Recreation commission seeks targeted responses as master plan survey hits 163 replies

The Milton Recreation Commission on Aug. 12 said it has "received 163 responses to the survey thus far" and moved to refine outreach to raise participation.

Commissioners discussed shortening the survey so it takes less time to complete, with the goal of increasing responses from underrepresented groups. The commission assigned commissioners to produce 5–10 targeted questions for specific audiences by Aug. 28: Kim Thompson will draft youth-focused questions, Fran Tougas will develop senior-focused questions, Brandy Companion will prepare questions on economics, and Erica and Michael Boucher will focus on conservation.

The commission also agreed to compile more than 10 questions for stakeholders — named in the minutes as town officials, department heads, local organizations, the senior center and schools — and to have selected questions posted weekly as Facebook polls by staff member Kaitlyn Tice.

The work is intended to inform a master plan and bylaws discussion; commissioners noted the survey has been publicized through the Farmer’s Market, business cards at area businesses, and the Recreation Department website and communications. No formal decisions about plan content or bylaws amendments were recorded at the meeting.