in the
winter!
1
We recently visited the Hyannis Recreation Center on a weekend with our grandchildren to learn more
about it. Unfortunately, the clientele occupying the Game Room were less than desirable. While the
basketball courts were open and full of activity, we realized this is not an environment we deem safe
or appropriate for 8 and 10 year old children.
1
W. Barnstable area off of RT 149/ service road due to inadequate signage on trails. Burgess Park
sometimes due to feeling unsafe.
1
Tick fears on trails 1
Tick Fear only use rec areas w wide well maintained trails 1
There is a stretch of sidewalk along Rt 132 that is lovely, in that it is shaded and a bit removed from
the road, with trees that buffer the road. Unfortunately, it also feels unsafe as there are homeless
camps beyond the chain link fence (which has been cut through). I used to walk and/or run along that
sidewalk but haven't for quite a while due to various encounters that made me feel unsafe.
1
The ponds and lakes due to risk of Cyanobacteria and naked migrants who swim in their underwear
and think cape ponds is south beach. Every beach or playground in Hyannis due to risks of needles
and presence of homeless population.
1
The frisbee park, frequent smoking that I do not want to expose my child to.1
The area of the old shooting range needs a wicked cleanup. So many shell casings and TONS of
broken glass. It's not safe.
1
The area JP School and the Ocean street docks - too many homeless people. Lots of trash and not
safe area.
1
Some areas because of coyote activity 1
Santuit pond, the builidng/bathrooms there are really run down and sketchy.1
Sandy Neck in Greenhead season.1
Sandy beck bc of the green heads 1
Poison ivy 1
Places where hunting is allowed (west Barnstable conservation)1
overgrown trails in the summer 1
Otis Atwood, Long Pond Marstons Mills and West Barnstable Conservation during hunting season.1
Not sure if I would go to Hathaway's Pond by myself.1
Not really. Some are very small - so not worth the walk.1
Not on purpose, out of not knowing.1
Nons 1
None.1
None 1
No. But I heard of issues with some of the ponds.1
No, need information about where these areas are and what they offer.1
No I enjoy them all 1
N/A 1
Long Beach. Very small, tight overcrowded parking lots. Unenforced parking violations, i.e., parking
outside of designated areas. Beach itself is an eyesore with "No Trespassing" signs every 10 feet. I
counted some 20 signs recently as you walk from the beach head trail out onto the beach. Who has
allowed these to proliferate? Same problem at Snow's Creek jetties (far end of Covel's beach). A
sudden proliferation of "No Trespassing" signs. I counted 4 signs recently in an area I have been
swimming in for 30 years (beach access to creek and channel.
1
Long Beach Conservation Area. It is too small; there are far too many people who use it or use it to
access other areas; there are no public facilities within a mile of the area so people who are there to
go to the beach for the day use the dunes and wooded areas as a bathroom; there is inadequate
parking available (there are 2 parking lots within 200 yards of the conservation area entrance, both
lots may be able to park 12 cars total).
1
just ticks and poison ivy on hiking trails. Treating that is worse than not.1
I used to walk around Hathaways but am afraid of loose dogs and creepy people. I have stopped
walking Long Beach due to aggressive unleashed dogs jumping on me and attacking my leashed
dogs. I stopped walking in all wooded areas due to ticks but there are few sidewalks anywhere and no
beaches allow dogs for 5 months a year. Where can I swim with my dog when it's not winter?
1
I love hiking the Hathaways loop, but I now avoid going alone after being chased and yelled at by a
man who appeared to be living there.
1
I don't avoid it, but there is evidence of homeless camping around Hathaways South 1
I do not like to walk alone around Hathaway's Pond. I have seen homeless people hanging around
that area.
1
I avoid Hathaways because I’ve always run into off leash dogs there when walking my dogs!!1
Hyannis. Homeless population is rampant and it’s unsafe with my family.1
Hathaways-remoteness-crime 1
Hathaways.1
Hathaways …cigarette butts, not as clean..often site of trouble 1
Hathaways - too many problems and trash 1
Hathaway’s. Dangerous.1
Hathaway. Unsafe. It's a magnet for dirtbags for some reason.1
Hathaway Pond area where I do not feel safe.1
Hathaway Pond and the nearby dog park because I do not feel that I, or my dog, are safe there.1
Eagle Pond. Too many dogs.1
Eagle Pond -- too many unleashed dogs 1
downtown hyannis might as well be downtown brockton or lawrence . . its dirty, unsafe and needs a
facelift.
1
dog parks because we should have enough natural spaces that you could walk dog parks are for
cities that have to create a space that's not concrete town has allowed large track of land to be
cleared to create a urban area
1
Answered: 72 Skipped: 221
Covell's Beach is my beach (closest to my house). I was very unhappy when cables were laid under
the beach (Yarmouth said no), so I avoid going there because of unknown negative consequences to
physical health. Also, sign there says it provides electricity to 400,000 Massachusetts homes, which is
not true. I avoid hiking trails, unfortunately, because I'm concerned about mosquito and tick-related
illnesses. Nothing you can do about it.
1
Burgess Park used to be a lovely park until the disc golf people took over. I've had many assaults
regarding my presence in walking through the park while people playing disc golf, verbal yelling telling
me to get out of the way-stating "this is course not a walking trail, I need to get out of the way." I've
been hit with a disc on purpose. The drinking and smoking pot going on is crazy-no police presence.
Barrels are full of beer and other alcoholic beverages. That they cash in for themselves. the poor
gardens Mrs. Burgess had been once so beautiful and maintained now you can't recognize where
they were. Picnic tables are for the players-there should be some for residents who want to have a
nice outdoor place. I do not feel safe there, I was assaulted by two guys who told me to stay out of
their park-sadly since police do not even sit in the parking lot let alone walk down back near the pond
where the parties are I had to take this precious sanctuary off me list for my own safety.
1
areas in Hyannis that are unsafe at night - Town Green - Veterans'' Park 1
area that are heavily wooded due to tick concerns 1
Any where dogs are not leashed and there is no enforcement of rules.1
Any that do have and do not enforce leash rules. Unleashed dogs are a common problem and owners
don't care.
1
1246 Bumps River Road that used to be a Jenkins family cranberry bog. As stated earlier the property
was inappropriately allowed to be sold by Town Manager Mark Ells. A local open space organization
stated they were willing to buy and maintain the property but Mark Ells never advised the organization
as he was supposed to have done. The Town's legal department acknowledged the mistake and
initially attempted to rectify it. But for unknown reason(s) the Town ceased their pursuit of correcting
Ells' illegal action. And now there is a fence (that does not meet the specifications as approved by the
DEP) that prohibits what used to be a great neighborhood walking area.
1
17. Do you have any other comments, concerns, or suggestions related to open…
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You could make a wonderful paved multi-use path on the perimeters of Danforth, West Barnstable,
Otis Atwood and the Old Barnstable Golf course. This would add another dimension of recreational
activity available to town residents and greatly improve safety for bikers transiting to and from West
Barnstable Conservation area.
1
Yes Bumps River bog should be allowed to be sold correctly.1
Would love to see the parking lot / bathroom area at Lovells pond on Santuit Newtown cleaned up. It
feels like a forgotten about / abandoned area and now people use it as a dumpster but we still go
there all the time!!
1
We should acquire land for passive activity (walking) and to protect our water and other natural
resources, including animals and plants.
1
We need to save all and any remaining open spaces for walking 1
We need more forest areas to help clean the air which we all need to breathe . Forested areas and
wetlands are a thriving area for a host of different wild life we need all of this to have a healthy
ecosystem
1
We love geocaching and would love to see more on the properties!1
Response Count
We have great spaces. They should be kept open. We have enough tennis courts etc short drive to
the high school or west villages. It would be nice Mayne to have a pool. People come here and live
here for the beauty.
1
Trailhead signs will make it easier for those unfamiliar with the trails in conservation areas in the Town
of Barnstable, particularly those Barnstable residents from other villages.
1
Track behind West Barnstable elementary needs to be updated.1
There's nothing that connects our towns w/out driving. The roads are so small there's not even a
walking shoulder near us in Marstons Mills and everyone is driving too fast. You feel like you're gonna
get run down. I would walk and ride my bike probably every day right from my house and I use my car
instead, if things were connected better because the cape is actually pretty small. Plus all these
people come here on vacation and they're used to being able to walk around cities and we have
nothing like that here except in the villages. Additionally There needs to be more indoor recreation
activities for young people in the winter months. We have the HYCC but I think we need more than
that, maybe some indoor fields, a workout facilities, swimming pool or something that will keep them
occupied. I'm writing this from my phone sorry if I made any mistakes. Happy to speak with you further
about this if you'd like. Joe 508 274-9730 Thank you!
1
There’s plenty available. The best use of open space is a sidewalk and bike path to safely get from
place to place. Especially for youth. Also we need more trees and shade. Don’t cut down more trees
on Centerville Main Street or mothers park.
1
The town should protect as much land as possible.1
The town should correct their error of allowing a developer to purchase a neighborhood bog. Please
return Jenkins Bog to its historical use and purpose.
1
The playground at the Hollow was slated to be done over and has not been. There are not many
playgrounds available during school hours and I think these are important
1
The pickleball courts at marstons mills are ridiculously busy. There should be resident only times to
play each day.
1
The horrendous noise and intrusion on neighborhood homes by the pickleball courts 1
The beach parking lots need to be opened at 7 am in the summer months 1
Thanks for sending this out, I look forward to the meeting in August 1
Thanks for asking.1
Thank you for rejecting apartment complex at Twin Brooks and accepting River View - much better
use all around. Please make environment a priority. I am for renewable energy, but against wind
projects unless they are safe access, not digging up every beautiful beach here and Main St.
Centerville. Thank you, Jane Carlson 415-515-4078.
1
Thank you for conducting this survey and seeking input from town residents!1
Thank you 1
Stop the use of pesticides. Inform DPW what plants are native and which are not, so they don't cut
down jewelweed and leave Japanese knotweed to grow freely.
1
Stop building 1
Stop building apartments and LOWER costs of current apt buildings/renovate old houses/abandoned
properties for low income housing instead of selling out Barnstable to the highest bidder. We DONT
NEED more 3 story apt complexes, we need lower costs of what's already out there. A better
homeless shelter and another one to accomadate families and veterans when necessary. More
mental health, less selling of land to big real estate
1
Sidewalks are crucial. Drivers are irresponsible- both tourists and locals without the capacity to hold
folks accountable. The lack of painted and designated bike lanes, particularly in Centerville and south
of rte 28 is VERY dangerous. There are lots of bicyclists with very low margins between high speed
passing cars. The minimum passing distance is NEVER adhered to.
1
See #16 1
Residents should be able to vote for any land purchases for open space so they have a say in what
happens with taxpayer monies.
1
Repave Craigville Beach parking lot 1
Recreation, open space, and parks needs and requirements are very much influenced by Cape
population levels. We need to slow, stop, or reverse population growth on the Cape if it is to retain the
qualities that make it a unique and desirable place to be. Expanding public/conservation areas serves
this purpose. Stopping commercial growth is another.
1
Recommend obtaining any open space areas when they become available for the future generations.1
Protect as much open space as possible for the environment, quality of life and water protection. Do
not turnover open space to housing!!
1
Please sell the Paine Black House in West Barnstable located on the Meeting House Farm property
Rte 149. Do a little research to educate yourselves as to how much tax money has been spent on this
town owned property over years & years and the investments now need to be repeated at of course
more expense. Put this property ON THE TAX ROLL!
1
Please build a splash pad/ playground for the very young!!!!1
Please acquire all land that is available, there is not much left-once it is gone its gone. Housing is
important but there are plenty of buildings to refurbish even outside Hyannis-thank you
1
Pickleball continues to explode all over the country. The courts at Marstons Mills are fantastic but in
the summer, we have well over a hundred people trying to play. There is a lot of frustration and wait
time. We really need either a dozen or more pickleball courts like over in Hathaways Pond or
transition the existing tennis courts to pickleball courts.
1
Our open space and recreation areas are one of the wonderful things about our town. We need to
keep them up and accessible, acquire new areas when possible, and ensure that development
doesn't spoil our existing ones or happen where land should be saved..
1
Open space should be the priority. There is too much development and sprawl across the town. And
not enough public beaches.
1
O am not aware of most spaces mentioned in this subway. We need more information about available
recreation space distributed to residents in form of flyers or road signage or list and descriptions on
the website
1
Number one priority should be a splash pad and an indoor and/or outdoor community pool at the
HYCC.
1
Nothing at this time.1
Need to balance open space with the town's housing needs. We already have plenty of ball fields and
playgrounds in town. We don't need to build more ball fields and playgrounds, just improve/routine
maintenance to keep them functional.
1
Need more attended spaces (lifeguards).1
My priority is to acquire privately held open space from property owners that may serve as a future
water supply area before there are no areas to buy to satisfy the drinking water requirements.
1
Motor bikes are an issue at Hathaway's pond. It can be scary to walk with my dog. Hathaway's is a
great spot because it has the dog park, trail, swimming and picnicking; however it is super run down
including the parking lot, picnic area, and facilities. It would be great to have an off leash walking trail
or field/water area for my dogs to run around and swim in all year long.
1
More! The areas we do have are not very well connected. Especially for those in Centerville. Any
ways to connect to larger trail system is inadequate. The sidewalks are not well kept in the cars speed
often. Crosswalks and pedestrian safety. Crossing areas are lacking.
1
More sidewalks and bike trails would help us integrate non-motorized forms of our transportation into
our daily life (it feels unsafe to walk/bike in many areas of town without sidewalks or bike lanes). We
love living in Barnstable and are excited for the potential of more accessible recreational
opportunities!
1
More places for kiddos-playgrounds, splash pads, weekend programs, DOG friendly places!!! Please!
I would love a summer dog beach!!! Fenced in area-off leash for dogs to enjoy the beach! We miss
this so, so, so much!!!
1
More pickleball courts 1
More open spaces in Hyannis need walkways and parks. Many wetlands are inaccessible. Hyannis
deserves these areas as much everywhere else.
1
More open space protection from development. We do not have the natural resources to support the
people living here now, we cannot handle increased population. Protect what we have.
1
More is better bc the population, winter and summer, is likely to increase…..though the road
conditions might affect people wanting to live/visit here.
1
More dog parks are needed year round! And not mud holes!! There are too many restrictions during
the high tourist months.
1
More dog friendly areas. Playgrounds, shade!1
Many beaches are in need of raking. When picking up trash sometimes needles are picked up. Trash
isn’t always visible. Maintenance is in need everywhere. S the cost to maintain is a lot less than
replacement.
1
Loop beach has so much seaweed we can’t swim in the water.1
Let’s create foraging trails where people can harvest wild beach plums and blueberries etc 1
Lack of organized recreation options in Cotuit 1
Keep up the great work!! Lots of places here that I have completely forgotten!!1
Keep Ropes beach better 1
Just because I selected rarely, doesn't mean that those spaces are not important to me. My time is
very limited.
1
Insect populations are declining worldwide at an alarming rate (UN report). Roughly 90% of flowering
plants need animals (mostly insects) to reproduce, and about 90% of all plants are flowering plants.
35% of food crops are insect pollinated. A pair of chickadees feeds one clutch of chicks 4,000-9,000
caterpillars in the few weeks before fledging. When was the last time you had a windshield full of
bugs? Invasive species need to be controlled so that native plants can provide the resources insects
need. The Conservation Commission(?) should be actively involved in mosquito control decisions with
an eye to reducing this destructive practice. The Town should aim to be a Dark Sky town, as is
Flagstaff AZ. All plantings done by the Town should be native species.
1
Increase waterside access, invest money in areas that support maritime community, focus on cleaning
up existing facilities to be inviting (lit, clean, nice grass).
1
Ideally Barnstable and most of the county in general would improve transportation options and
accessibility in general, but it would likely not be feasible to do more than what has been implemented
in terms of CCRTA access and bus stops/routes just due to the nature of how the cape naturally is
configured. My main issue lies more so with infrastructure complaints and particular areas and
intersections where adults using the bus who may have a disability get off and traverse on foot. Many
of them are unsafe and pose a risk to the community overslll.
1
I would love to see more investment in Hyannis 1
I wish the town would do more to enforce the bans on dirt bikes and other motorized vehicles. They’re
dangerous and the people who illegally ride them on town land are aggressive and hostile.
1
I wasn’t aware of most of the recreational facilities and programs listed in this survey. I need to learn
more.
1
I often hike or walk my dog in conservation areas and the one thing I would like to see if better trail
markings. It is easy to get lost in some areas. Overall, I'm pleased with our conservation areas, which
are well maintained and safe.
1
I love how many hiking trails there are in Barnstable.1
I hope that centerville playground will have bathrooms as it will be the only town playground
accessible (no harsh ocean weather in the winter) for young children and caregivers, some coming
from 15 min away in Hyannis.
1
I have heard there may be a chlldrens park built in Osterville. If indeed the location is to be between
the Verizon Bldg and the tennis courts I consider that a horrible area to build in. The better idea would
be to expand the existing playground, adding new and adaptive play things. The tennis courts in
Osterville need benches around the perimeter so people can relax near the courts. Somehow there
needs to be some way to keep people from using the courts are their own personal dog park - with
dogs pooping and peeing on the courts.
1
I cannot understand what in the world has taken this town so long to update the Centerville
playground. It’s absolutely inexcusable. Yarmouth put an entire playground and splash pad in faster
than Barnstable could even answer a damn email. If Patti Machado was still in charge this would have
been done years ago. People are tired of the excuses about Covid and manufacturing delays.
Complete that project and put in another playground for the kids in this town.
1
I appreciate that the tennis courts have been refurbished along with pickleball courts. Please keep
tennis courts, even as pickleball becomes increasingly popular.
1
I am great full for what we have especially our pickleball courts. Our group does an excellent job…
very organized and pleasant people.
1
I am glad to see that work has begun on the playground in Centerville. AT ALL COST we need to
preserve our public recreation and open space areas from development from offshore wind.
1
https://www.clearspan.com/ad-words-pickleball/?
utm_term=indoor%20pickleball%20court%20construction&utm_campaign=CS+-
+Pickleball+Search&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=4415742330&hsa_cam=228
31167962&hsa_grp=184489276682&hsa_ad=765766797739&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-
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s&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22831167962&gbraid=0AAAAADnZWHbco5zm6MZ
BHuOXdnr-M6rAa&gclid=CjwKCAjwwNbEBhBpEiwAFYLtGJpUvS-
_quwLC5CGlqGyThCZcZVixLVEVLlVts6nzL6J1RcIQSwAfBoCDpsQAvD_BwE
1
Help BLT meet their mission.1
Have restrooms available year round or at least the shoulder seasons. Pick up of trash bins year
round where they are placed for dog waste.
1
Dog free beaches please so residents can enjoy the beach. No enforcement for dog owners who don’t
follow the rules.
1
Convert tennis courts at high school to pickleball 1
Consider what other area towns have done with pickleball courts regarding residency requirements
and court reservations.
1
Concerned about real estate tax increases when discussing acquiring land. We had a substantial
increase this year.
1
Cleared paths to avoid tics and poison I y 1
Clean up Barnstable - homeless people are a risk to everyone. Increase the policing, and
enforcement of existing laws to create a safer environment to enjoy the parks and recreation. People
doing drugs on the beaches is scary and not acceptable.
1
Bike-locking infrastructure in parking lots would make me more likely to bike places.1
Bike path and corresponding parking lots connecting to either Yarmouth Rail Trail or Shining Sea
bikepath Falmouth or the creation of any bike path in Barnstable.
1
Better signage and trail maintenance for walkers, maintenance of restrooms at beaches, maintain and
improve water quality of fresh water ponds.
1
Barnstable is destroying the old Cape Cod features people come to the Cape for. Hyannis is
becoming an overpopulated, dirty (blowing around trash in parking lots), empty buildings, but keep
taking open space for new buildings city. We will soon be like Long Island.
1
Barnstable continues to allow anyone to play pickleball without paying a fee resulting in terribly
overcrowded courts. The tow should build a minimum of 20 additional courts to meet demand. It
would also be nice to have bike trails
1
ASELTON PARK IS A GEM!!1
Am very concerned about lack of bike and pedestrian safety on Main St. in Cummaquid and on Mary
Dunn now and when rail trail access is complete. Overgrowth has reduced area to walk, increasing
number of cars and trucks, and dangerous speeds. Police could monitor from Althea, especially with
school starting soon.
1
Allow Hyannis water system wells at bridge creek!1
address the littering problem from public and business don't expect people who live here to clean up
ahead of tourist season while the town has the ability to fine people and businesses that continue to
litter their parking lots are full of trash and corporate knows the town will do nothing about it would you
like a list of the businesses I have contacted regarding trash it would also help if conservation
commision did anything about complaints
1
Add more bike parking and maybe more people will bike. If I bike to the beach I should have a spot to
park my bike that isn't in 1 foot of sand.
1
Demographics
Answered: 106 Skipped: 187
Acquisition of additional properties linking Town-owned (or other Conservation-owned) parcels should
be a long-term goal, especially spanning wetlands or other coastal areas. That serves multiple
interests!
1
Acquire more land for environmental, wildlife, and water protection, coastal resiliency, and passive
recreation. Don’t build anything! Barnstable is overbuilt.
1
Access to public swimming pool available year round would be great. Possibly more pickleball courts.1
A minority of residents make much use of the public areas. 100% of residents see our roadsides every
single day. I strongly feel that public expenditures on keeping them free of litter should be greatly
increased - a 5-fold increase ould not be excessive and would deliver enormous benefits to the entire
community
1
1265 Bumps River Rd, Centerville, MA, 02632 This natural wetland area that drains to the ocean,
formerly known as the Jenkins Cranberry bog has been an open walking space for many decades up
until a few years ago. Its current owner was allowed by the town of Centerville to barricade the area
with no trespassing signs and an ugly chain link fence. Much of the wildlife including frogs, turtles,
ducks, herons, swans and fireflies are now gone. The town should allow the Land Trust to acquire this
property and restore public access and allow conservationists to help restore the lost wildlife.
1
Implementing the goals of Barnstable’s Complete Streets policy (2022) and the Vision Zero
recommendations from the Cape Cod Commission’s 2024 citizen advisory panel and consultant
review would most effectively address the issues in this survey. Communities with seasonal
economies like Cape Cod—such as the Outer Banks—report a 10:1 economic return on investments
that make them more bike-friendly, benefiting year-round residents, workers, and visitors.
https://itre.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/OBX-EIS-Tech-Rprt-Full.pdf Learn more: Draft Cape
Cod Vision Zero Action Plan: www.capecodcommission.org/vision-zero Barnstable Complete Streets:
www.capecodcommission.org/our-work/barnstable-complete-streets Bike Barnstable.pdf
1
It is unclear who in town in responsible for the upkeep of parks (DPW or Parks & Rec or someone
else) so it is difficult to communicate concerns. I would recommend creating a system for reporting
safety and maintenance concerns to the town. I would recommend an online form that can be
accessed via QR Code and place signs with the QR code at the parks.
1
1. What is your age group?
Answered: 286 Skipped: 7
Under 18
19-24
25-34
Prefer not to respond
45-54
35-44
55-64
65 and older
0 15010050
65 and older 126 43%
55-64 61 20.82%
35-44 42 14.33%
45-54 39 13.31%
Prefer not to respond 9 3.07%
25-34 8 2.73%
19-24 1 0.34%
Under 18 0 0%
2. How long have you lived in Barnstable?
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 288 Skipped: 5
Less than a
Prefer not to respond
I do not live in Barnstable
1-5 years
6-10 years
More than 10 years
0 50 100 150 200 250
More than 10 years 202 68.94%
6-10 years 45 15.36%
1-5 years 31 10.58%
I do not live in Barnstable 4 1.37%
Prefer not to respond 4 1.37%
Less than a year 2 0.68%
3. What is your race? (Options are based on U.S. Census Race and Hispa…
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 287 Skipped: 6
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
Asian alone
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
Black or African American alone
Two or more races
Prefer not to respond
White alone
0 100 200 300
White alone 222 75.77%
Prefer not to respond 52 17.75%
Two or more races 10 3.41%
Black or African American alone 1 0.34%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone 1 0.34%
Asian alone 1 0.34%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0 0%
4. Are you Hispanic or Latino?
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 280 Skipped: 13
Yes
No
Prefer not to respond
Yes 2 0.68%
No 229 78.16%
Prefer not to respond 49 16.72%
5. Does a person with a physical disability live in your household?
No
Prefer not to respond
Yes
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 286 Skipped: 7
No 232 79.18%
Prefer not to respond 30 10.24%
Yes 24 8.19%
6. How many children under 18 live in your household?
5+
4
3
Prefer not to respond
2
1
0
0 50 100 150 200
0 191 65.19%
1 31 10.58%
2 24 8.19%
Prefer not to respond 20 6.83%
3 11 3.75%
4 4 1.37%
Answers Count Percentage
Answers Count Percentage
Answered: 282 Skipped: 11
5+1 0.34%
Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan
Open House Public Engagement Board Comments
August 28, 2025
NOTE: For the boards above, each sticky note is counted as one (1) vote, and each dot is
counted as one (1) vote.
Question Votes
What stops you from using Open Spaces in
Barnstable?
Unsafe Conditions - Homeless Camps (3)
Poor Trailhead Signage (2)
Unleashed Dogs Dangerous (2)
Too Hot • Limited Parking (2)
Some Poorly Maintained (2)
(Sometimes) Adequate Parking (1)
ATV & Motorcycles (1)
Gatekeeping (1)
Signage/Parking (1)
What could be better about Barnstable’s
Open Spaces?
Indoor Pool (4)
Better Parking/Access (3)
More Water Access For Kayaking (3)
More Playgrounds (3)
Trail Maintenance (2)
Splash Pads! (2)
Need Map of Parks! (2)
On Site Maps Provided For Walking Trails (2)
Trailhead Parking (2)
More Dog Parks/Beach (2)
Info Signs Of Rules & Regs. (No Dogs, Kids
Toys, Motorized Vs. Passive, Etc.) (2)
More Trails For E-Bikes (2)
More Mountain Bike Trails (1)
Mountain Bike Trails – Need More (1)
Improved Signage & Parking (1)
Bike Racks Near Trailheads (1)
More Open Space Protecting Water Quality (1)
Controlled Burning To Maintain Grasslands (1)
More “Responsible” Users To Deter Non
Responsible Users (1)
Website Listing Space And Amenities (1)
Sign Posted Hunting Areas (1)
Question Votes
What do you like about Barnstable’s Open
Spaces?
Protect Endangered Habitats & Rare Plants (3)
Good Trail Maps (3)
Protect Water Quality (3)
Beautiful Numerous Spacious (3)
Scenic Vistas (2)
Sidewalks Leading To The Woodland Trails (1)
Open (Clear View Of Area) • Green • H20 On
Sight (1)
Beautiful Beaches And Views (1)
*Variety! (1)
Access To Multiuse Paths (1)
How do you use Barnstable’s Open
Spaces?
Hiking (4)
Hiking, XC Skiing, Biking, Swim (3)
Playgrounds, Dog Walks, Beaches (3)
Hiking – X-C Skiing – Snow Shoe (2)
Hike, Bike, Swim, XC Skiing (2)
Hike/Walk • Bring Kids (2)
Dog Walking (2)
Mountain Biking (2)
Geocaching (1)
Family Gathering & Barbecue (1)
Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan
Build Your Own Park Upgrade Plan Activity Comments
Park Name Votes
Hyannis Youth & Community Center Grounds Sports Field (3)
Picnic Table (3)
Outdoor Lighting (2)
Shade Tree/Structure (1)
Accessible Paths/Trails (1)
Restroom Facilities (1)
Bike Rack (1)
Play Equipment (1)
Sports Court (1)
Sports Field (1)
Splash Pad (1)
Indoor Pool (1)
Skate Park (1)
Hamblin Pond Recreation Area (Marstons
Mills)
Picnic Table (4)
Drinking Fountain (3)
Play Equipment (3)
Outdoor Lighting (2)
Restroom Facilities (2)
Pavilion/Shade Structure (2)
Benches (1)
Shade Tree/Structure (1)
Splash Pad (1)
Cameras (1)
Other Comments:
We use the space to swim,
playgrounds, and would love a
splash pad
A kayak launch area would be nice
I would love a dog off-leash year-
round beach. We had one in Chicago
and it was one of our favorite places.
More dog friendly places for sure.
Park Name Votes
Veterans Memorial Park (Hyannis) Drinking Fountain (2)
Splash Pad (2)
Benches (1)
Shade Tree/Structure (1)
Picnic Table (1)
Outdoor Lighting (1)
Accessible Paths/Trails (1)
Accessible Swings/Play (1)
Restroom Facilities (1)
Bike Rack (1)
Play Equipment (1)
Sports Court (1)
Other Comments:
We use the space to swim,
playgrounds, and would love a
splash pad
I would love a dog off-leash year-
round beach. We had one in Chicago
and it was one of our favorite places.
More dog friendly places for sure.
Skate Park with places to perform
tricks with scooters
Hathaway’s Pond Recreation Area (Hyannis) Shade Tree/Structure (4)
Accessible Paths/Trails (4)
Play Equipment (3)
Outdoor Lighting (3)
Accessible Swings/Play (3)
Bike Rack (2)
Picnic Table (2)
Benches (1)
Drinking Fountain (1)
Restroom Facilities (1)
Accessible Swings/Play (1)
Bike Trail (1)
Trailhead Signs (1)
Youth Mountain Biking Area (1)
Other Comments:
Bathroom near dog park
I would love to see some money to
fix up Hathaway’s Pond
I like the idea of a mountain biking
trail here and a campground
Park Name Votes
Cotuit Memorial Park Outdoor Lighting (9)
Benches (3)
Shade Tree/Structure (1)
Other Comments:
Keep the playground already there
(Cotuit Nursery) (2)
Re-do walkways (2)
Add lighting (like Bearses Way in
Hyannis)
Improve drainage down by Memorial
stone
Leave the area mainly open space
Marstons Mills Pickleball Courts Drinking Fountain (2)
Restroom Facilities (2)
Pavilion/Shade Structure (2)
Benches (1)
Picnic Table (1)
Accessible Paths/Trails (1)
Accessible Swings/Play (1)
Bike Rack (1)
Sports Field (1)
More Pickleball (1)
Ropes Course (1)
Dog Park (1)
Burgess Park (Marstons Mills) Picnic Table (3)
Benches (2)
Shade Tree/Structure (2)
Drinking Fountain (2)
Restroom Facilities (2)
Outdoor Lighting (2)
Accessible Paths/Trails (2)
Accessible Swings/Play (1)
Pavilion/Shade Structure (1)
Bike Rack (1)
Upgrade Disc Golf Course (1)
Other Comments:
Please consider removal of Disc Golf
Course as only 4.78% responded use
it. Make it open space, trails, paths,
ADA compliant.
Park Name Votes
Ridgewood Park (Hyannis) Accessible Paths/Trails (2)
Accessible Swings/Play (2)
Benches (1)
Drinking Fountain (1)
Outdoor Lighting (1)
Bike Rack (1)
Pavilion/Shade Structure (1)
Play Equipment (1)
Sports Court (1)
Splash Pad (1)
Cotuit Old School and Fields Restroom Facilities (2)
Sports Court (2)
Sports Field (2)
Other Comments:
Mow the field
Re-do baseball field (2)
Add restrooms (2)
Resurface tennis courts and
sidewalks (2)
Former Marstons Mills Elementary School
Site
Benches (2)
Splash Pad (2)
Drinking Fountain (1)
Pavilion/Shade Structure (1)
Indoor Pool (1)
Other comments:
Perhaps parts of the site could
contain a playground, koi pond,
walking paths, duck pond, splash
pad, parking, and some housing
Near West End Rotary of Near Hyannis West
School
Benches (1)
Shade Tree/Structure (1)
Outdoor Lighting (1)
Accessible Swings/Play (1)
Play Equipment (1)
Park Name Votes
Luke’s Love, West Barnstable Shade Tree/Structure (1)
Drinking Fountain (1)
Outdoor Lighting (1)
Restroom Facilities (1)
Sports Field (Soccer) (1)
Other Comments:
Could use more outdoor seating,
picnic tables. Lots of kids and
families.
Library next door
General Store opening soon, people
need a spot to stop and eat food with
their kids/family
Me and my friends used to eat our
lunch in the grass there
Centerville Community Building and Field Sports Field (1)
Other Comments:
Outdoor/Indoor sports complex –
soccer/football/lacrosse
Potential New Acquisition Sports Field (2)
Splash Pad (1)
Indoor Pool (1)
New Water Sources (1)
Adult Ballfields (1)
Other Comments:
I’ve always wanted to have indoor
fields. There used to be one in
Plymouth but it closed, and now
there is nowhere to play soccer in
winter. I know it would be a very
expensive investment, but it would
be a great space for the kids of
Barnstable.
Town of Barnstable, MA
Appendix C: Stakeholder Recognition 253
Appendix C: Stakeholder Recognition
Open House on August 28, 2025, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
Appendix C: Stakeholder Recognition 254
The Town would like to thank the following individuals who participated in the stakeholder interviews.
Recreation Resources Stakeholder Interview
Chris Gonnella, Director of Community Services
Doug Payson, Open Space Committee
John Gleason, Director of Recreation
Kris Clark, Vice President, Town Council
Krissanne Caron, Assistant Director of Community
Services
Lauren Barker, Vice President of Strategy &
Government Relations, Cape Cod Chamber of
Commerce
Lev Malakhoff, Chair, Open Space Committee
Marty Bruemmel, President and CEO, Greater Hyannis
Chamber of Commerce
Patty Ericson, Vice Chair, Disability Commission
Paul Logan, Chair, Disability Commission
Stephen Robichaud, Chair, Planning Board &
Community Preservation Committee
Susanne Conley, Golf Committee
Tammy Cunningham, Deputy Director of Human
Resources & ADA Coordinator
Tom Coyle, Council on Aging
Tony Lapolla, Vice Chair, Recreation Commission
Conservation Resources Stakeholder Interview
Andrew Gottlieb, Executive Director, Association to
Preserve Cape Cod
Angela Tangney, Conservation Commission
Bill Hearn, Conservation Commission
Ed Hoopes, Conservation Administrator
Janet Milkman, Executive Director, Barnstable Land
Trust
Jessica Rempel, Natural Resources Analyst, Cape
Cod Commission
Kris Clark, Vice President, Town Council
Lindsey Counsell, Chair, Community Preservation
Committee
Town of Barnstable, MA
Appendix C: Stakeholder Recognition 255
Water Resources Stakeholder Interview
Brian Morrison, Deputy Fire Chief, West Barnstable
Fire Department
Brian Taylor, Harbormaster
David Churbuck, Cotuit Board of Water Commissioner
David Paananen, Fire Chief, West Barnstable Fire
Department
Derek Lawson, Director, Marine & Environmental
Affairs
Doug Crook, Shellfish Committee
Griffin Beaudoin, Town Engineer
John Townes, President, Barnstable Association for
Recreational Shellfishing
Peter Burke, Fire Chief, Hyannis Fire Department
Rob Steen, Assistant Director, Department of Public
Works
Sam Wilson, Chair, Barnstable Municipal Water Supply
Board
Scott Horsley, Cotuit Board of Water Commissioner
Sean Anderson, Barnstable Fire District Water
Department
Tony O’Neill, Chair, Sandy Neck Board
Wayne Miller, West Barnstable Water Commissioner
Long Beach Conservation Area, Credit: BSC Group
Town of Barnstable, MA
Appendix C: Stakeholder Recognition 256