Town of Boylston
Parks & Recreation
Community Survey

We want your opinion!

The Town of Boylston Parks & Recreation Department is preparing a plan to guide the Town in how it should maintain and improve its open space, parks, and recreational facilities. The survey is brief - just 12 questions - and takes no more than 10 minutes to complete. Your responses to the following questions will help to establish priorities and set goals for these important town resources.

Please respond for your entire family and submit only one survey per family.

Thank you for your participation!

PART 1: SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIES

Question Title

* 1. What are your family's five (5) favorite open spaces, parks, recreational facilities, or natural areas in Boylston? (Please check up to 5).

Camp Harrington

Hillside Fields

70/140 Fields

The Manor Park

Center courts

Hillside Gym

Boylston Elementary School

Tahanto Regional Jr/Sr HIgh School

Cyprian Keyes Golf Course

The Haven Country Club

Tower Hill Botanic Garden

Wachusett Reservoir

Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary

East Woods

Red Knights Memorial Park

Rocky Pond

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. Please list all the ways you and your family have used Boylston's open spaces, parks, recreational facilities, or natural areas in the past year, and which activities you would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities and opportunities in Boylston were better. Check all that apply

	Have done in Boylston in the past year	Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Archery	Archery Have done in Boylston in the past year	Archery Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
ATV/4-Wheeler	ATV/4-Wheeler Have done in Boylston in the past year	ATV/4-Wheeler Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Badminton	Badminton Have done in Boylston in the past year	Badminton Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Baseball or softball	Baseball or softball Have done in Boylston in the past year	Baseball or softball Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Basketball	Basketball Have done in Boylston in the past year	Basketball Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Biking (off-road)	Biking (off-road) Have done in Boylston in the past year	Biking (off-road) Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Biking (on-road)	Biking (on-road) Have done in Boylston in the past year	Biking (on-road) Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Bird watching	Bird watching Have done in Boylston in the past year	Bird watching Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Camping	Camping Have done in Boylston in the past year	Camping Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboard	Canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboard Have done in Boylston in the past year	Canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboard Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Climbing	Climbing Have done in Boylston in the past year	Climbing Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Children's playgrounds	Children's playgrounds Have done in Boylston in the past year	Children's playgrounds Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Cross country skiing	Cross country skiing Have done in Boylston in the past year	Cross country skiing Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Dog walking	Dog walking Have done in Boylston in the past year	Dog walking Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Enjoying serenity / a quiet space / meditating	Enjoying serenity / a quiet space / meditating Have done in Boylston in the past year	Enjoying serenity / a quiet space / meditating Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Farmer's Market	Farmer's Market Have done in Boylston in the past year	Farmer's Market Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Fishing	Fishing Have done in Boylston in the past year	Fishing Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Frisbee golf	Frisbee golf Have done in Boylston in the past year	Frisbee golf Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Gardening	Gardening Have done in Boylston in the past year	Gardening Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Geo-caching or orienteering	Geo-caching or orienteering Have done in Boylston in the past year	Geo-caching or orienteering Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Going on a date	Going on a date Have done in Boylston in the past year	Going on a date Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Golf	Golf Have done in Boylston in the past year	Golf Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Horseback riding	Horseback riding Have done in Boylston in the past year	Horseback riding Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Hiking	Hiking Have done in Boylston in the past year	Hiking Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Ice skating or Ice Hockey	Ice skating or Ice Hockey Have done in Boylston in the past year	Ice skating or Ice Hockey Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Lacrosse	Lacrosse Have done in Boylston in the past year	Lacrosse Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Kite flying	Kite flying Have done in Boylston in the past year	Kite flying Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Nature study (botany, wildlife, etc)	Nature study (botany, wildlife, etc) Have done in Boylston in the past year	Nature study (botany, wildlife, etc) Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Picnicking	Picnicking Have done in Boylston in the past year	Picnicking Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Running / Jogging / Walking	Running / Jogging / Walking Have done in Boylston in the past year	Running / Jogging / Walking Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Skateboarding	Skateboarding Have done in Boylston in the past year	Skateboarding Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Sledding	Sledding Have done in Boylston in the past year	Sledding Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Soccer	Soccer Have done in Boylston in the past year	Soccer Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Swimming (indoor)	Swimming (indoor) Have done in Boylston in the past year	Swimming (indoor) Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Swimming (outdoor)	Swimming (outdoor) Have done in Boylston in the past year	Swimming (outdoor) Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Tennis	Tennis Have done in Boylston in the past year	Tennis Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Volleyball	Volleyball Have done in Boylston in the past year	Volleyball Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better
Yoga or Tai-chi	Yoga or Tai-chi Have done in Boylston in the past year	Yoga or Tai-chi Would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities/opportunities in Boylston were better

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. What prevents you from doing more of the activities listed in question 2? (check all that apply)

I don't know where or how to do this in Boylston

I don't have the time

The cost is too high

I don't have family or friends who will join me

I don't have a good map

I am concerned about safety

I am concerned about ticks

I am concerned about getting lost

I do these activities enough outside of Boylston

The facility/site is not convenient for me to walk to

The facility/site is not convenient for me to drive to

The facility/site is unappealing

The facility site is not handicapped or mobility-impaired accessible

There is not adequate parking

There are not adequate facilities in Boylston

Other reasons and/or comments on specific facilities (please specify)

Question Title

* 4. Select up to five (5) improvements you consider important for the Town to pursue. (check up to 5)

More opportunities for teen activities

More opportunities for adult activities

More children's playgrounds

More trails for walking, running, hiking, cross country skiing

More neighborhood parks

More community gardens

Better ice skating/ice hockey facilities

More indoor recreation facilities

Better park/playground maintenance

Better control of invasive species and forest pests

More sites/facilities for adult sports

Better parking at parks and playgrounds

Improved accessibility for handicapped or mobility impaired users at recreation facilities

Better parking at sports fields

Better playing field maintenance

More trails for off-road biking

Better public swimming areas

More playing fields for team sports

Better maintenance of scenic meadows and stone walls

More agricultural land

Better boardwalks on wet trail sections

Better maintenance of wildlife and plant habitat

Better signage at conservation trailheads

Better trail makers on conservation trails

Better parking at conservation trailheads

Improved accessibility for handicapped or mobility impaired users at conservation trails

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 5. What age groups, if any, do you feel are under-served by Boylston's organized recreational opportunities? (check all that apply)

0-5 years

6-12

13-21

22-64

65+

All age groups are well-served

PART 2: LAND PROTECTION

Question Title

* 6. How important is it for the Town to acquire additional land to preserve the following? (1 = not important, 5 = very important)

	1 - Not Important	2	3	4	5 - Very Important
Wetlands	Wetlands 1 - Not Important	Wetlands 2	Wetlands 3	Wetlands 4	Wetlands 5 - Very Important
Wildlife and native plant habitat	Wildlife and native plant habitat 1 - Not Important	Wildlife and native plant habitat 2	Wildlife and native plant habitat 3	Wildlife and native plant habitat 4	Wildlife and native plant habitat 5 - Very Important
Scenic views from roads	Scenic views from roads 1 - Not Important	Scenic views from roads 2	Scenic views from roads 3	Scenic views from roads 4	Scenic views from roads 5 - Very Important
Land for future recreational facilites (E.g. sport fields, playgrounds)	Land for future recreational facilites (E.g. sport fields, playgrounds) 1 - Not Important	Land for future recreational facilites (E.g. sport fields, playgrounds) 2	Land for future recreational facilites (E.g. sport fields, playgrounds) 3	Land for future recreational facilites (E.g. sport fields, playgrounds) 4	Land for future recreational facilites (E.g. sport fields, playgrounds) 5 - Very Important
Forests	Forests 1 - Not Important	Forests 2	Forests 3	Forests 4	Forests 5 - Very Important
Open meadows	Open meadows 1 - Not Important	Open meadows 2	Open meadows 3	Open meadows 4	Open meadows 5 - Very Important
Brooks and ponds	Brooks and ponds 1 - Not Important	Brooks and ponds 2	Brooks and ponds 3	Brooks and ponds 4	Brooks and ponds 5 - Very Important
Land with cultural and historical significance	Land with cultural and historical significance 1 - Not Important	Land with cultural and historical significance 2	Land with cultural and historical significance 3	Land with cultural and historical significance 4	Land with cultural and historical significance 5 - Very Important
Trail connections	Trail connections 1 - Not Important	Trail connections 2	Trail connections 3	Trail connections 4	Trail connections 5 - Very Important
Land suitable for agriculture	Land suitable for agriculture 1 - Not Important	Land suitable for agriculture 2	Land suitable for agriculture 3	Land suitable for agriculture 4	Land suitable for agriculture 5 - Very Important
Land that connects to other protected open space	Land that connects to other protected open space 1 - Not Important	Land that connects to other protected open space 2	Land that connects to other protected open space 3	Land that connects to other protected open space 4	Land that connects to other protected open space 5 - Very Important
Land that preserves scenic and rural character	Land that preserves scenic and rural character 1 - Not Important	Land that preserves scenic and rural character 2	Land that preserves scenic and rural character 3	Land that preserves scenic and rural character 4	Land that preserves scenic and rural character 5 - Very Important
Wildlife corridors	Wildlife corridors 1 - Not Important	Wildlife corridors 2	Wildlife corridors 3	Wildlife corridors 4	Wildlife corridors 5 - Very Important

Question Title

* 7. Are there any parcels of land you think the Town should investigate purchasing or permanently protecting for new conservation and recreation land?

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* 8. Please list any areas in Boylston where you would like to see more trails connecting open space areas to road or other conservation or recreations facilities/sites.

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* 9. In 2011 the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) acquired a 99-year lease for the "Wayside Trail", a portion of the abandoned Mass Central rail line that runs from Berlin to Waltham. The trail continues on the north side of the Wachusett Reservior, running through Clinton and West Boylston. Do you have any recommendations or suggestions for trails in Boylston to connect to the Wayside Trail?

PART 3: DEMOGRAPHICS

Question Title

* 10. Are you currently a Boylston resident?

Yes

Question Title

* 11. How many members of your household, including yourself, are in the following age ranges?

	0	1	2	3	4	5+
0-5	0-5 0	0-5 1	0-5 2	0-5 3	0-5 4	0-5 5+
6-12	6-12 0	6-12 1	6-12 2	6-12 3	6-12 4	6-12 5+
13-21	13-21 0	13-21 1	13-21 2	13-21 3	13-21 4	13-21 5+
22-64	22-64 0	22-64 1	22-64 2	22-64 3	22-64 4	22-64 5+
65+	65+ 0	65+ 1	65+ 2	65+ 3	65+ 4	65+ 5+

Question Title

* 12. How long have you been using Boylston's open spaces, parks, recreational facilities, or natural areas?

0-1 year

2-5 years

6-15 years

16+ years

Question Title

* 1. What are your family's five (5) favorite open spaces, parks, recreational facilities, or natural areas in Boylston? (Please check up to 5).

Question Title

* 2. Please list all the ways you and your family have used Boylston's open spaces, parks, recreational facilities, or natural areas in the past year, and which activities you would like to do (or do more of) if the facilities and opportunities in Boylston were better. Check all that apply

Question Title

* 3. What prevents you from doing more of the activities listed in question 2? (check all that apply)

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* 4. Select up to five (5) improvements you consider important for the Town to pursue. (check up to 5)

Question Title

* 5. What age groups, if any, do you feel are under-served by Boylston's organized recreational opportunities? (check all that apply)

Question Title

* 6. How important is it for the Town to acquire additional land to preserve the following? (1 = not important, 5 = very important)

Question Title

* 7. Are there any parcels of land you think the Town should investigate purchasing or permanently protecting for new conservation and recreation land?

Question Title

* 8. Please list any areas in Boylston where you would like to see more trails connecting open space areas to road or other conservation or recreations facilities/sites.

Question Title

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* 10. Are you currently a Boylston resident?

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* 11. How many members of your household, including yourself, are in the following age ranges?

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* 12. How long have you been using Boylston's open spaces, parks, recreational facilities, or natural areas?

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* 13. Any other thoughts or suggestions?