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2026 Stoughton Open Space & Recreation Plan

The Town of Stoughton has partnered with Old Colony Planning Council, our region's planning agency, to update the town's Open Space and Recreation Plan. We need your help.

Please take just five to ten minutes to provide your input today - this survey will close April 7, 2026. All responses are anonymous and confidential. We also ask that you share this survey with those you know in town so we can gather as much feedback as possible.

An Open Space and Recreation Plan is a tool our town uses to guide decision-making about recreational areas, open spaces, and the natural environment. The plan is informed by a thorough public participation process so that it reflects the needs of our community members. Keeping the plan current means the town remains eligible for state grant programs.

It's only with your help that we can develop a plan best-suited for our community. Thank you for your input!

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Rhiannon Dugan, at rdugan@ocpcrpa.org or (774) 539-5142.
1.Do you live, work, or own property in Stoughton? Select all that apply.
2."Open Space" broadly refers to public or private land with conservation or recreation interest. It can apply to land used for conservation, forests, recreation, agriculture, parks, etc. It can also include vacant lots for future opportunities for conservation or recreation uses.
Not at all important.
Not so important.
Somewhat important.
Very important.
Extremely important.
How important, if at all, do you think open space and recreation are to your quality of life? Please choose one answer.
3.What outdoor activities, if any, do you enjoy the most? Select all that apply
4.How do you usually get to open spaces and recreation areas in town? Please select all that apply.
The following questions will ask your opinion of the quality and availability of passive and active recreation spaces in Stoughton.
5.How satisfied are you with the following places in town? If you haven't visited a place, choose "Never Been."
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
Never Been
Ames Long Pond
Glen Echo Park
Bradley Lessa Memorial Playground
Halloran Park
John W. Denison Athletic Complex
South Elementary Playground and Fields
Stoughton High School Playing Fields and Courts
Dawe Elementary Playground and Playing Fields
Gibbons Elementary Playground and Playing Fields
6.Of the existing recreational programs and facilities in Stoughton, which of the following needs upgrading?
7.Please tell us why you expressed dissatisfaction with any of the places above. Or if you'd like to comment on other places, please do so here:
8.Are any challenges or barriers preventing you from enjoying Stoughton’s outdoor open spaces and recreational areas? Please list those in the space below
9.Do you think the town has enough outdoor spaces and recreational facilities for the following age groups?
No
Yes
Do not know
Under 6
6 – 12
13 – 18
19 – 29
30 – 39
40 – 49
50 – 59
60+
10.If you answered “NO” to any of the above, please tell us why in the space below.
11.Which, if any, of the following outdoor amenities and facilities does our community need more of?
12.Which, if any, of the following sports facilities and activities does the town of Stoughton need more of?
13.Should Stoughton set aside funds to identify and preserve environmentally sensitive areas, open space, and recreation areas?
14.With every tax bill, a 1% (one percent) surcharge goes to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) to protect open space, create affordable housing, and rehabilitate historic resources. Of the total collected, how much should be designated for the purchase, protection, and improvement of open and recreational spaces? By law, the amount cannot be less than 10% or greater than 80% of the total collected.
15.Which, if any, of the following programs or activities does the town of Stoughton need more of? Select top 3(Required.)
16.The Open Space and Recreation Plan will include goals for our community. How important, if at all, are the following goals to you?
Not at all important
Not so important
Somewhat Important
Very Important
Extremely Important
Protecting and enhance the natural areas of Stoughton for wildlife habitat, wetlands preservation, conservation, and recreational use.
Protect local agricultural activities and farmland.
Protect and enhance the quality's of the Town's groundwater and surface water.
Manage the conservation areas effectively.
Provide adequate access to safe, well-maintained recreational facilities for all users.
17.Thinking about the Town of Stoughton, how important, if at all, are the following to you?
Not at all important
Not so Important
Somewhat Important
Very Important
Extremely Important
Using existing open space for passive recreation, like walking, running, fishing, and birdwatching
Using existing open space for active recreation, like Baseball, Soccer, and Pickleball
Acquiring more open space in our community to preserve its suburban character
Leaving existing open space alone to preserve/restore
Wildlife habitat and natural functions
Using open space to help protect our drinking water supplies
Growing food in our community
Preserving places of Historic value
Managing invasive species like knotweed, that threaten open space
Using open space to reduce flooding in our community
Connecting open spaces in town and to nearby towns
18.The following are commonly needed areas of improvement. Of these, which do you think the town is in need of?
19.What are the three best ways to get you town-related open space and recreation information? Please check no more than three boxes.(Required.)
20.We ask the following demographic questions to ensure we hear from a wide variety of people in our community. These questions are optional, but your answers will help ensure we reach out to everyone in town. If you do not want to answer, please skip it.

How old are you?
21.What is your ethnic background?
22.Do any children under 18 live with you?
23.Do any adults aged 60+ live with you?
24.Do you or does someone who lives with you have any disability, handicap, or chronic disease?
25.What gender do you identify as?
26.Your time and input are valuable to us. If there's anything else you'd like to share about open space and recreation-related issues, please do so in the space below:
27.If you would like to receive updates from the town related to open space and recreation, please provide your email address below. Your contact information will not be shared with any third parties.
Current Progress,
0 of 27 answered