Aspirational Statement

Nantucket is a vibrant and inclusive community committed to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. The local economy provides middle-class job opportunities, and the Old Historic District is vibrant year-round. The economic vitality of the Island is bolstered by seasonal residents and visitors. Everyone enjoys public access to our beaches, waterways, and conservation land. The Island has maintained its strong rural identity and well-preserved historic character.

Among the gifts of living on-island are the abundant resources for enjoying the Town’s recreational facilities and programs. A Park and Recreation Manager was hired in 2021 who oversees the condition of the Town’s playing field and sports programs including the completion of a field house at Nobadeer Field. The Park and Recreation Manager also monitors the Town’s concessions and parks master planning.

Nantucket has a wealth of agencies and services to address the behavioral health of island residents. The COVID pandemic exposed unmet and underserved needs of different populations. Guided by this lens, the Town supported an allocation of $175,000 at the 2023 Annual Town Meeting to support local agencies addressing youth behavioral health needs.

Goals:

• Evaluate partnership opportunities that promote healthy, active living and provide facilities, programs, and support for vulnerable populations.
• Assess the Town’s Human Service Systems.
• Fund and conduct a community needs assessment and build a collaborative model with the private sector to meet identified needs.

Activities that have been completed or operationalized
Since adding the Quality of Life focus area in 2020, the Town’s commitment has led to demonstrable progress. Some of the completed activities or operationalized programs related to this focus area include:

• Completing the construction of the Nobadeer Field House
• Expanding Human Services offerings related to behavioral health and support for vulnerable populations
• Hiring a Park and Recreation Manager
• Recognizing Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples’ Day