Excerpts from the Plan Summary and Introduction
Open Space and Recreation Plan 2007
Open space, recreation, and the preservation of the natural features of the Town are of paramount concern to Grafton citizens. Not only do the rivers and rolling hills contribute to the beauty of the Town, they have helped to form the Town’s development patterns. Major features of Grafton’s landscape are the two north-to-south waterways composed of streams and rivers connecting natural and man made ponds, which in turn established the mill areas of Town. The rolling hills and valleys have contributed to the Town’s character, the location of farms and open space, the Town and village centers, and to the non-residential development pattern.
The update of the Grafton Open Space and Recreation Plan is part of a Town-wide effort to manage growth and protect the natural and built resources that Grafton has to offer. The Town has worked aggressively in these arenas, but should benefit from an updated plan to refer to for direction and coordination.
Two methods were used to develop the goals and objectives of this Open Space & Recreation Plan. The first was to conduct a citizen survey of Grafton households in an effort to discern their preferences regarding conservation and recreation. The survey was conducted in May 2006 and yielded a 12.2% response rate. The second method involved holding a public forum for the same purpose. Held on May 3, 2006, the goals and objectives from the Town’s previous Open Space & Recreation Plan were reviewed with members of the public to see if they were still valid or warranted modification. Public input from the survey and forum served as the basis for the development of the following open space and recreation goals for Grafton:
· Preserve and Enhance Grafton's Water Resources
· Protect and Conserve Grafton's Land Resources
· Preserve Grafton's Town Character
· Provide Grafton with Varied and Geographically Well-Balanced Recreational Facilities and Opportunities
· Enhance Utilization of Existing Recreation and Conservation Resources
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