Whitman Open Space Panel Pursues $250,000 ADA Grant, Eyes Dog Park Sites

WHITMAN -- April 30, 2026, Whitman's Open Space Committee pursues $250,000 ADA grant and narrows dog park search to two town-owned parcels. At its April 30 meeting, the Open Space and Recreation Plan Implementation Committee reviewed the Massachusetts Municipal ADA Improvement Grant Program, which offers up to $250,000 with no local match for a town-wide accessibility evaluation and transition plan, a prerequisite for future capital grants. Member Edwin F., who is conducting a similar evaluation in Abington, said he would lead application drafting ahead of the June 12 deadline and suggested naming a town official as ADA coordinator before submission. The committee also worked through Section 5 of the town's open space plan, flagging a 2.93-acre parcel at tax lot 9-45-45 near Memorial Field and a 4.13-acre parcel at tax lot 35-D-97-49 near Edward Drive as the strongest dog park candidates, both subject to wetland and access review. Member Ryan Tully reported six confirmed volunteers for a Hobart Pond Boulevard cleanup scheduled for May 2, with logistics including a DPW dumpster, borrowed pickup truck, and collection barrels placed along the trail. The committee also noted Edwin F. submitted a $25,000 Trail Nation grant application for a Hobart Meadow rail trail feasibility study, with an award decision expected in September.