Whitman Open Space Plan Sets July Public Meeting, Eyes Bay Circuit Trail Link

WHITMAN — May 14, 2025 — Whitman's Open Space and Recreation Plan steering committee reviewed nine draft goals and set a July 17 public meeting as work advances on the state-required plan. Jason DeRosier, Senior Planner at Old Colony Planning Council and project lead, reported that several chapters are nearing completion, with a full plan submission targeted for late October or early November to allow time for state review before the December 2025 deadline. Assistant Town Administrator Kathy Keefe updated the committee on Camp Alice Carlton, noting that Annual Town Meeting voted to consider selling nine Whitman-side acres to Rockland contingent on Rockland extending its conservation restriction, with the goal of connecting to the Bay Circuit Trail. Survey respondents most frequently cited demand for a dedicated dog park, a skate park, pickleball courts, and geese management. Three recent Wednesday site walks found the Donald Flaherty Trail on Auburn Street to be well-maintained and scenic, while Whitman Town Forest was flagged as lacking a formal legal designation — a status that would require a town meeting article before major improvements could proceed.