MATTAPOISETT — The Holy Ghost Reuse Committee is looking to resurrect the original spirit of the 7.8 acres land that was once used as a community gathering space.

Clambakes, religious holidays and public events on the grounds were documented as far back as 1934. Today, the grounds have become a ghost town after almost a decade of no usage since Mattapoisett purchased the space in 2016.

The 7.8 acres of land located at 18 Park Street will be renovated for “open space and recreation purposes” by the Holy Ghost Reuse Committee. The exact usage for the land is still to be determined, with the committee currently gauging community interest and feasibility.

The committee released a survey, available to Mattapoisett residents, where over 550 completed questionnaires determined community interest.

The most popular options for renovation were walking loop and picnic area with both gaining an over 60% approval rating, with the playground being the third most popular at over 50%.

The least popular options include an amphitheater, pickleball court and basketball court due to potential noise and lack of clarity on the mitigating measures that could be put in place to reduce noise.

Nathan Ketchel, a member of the Holy Ghost Reuse Committee, states that the committee is currently seeking grants to move forward with the project.

A walking trail would be one of the more affordable options for the town because it could potentially be done in part by volunteers, according to Ketchel.

The Holy Ghost area “currently consists of some concrete masonry units, driveways, a new restroom facility and some wooded areas,” according to Ketchel.

“One of the things that the committee does think needs to be investigated further is the condition of those buildings,” said Kethel. “They are definitely aged and kind of show it.”

Another obstacle to construction is parking. The narrow build of Park Street and lack of available parking would make it difficult for residents to drive to the destination in its current state.

“There’s a driveway that goes through the site but something more organized and defined would need to be considered in these various uses on the parcel,” said Ketchel.

With wetland areas close by the grounds, the next step in the process is to find a professional land surveyor to help delineate where it would be suitable to place the facilities so they don’t overlap with wetland resources.

Ketchel says the grounds could become a great benefit to the community.

“That site has the potential to become a centralizing recreation point for members of the community and surrounding community,” said Ketchel. “So I think having something like that in town would be a net benefit.”