Asset Mapping - Station 1
At the Asset Mapping station, participants were asked to consider the ways in which they currently interact with the golf course parcels in order to discuss the following points:
- What aspects of the Golf Course parcels are most important to you?
- What is your favorite vantage point or view?
- Are there elements of the site you would like to see preserved or integrated into a future land use scenario?
Much of the discussion related to creating and maintaining recreational connections between the Golf Courses and the Assabet River. Participants indicated that other conservation priorities in the adjacent Gleasondale Village neighborhood could allow for connecting pathways along the river between Gleasondale and the southern Stow Acres parcel. Along this line, there were many comments on the need for the preservation of the southern hill along the river. Similarly, participants talked about creating a multi-use path running north to south parallel with Route 62, given the Complete Streets process found how difficult sidewalks and bike infrastructure may be to install on Route 62.
The discussion at this station included other golf courses in Stow as well, as one participant commented that despite the cultural and recreation signifcance of Stow Acres, they feel the Stowaway Golf Course along the Assabet River on White Pon Road is a far greater conservation priority for preserving critical wildlife habitat.
Outside of recreation and conservation priorities, several comments focused on the need for continuing care opportunities for older adults in Stow. Participants noted that perhaps any future housing development could be clustered and include space for some of the recreational opportunities discussed.
Materials: