The Town's Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) provides a blueprint to guide the Town's plans, investments, policies and regulations in support of protecting and enhancing open space and recreation resources developed through a collaborative public process. An approved plan is necessary to maintain the Town's eligibility for state funding assistance for open space and recreation purchases and improvements. The 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan was reviewed and approved by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services (DCS) in June 2026.

Schedule

Community Survey: Monday July 21, 2025 - Sunday August 17, 2025
A community survey was conducted to understand the needs and concerns of Barnstable's residents related to open space and recreation. Results from the survey are linked below.

Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Survey Results

Community Meeting #1: Thursday August 28, 2025
A community meeting was held to provide an overview of this project followed by an open house to obtain insight related to issues and opportunities for the Town's open space and recreation facilities. A recording of the presentation is accessible from the link below. The meeting materials are also accessible linked below.

Stakeholder Interviews: Thursday September 4, 2025
Stakeholder interviews were conducted to collect community perspectives on recreation, conservation and water resources. Initial public outreach is linked below.

OSRP Initial Public Outreach Results

Community Meeting #2: Wednesday November 19, 2025

A community meeting was held to provide an overview of the draft Open Space and Recreation Plan and to obtain public comment as the Town progressed towards finalizing the Plan. A recording of the presentation is accessible from the link below.

Video Recording