Survey, Public Forum to Shape Devens Open Space and Recreation Plan

June 5, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-448-9077 (cell)
kabbruzzese@massdevelopment.com

MassDevelopment, the Devens Enterprise Commission, and the Devens Open Space and Recreation Advisory Committee have developed a survey and scheduled a public forum to gather feedback from residents, businesses, and organizations in Devens and the surrounding region to identify priorities for the updated 2014-2021 Devens Open Space and Recreation Plan. The survey, which can be accessed here, will provide community planners with public comments in advance of the forum on June 19 at 7 p.m. at 33 Andrews Parkway in Devens.

“As the redevelopment of Devens continues, our focus remains on improving the quality of life for the members of the community and the surrounding region,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “This survey, coupled with the conversation at the public forum, will help ensure that Devens remains at the cutting edge of both recreation and business.”

The survey covers multiple open space and recreation topics that will impact future development in Devens, including: the importance of recreational activities and amenities; the use of parks, fields, trails, open spaces, and natural areas; and specific goals for issues such as wildlife habitat preservation and recreation facilities. Residents and businesses can also offer comments at the June 19 forum, which members of the Devens Recreation and Engineering Departments and the Devens Enterprise Commission will attend.

Located in north-central Massachusetts and managed by MassDevelopment, Devens is home to a varied mix of businesses, government organizations, and nonprofits employing more than 3,600 people. The 4,400-acre site features fast-track permitting and other incentives for businesses. The former military installation is recognized today as a national model for military base redevelopment. Along with its business tenants, the Devens community also includes more than 2,100 acres of recreation and open space, private residences, schools, and a network of human and social services providers.