New Bedford 2020 - VHB.com

A City Master Plan New Bedford 2020Open Space, Recreation and Natural ResourcesGoal and Objectives Responsible Party Timeframe Notes4. Restore and enhance New Bedford’s park system’s historical and cultural characteristicsa. Develop an identification and preservation process forhistoric landscapes and view corridorsPlanning Office,NBHCMid-termEngage the National Park Serviceand other NBPC partnersb. Work with the New Bedford Whaling National HistoricalPark to enhance the physical environment and programofferingsPlanning Office,NBEDC, NPSMid-termc. Develop a historic trail system highlighting the city’simportant cultural and historic assetsPlanning Office,NBHC, NBEDCLong-termd. Work with local arts and culture groups to furthersupport and manage community-based eventsNBEDC Mid-term Engage Creative Economy partnerorganizations and MCC5. Initiate implementation and funding mechanisms to support open space and recreation needsa. Create a permanent Open Space Committee to overseeimplementation and funding of the 2008 OSRPMayor, Parks Comm.,Planning Office,EnvironmentalStewardshipMid-termb. Explore alternative means for funding parkmaintenance and improvements (i.e., endowment fund,grant opportunities; public/private partnerships;enterprise funding)Mayor, Planning Office,DPF, Parks Comm.Short-termExplore best practices of othercommunitiesc. Secure additional sources of funding, staffing, and othersupport for park facility maintenance and enhancementDPF, Parks Comm.Mid-termd. Explore the potential of combining the Parks &Recreation and Cemetery Departments into onedepartment to streamline operations, facilitymaintenance, coordination between event/programsplanning, preparation, and developmentMayor, City Council,Community Services,DPF, Parks Comm.,Cemetery BoardShort-terme. Work with adjacent communities to leverage funds foradditional open space and recreational acquisitionsParks Comm., PlanningOffice, SRPEDDLong-termWork Plan13-15