Whitman Open Space Panel Eyes Memorial Field for Dog Park and Skate Park

WHITMAN — June 11, 2026 — Whitman's Open Space and Recreation Plan Implementation Committee identified the fenced rear section of Memorial Field, including a former batting-cage enclosure and an idle basketball court, as the leading candidate sites for a dog park and small skate park at its June 11 rescheduled meeting. Chair Jason DeRosier reported on a May 14 site visit to two privately owned, tax-title parcels on Edward Drive — scenic but unsuitable for a dog park and potentially absorbable into town conservation ownership if land-court proceedings advance. Committee member Robert Trummel described the Memorial Field rear area as "bigger than I remember" and already fully fenced, with animal control concerns from Laura, the town's animal control officer, noted as a logistics factor. The committee also reported that the town deliberately skipped the current cycle of a state ADA planning grant — maximum award $250,000 per community — citing the need to first post required non-discrimination and grievance documents publicly and identify an ADA coordinator, with incoming town planner Matt Dyer discussed as a candidate. An invasive species presentation held earlier in the week drew approximately 15 attendees and raised the possibility of a joint invasive species management plan with Hanson, with a draft targeted by the end of September. A new proposal to rent paddle boats on Hobart Pond at $50 to $75 per session was introduced, with a member projecting $10,000 to $20,000 in annual revenue — enough in one season to cover a $10,000 pool lift repair that the town's depleting pool revolving fund has not yet secured.