Westerly - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

The Westerly Comprehensive PlanThe table below summarizes the parks and recreation section of the survey.Table 9-15 Survey: Parks and RecreationNeitherStronglyAgreeStronglyAgreeDisagreeAgreenorDisagreeDisagreeAdditional parks are needed inthe town13.9% 20.4% 34.9% 25.9% 4.9%The riverfront should bedeveloped with more green 28.8% 49.7% 21.2% 0.3% 0.0%space for residents to enjoyMore passive recreationalopportunities (bird watching,nature watching) are needed in13.6% 27.2% 40.6% 17.0% 1.5%WesterlyMore active recreationalopportunities (hiking, biking,swimming, fishing, golfing) are14.0% 30.2% 34.0% 18.4% 3.4%needed in WesterlyAdditional recreation facilities(baseball/softball, soccer, pool,ice rink, community center,9.5% 29.7% 29.7% 25.2% 6.0%youth center, etc.) are neededI am willing to pay more formore/better recreation facilities4.6% 30.5% 29.5% 18.8% 16.6%9.5.10 Survey – Economy and Business ServicesThe purpose of the economy and business services section of the survey is to gauge respondents’opinions about the existing business climate in the town and about the ways it can be improved inthe future. The results of the survey are used as the basis for recommendations on ways to improvethe economy and business climate in the town.A higher proportion of respondents shop in Westerly than don’t, 61 percent to 39 percent, and thereis not clear support for large-scale retail establishments in the town. An almost equal proportion ofrespondents disagreed that such developments are needed: 44 percent disagreed, while 39 percentagreed. However, when asked whether support for local business development, entrepreneurs andjob creation is needed, 73 percent agreed or strongly agreed that such support is needed. Jobs thatretain young families in town are supported: 75 percent agreed or strongly agreed that suchdevelopment is important. Respondents overwhelmingly support the idea that new developmentshould pay its own way for infrastructure and other costs: 86 percent said they agreed or stronglyagreed that development should pay its own way.There was not a strong level of support for enhancing tourism in the town: 15 percent stronglyagreed and 33 percent agreed that tourism should be enhanced, but 20 percent disagreed and 23percent had no opinion on the question. When asked specifically to support ideas for enhancingtourism, there was more support for making Westerly easier to get around, making it more visuallyappealing and creating more family-friendly activities and attractions than developing heritage andother attractions to appeal to older adults. The most support, 77 percent, was for enhanced openspace, both on and off the beach.peter j. smith & company, inc. 152