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seeking to grow the museum, stating that the museum hosts 50,000 annual visits, with 30,000 <br />occurring in the summer. The Children’s Museum has been a destination, which could be desirable <br />for Mashpee Commons, and Ms. Cotton indicated that land had been identified for the museum on <br />Route 151 across from the library. Ms. Cotton also suggested the possibility of remaining at their <br />current location, renovating and accessing nearby outdoor trails to incorporate a science component. <br />Ms. Cotton noted the intent that, if they were to build, they would build a LEED certified structure. <br />Ms. Cotton indicated the benefit of moving to Mashpee Commons where there would be more <br />parking available for rainy days and accessibility to shopping and restaurants. Ms. Waygan noted <br />that the Children’s Museum could serve as a land steward to green space. Ms. Cotton also <br />referenced their efforts to host a playground, but due to liability to Mashpee Commons, they were <br />unable to do so. Mr. Kooharian emphasized that there must be a way to have land transferred to <br />Mashpee in order to have a playground built. Mr. Roberts suggested building a playground at the <br />Senior Center. <br /> <br />Mr. Kooharian summarized that there would be an opportunity to have some influence with the <br />private development of what has become the center of town. Mashpee Commons is in business and <br />wants people to visit. Mr. Kooharian emphasized that a more attractive space would bring in more <br />people to shop and eat at the restaurants. Mr. Kooharian also emphasized the need for the Town to <br />have its own piece of property in the center, which could also be used by Mashpee Commons. <br /> <br />Selectman O’Hara suggested that protecting the green was most important and that it should be in <br />writing, adding that if it were transferred to the Town the protection could be guaranteed. <br />Additionally, the Trout Pond area, with its sensitive issues, would be a great location for the <br />Children’s Museum. Selectman O’Hara noted the original intent to leave the area natural with <br />walking trails although a building could overlook the pond. Selectman O’Hara noted the <br />importance of not burdening the Town and stated that mitigation funds may be available to connect <br />sidewalks and bike paths. Mr. Fudala stated that the area was surrounded by trails but that there <br />were no connections through Mashpee Commons. <br /> <br />Mr. and Mrs. Roberts stated that they were familiar with the biking and hiking trails in Mashpee, <br />but noted that it would be nice if there was more connectivity to the trails. Mrs. Roberts stated that <br />they moved to Southport where there was open space but wished that there was more access to the <br />various trails. Mrs. Roberts added that increased opportunities for their grandchildren would be <br />appreciated. <br /> <br />Mr. Martiros requested that there be a connection established between the high school and Mashpee <br />Commons. Mr. Kooharian stated that Mr. Storrs had discussed a path to the high school as well as <br />flooding abandoned cranberry bogs to provide public skating. <br /> <br />LOCATION OF PARK & TRAIL ROUTES <br />Ms. Waygan recommended taking a closer look at the Open Space Plan prior to discussing this <br />topic further. <br /> <br />PARK FACILITIES & AMENITIES <br />There was discussion regarding preferred park facilities and amenities to include: safe and decent <br />parking, public restrooms, jogging trails with exercise activities, safe/labeled walking trails, skating, <br /> 3 <br /> <br />