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2023 Open Space & Recreation Plan Update
Crafting a Vision for Open Space and Recreation
During 2023, the Town of Franklin will begin the process of updating the 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP).
"Open Space and Recreation Plans allow a municipality to maintain and enhance all of the benefits of open space that together make up much of the character of the community and protect the "green infrastructure" of the community. Planning this "green infrastructure" of water supply, land, working farms and forests, viable wildlife habitats, parks, recreation areas, trails, and greenways is as important to the economic future of a community as planning for schools, roads, water, and wastewater infrastructure." (OSRP Workbook, 2008)
The OSRP process will be led by the Town of Franklin's Conservation Commission with support from the Conservation Agent, the Department of Planning and Community Development, and the Department of Recreation. Over the course of 10 months (December 2022 to August 2023), the Town will engage the community through monthly focus groups, 3 public hearings as well as a community visioning survey. At the conclusion of the OSRP process, the Town of Franklin will submit the proposed plan to the State of Massachusetts for approval and begin implementation upon authorization for 2024 to 2031.
The development of open space planning across the state is overseen by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) Division of Conservation Services (DCS). Having an authorized and current Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is required to apply and receive state funding programs related to open space and ensures resident input is embedded in the plan. The OSRP outreach and research process ensures the goals and objectives outlined in the seven-year action plan are reflective of resident priorities.
Get Involved
There will be ample opportunity to provide direct feedback during the development of the Open Space and Recreation Plan. The primary engagement timeline is outlined here.
| Public Engagement Opportunities | Timeline | Location |
|---|---|---|
| OSRP Resident Survey: Resident participation in the survey will allow Town staff to craft a vision for the OSRP that is reflective of resident priorities. The survey will be available digitally and physically at various locations around Town and at the first and second public hearings. | February 13 to April 16, 2023 | Access the survey |
| Public Hearing 1: Attendees will learn more about the Open Space and Recreation Plan and review the progress from the previous 2016 OSRP. | February 21, 2023 6 to 8 pm | Franklin Town Hall |
| Public Hearing 2: Town staff will present the 2023 OSRP goals and objectives based on resident input from the first public hearing and other outreach mechanisms. | April 25, 2023 6 to 8 pm | Franklin Senior Center |
| Public Hearing 3: Town staff will present a draft of the 2023 OSRP and will be seeking feedback from the community. | June 20, 2023 6 to 8 pm | Franklin Town Hall |
| Comment Period: A month-long comment period will occur during the time of the third public hearing while the draft 2023 OSRP is available to the public. | June to July 2023 | All public comments will be accepted, considered, and included in the 2023 OSRP. |
All public hearings can be accessed remotely on Franklin TV All-Access channel (Channel 8 Comcast/Channel 26 Verizon) and via Zoom. For residents who do not have cable, the public hearings can be accessed live on the Franklin TV All-Access YouTube channel. Please visit the Conservation calendar for public hearing agendas and updated Zoom login information. In the event of inclement weather, please visit the Conservation News and Announcements to view meeting cancelations.
For project updates and other Conservation-related news and information, you may subscribe for Conservation updates.
To submit a written comment or idea for the 2023 OSRP please fill out this Google Form. You may also email Breeka Li Goodlander.