Whitman Forms Open Space Committee, Eyes Dog Park and Skate Park Studies

WHITMAN — March 19, 2026 — Whitman's new Open Space and Recreation Plan Implementation Committee held its inaugural meeting March 19, electing Jason DeRogier as chair and Ed Winnett as vice chair and setting six near-term priorities under the town's recently conditionally approved 10-year plan. The committee identified culvert inventory, humane geese control, ADA audits of town-owned open spaces, inventory of neglected public lands, and feasibility studies for a dog park and skate park as its first-year focus areas. DeRogier, who drafted the underlying plan, noted that the town can apply for grants under conditional state approval but cannot yet receive funds — final approval awaits submission of a Planning Board letter expected within days. Members Robert Trumbull and Brian Tully flagged geese waste at Memorial Field as "a public health issue," drawing the sharpest consensus of the night. The committee meets next on April 9.