Cumberland County Open Space and Recreation Master Plan is a planning process and document that will provide a forward-looking perspective for future County open space decisions and activities. The Open Space and Recreation Master Plan will be completed in two phases and is anticipated to be finalized in 2011. Phase 1 of the planning process began in June 2010 with a series of public forums in Millville, Bridgeton and Vineland. Public opinion on open space and recreation issues will also be collected through a statistically valid telephone survey of 200 County residents. For residents not contacted by the telephone survey, an internet survey is available. When complete, the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan will serve as an Open Space and Recreation component of the existing Cumberland County Master Plan. The Open Space and Recreation Master Plan will:
- Present a unifying vision of open space and recreation within the County to guide future decisions;
- Provide best management practices and other options for dealing with Cumberland County open space needs and opportunities;
- Provide costs and benefits analyzes for County open space acquisition, administration and management;
- Provide recommendations, polices and priorities with directions for County implementation;
- Provide a management structure with staffing and support needed for County implementation;
- Identify “shared services” opportunities and strategies for the County to collaborate with other open space entities including municipalities, the State and non-profit organizations.
Cumberland County is the only county in the State of New Jersey without a completed Open Space and Recreation Master Plan.